FREDONIA — Projects are taking shape in Fredonia through public and private investment.

Village trustees were updated on the status of several economic development projects during a meeting last week in village hall. Nate Aldrich, community economic development specialist with Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Local Economic Development Initiative, is assisting the village in its various projects and grant opportunities.

One of the notable projects taking shape in the village is the various improvements to Barker Common. Aldrich told the board the village has submitted everything needed to execute a contract with the state. The design phase is the next step in the process as Aldrich said that’s expected to begin sometime in June or July. Aldrich said they’re ensuring the project is reflective of what the community wants and needs.

“We made sure that there will be some public engagement, at least one meeting, one walking tour and a round of conceptual plans that are refined and finalized,” he said. “That will be coming more in focus this summer.”

Late last year, a $450,000 grant was awarded to the village for development at the former Card Seed building, located at 50 W. Main St. The funds are being passed through to Venture Productions and Owner Ted Sharon to renovate the back portion of the building.

Aldrich said a bid award for grant administration will need approval by trustees, and that could occur at the next meeting of the village board. Compared to other grants, Aldrich said the one awarded to the village is rather expeditious.

“We really need to act fast so we don’t waste anytime in getting grant administration on board,” he said. “We’ll also be issuing request for proposals for environmental and architectural services hopefully sometime in June. That will be open for a certain period of time. Hopefully there will be a consultant in early summer.”

Recently, the village received word that a $21,000 New York Main Street Technical Assistance grant was awarded to initiate a future facade improvement program for downtown businesses. Aldrich said the village is working with Labella Associates, an architectural and engineering firm. They will be working with downtown business owners to go through the planning process for a future program.

The grant award required the village board to select a target area to hone in on for improvements. Following a discussion in February, trustees decided to target the village’s business district in the areas of Eagle and Water streets. Trustees unanimously approved and endorsed the village’s application to the state during its Feb. 12 meeting.

“There will be an application process where interested business owners can apply to the village for consideration of technical assistance, which is for design and cost estimation for improvements,” Aldrich said. “We’re shooting for this to be done somewhere in fall in preparation for a much larger implementation project through the NY Main Street’s target area program.”

Aldrich said the implementation project is at no cost to the village. The state would fund 75 percent of the building improvements. Building owners would provide the remaining 25 percent.