SHERMAN — The Village of Sherman held an Open House in October to gather community input regarding several proposed projects that will be included in the 2025 application to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs.

The event was held at Archie’s Powersports at 122 Kendrick St., home of the old Sherman Central Tractor Store. Village Mayor Colleen Meeder explained the location was chosen because this previously underutilized and vacant building was restored for reuse with the creative vision of the new owner, John Swabik, providing an example of entrepreneurship with decades of experience.

“‘Trail Town’ designations have proven to substantially boost the regional economy through ecotourism and in line with Sherman’s vision, Archie’s Powersports will provide a range of services to trail users,” Meeder said.

Several large foam boards with photos of various Sherman buildings were on display, and visitors composed of residents, commercial property owners, and developers were invited to write ideas for viable projects on post it notes and stick them to the boards.

Some of the buildings under consideration include the old Sherman Theater, the NAPA Auto Parts building (mixed use building), the old Sawmill and the Hardware Store on Main Street, the old Farmers’ Mill, Chase Antiques, the Catholic Church, the Ford Garage, and a new K-9 complex, which is being constructed just off I-86. Visitors were also asked to suggest new sites for another wall mural, and to vote for a possible cover page for the application.

Many residents suggested ideas nostalgic of the old Sherman, but viable projects include transformative ideas such as repurposing the vacant Sherman Theatre into the We Rock the Spectrum Kids Sensory Gym and redeveloping the Old Chase Antique Buildings into housing.

The 2025 application to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs, which will be awarded through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council, is very competitive, said Meeder. Technical assistance for the DRI and NY Forward application is funded from the support of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corp (CREDC) and Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), which recognize the potential and capacity for Sherman’s growth and development contributing to the Live CHQ and Choose CHQ initiatives.

Sherman’s natural assets, unique and historic community make the Village of Sherman an ideal location for investment, Meeder said.

“Engaging the DRI and NY Forward process has inspired development and growth throughout the Village, and the Village of Sherman is grateful for the opportunity to the WNY REDC for their consideration in what would be an extremely transformational award!”