The village of Westfield and its local planning committee have released a list of projects recommended for funding through New York State’s NY Forward program.

Projects were proposed by diverse public, private, and nonprofit project sponsors and announced recently in a legal notice that was published in county newspapers. The amount of NYF funding requested by each project sponsor is included in parentheses. Each project represents an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Westfield. Those include:

— Reinvent the Burns Block as Live / Work Space ($589,000)

— Rehabilitate the Former Welch’s Production Facility ($145,000)

— Redevelop 29-31 Elm Street to House a Mix of Uses ($355,000)

— Expand CK Natural Juice’s Cold-Pressed Beverage Production Capacity ($143,000)

— Restore the Building Exterior and Plaza at the Patterson Library ($555,000)

— Redevelop the Former Welch’s Administrative Building into Apartments and Commercial Space ($1 million)

— Modernize the Westfield YWCA ($457,000)

— Launch a Community Co-Op for Makers and Entrepreneurs ($328,000)

— Improve Community Space at Eason Hall ($800,000)

— Improve Main Street through Streetscape and Safety Enhancements ($1,154,000)

— Enhance Safety and Tranquility at Moore Park ($167,000)

— Build a Covered Stage Structure to Enhance Amphitheater Performances ($149,000)

— Create a Pocket Park on Clinton Street with Public Restrooms and Bicycle Repair Station ($816,000)

— Develop Community Branding and Comprehensive Wayfinding Signage ($247,000)

— Establish a Small Project Fund ($600,000)

Recommendations reflect months of public engagement, including workshops, surveys, and community discussions focused on strengthening downtown and supporting local businesses. The projects will be included in a strategic investment plan that will be submitted to New York State by the end of the year. The state will then review and select final projects to award a share of the $4.5 million in funding available to revitalize downtown Westfield. Projects that do not receive a grant award are encouraged to apply, and will be prioritized, for funding through other state grant programs.

Village of Westfield Mayor and local planning committee co-chairman Dennis Lutes said, “This is an important moment. The slate of recommended projects marks the culmination of seven months of intensive planning and public outreach as part of the Westfield NY Forward program. We’re confident the state’s investment in these projects will transform Westfield by attracting more residents, visitors, and businesses as well as additional jobs and investment.

“A special thanks to the members of our local planning committee and the public for their help identifying the issues and opportunities to be addressed through this process, the goals and strategies that will guide our revitalization efforts, and the projects that will transform the village. I want to thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for her $4.5 million commitment to Westfield.”

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council member and planning committee co-chairman Michael Metzger said, “It was evident from the village of Westfield’s NY Forward application that the community is prepared for the state’s $4.5 million investment. This was reaffirmed throughout the seven-month planning process. From village board members to department staff, local planning committee members, the business community, community-based organizations, and residents, everyone came together to identify the priorities for revitalizing Westfield, leading to this recommended slate of projects which represents a real opportunity to transform the village.

“Thanks to the Western New York offices of Empire State Development, the New York Department of State, and Homes & Community Renewal for guiding the process and providing valuable support to ensure a transformational outcome. I commend everyone involved in the process and look forward to the state’s award announcements early next year.”

Collectively, NY Forward projects are intended to help create an active downtown with a mix of uses; provide diverse employment opportunities for a variety of skill sets; create diverse housing options for all income levels; provide enhanced public spaces for all ages and abilities; enhance downtown living and quality of life; encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and grow the local property tax base.

Projects selected for NY Forward grants are expected to begin construction within two years of the award and be completed within five years. New York state will continue to assist project sponsors throughout the implementation process.

For more information, please visit the project website at www.WestfieldNYForward.com, or contact the Westfield NY Forward lead planning consultant, Derik Kane of LaBella Associates, at dkane@labellapc.com.