Falconer development group created
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FALCONER – The village of Falconer has a new non-profit group working to help develop the village and surrounding area in the town of Ellicott.
Nina Gustafson told Falconer Village Board members on Monday that the Greater Falconer Community Development Corporation is a not-for-profit organization registered in New York state. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also recognizes GFCDC as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3).
Gustafson added that the corporation will serve the village of Falconer and the surrounding area extending approximately one mile into the town of Ellicott.
A document Gustafson distributed to the board and the general public outlines several Greater Falconer Community Development Corporation goals, including downtown revitalization, small business assistance, economic development, community improvements, and event hosting. The document further states, "As funding and program requirements are established, the organization also plans to develop grant and revolving loan programs to support local investment."
"My family moved to Falconer in 1966, and no matter where we have lived, Falconer has always been home," said Gustafson, president and treasurer of the Greater Falconer Community Development Corporation. "My husband, Alan, and I moved back to the village a few years ago, and we are committed to making Falconer the best it can be. Helping establish GFCDC is one way we can give back to the community that means so much to us."
The Greater Falconer Community Development Corporation founding board members include Nina P. Gustafson – president and treasurer; Dr. Mary Fales – vice president; Angelo Marra – secretary; Laurie Becker – director; Alan Gustafson Jr. – ex officio director
"Falconer has people who care deeply about this community and are willing to roll up their sleeves," Gustafson said. "We want to bring that energy together, and build on the good work already happening and turn ideas into lasting improvements"
Mayor James Jaroszynski welcomed the Greater Falconer Community Development Corporation and said he looks forward to working with the organization in the future.
For more information about the GFCDC, call 716-499-7391 or email GFDC14733@outlook.com
In other business:
– An analysis of the Falconer Park Pavilions showcased that in 2026 there were 73 pavilion rentals, with 50 of them being Falconer residents, 19 non-residents, and four no-charge to non-profit organizations.
– Jaroszynski reported that he received a letter from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation stating that the village’s application for the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) Grant Program was unsuccessful. The funding for this program, identified as Clean Water State Revolving Fund Project No. C9-6720-01-00 for sanitary sewer system improvements, has been denied in the past, frustrating the mayor and earning his ire.
"I was a little upset when I talked with the guy from the state," said Jaroszynski. "So the good news is we have another grant funding opportunity."
The Board of Trustees then unanimously voted and passed Resolution #18-2026, which authorized Jaroszynski to submit an application for the New York State Clean Water Housing (CWH) grant.