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FALCONER – There are now 23 projects being considered for Falconer's $4.5 million in New York Forward grant funding.
During the fourth Local Planning Committee meeting held recently, Josh Greene, a planner with LaBella Associates Inc., said several projects had been submitted for the LPC's review.
"We've had 23 project applications submitted," he said. "One non-profit project, six public projects, 13 private projects, and three letters of interest."
Greene reported that the non-profit small project submissions included requests totaling $325,000; public project submissions totaled $7,304,000; and private project submissions totaled $6,678,000, with four requests for smaller-based projects ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 placed in a separate category totaling $207,000, for a total of $14.5 million in requests.
Greene explained that four requests for lower-end dollar amounts fell under the smaller funds category. Additionally, Greene noted that three more letters of interest were submitted and, combined with the four formal requests, were allocated to the Small Project Fund by the LPC.
“I made this recommendation to merge the four funding requests and letters of interest into one fund for the LPC to consider to show a need for the fund,” he said.
Some of the projects to submit applications include:
– Increase Access and Activity at the Community Building: located at 101 W. Main St.; the total project is projected to cost $2,150,000, with $ 1,500,000 coming from the New York Forward grant, submitted by the Village of Falconer.
– Enhancement of Streetscapes Along Main and Work Streets: the total project cost is expected to be $2,500,000, fully funded by New York Forward. This project includes constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Main and Work Streets. Additionally, it aims to improve pedestrian safety through features such as bump-outs, flashing pedestrian signals, and high-visibility crosswalks. The Village of Falconer submitted the project.
– Improve Falconer Fire hall's Capacity and Training Facilities: The total project is estimated to cost $750,000, with 100% funding coming from the New York Forward grant. The scope of the project includes construction of a new 6,000 square-foot addition featuring a two-truck bay addition, purchase of new firefighting equipment and modernization of the training center. The Falconer Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) submitted the grant application.
– Improve Milrace Park for Expanded Recreational Opportunities: The estimated cost of this project is $386,000, with $366,000 provided by the New York Forward, which accounts for 94.8% of the total funding. The project will include construction of a 10-car parking lot on Merriam Street, an ADA-compliant dock, a kayak and canoe launch, and a kayak storage rack. Additionally, the project will include new trees and landscaping and a paved multi-use loop trail. Representatives from Abe Mattison Millrace Park and the Chautauqua County Department of Public Works submitted the funding request.
– Development of the Falconer Commons into a Year-Round Destination: The project is expected to cost $1.5 million, with $1,125,000 coming from the New York Forward grant. The development will include redevelopment of space into five complementary businesses that include a sandwich and smoothie shop, pickleball and flex space, a children's play area, a photography study and a salon or spa. The project was submitted by Falconer Commons LLC.
– Construct the Falconer Square Mixed-Use Development: The total project cost is estimated at $18,179,000, with $2.5 million in funding from the New York Forward grant. As previously reported by The Post-Journal, the project will include creating 6,000 feet of commercial space on the first floor; developing 34 market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments; completing the commercial and residential interior build-outs; and constructing a parking lot and landscaping improvements. The project is being managed by Peak Development Partners, LLC.
– Restore the Historic PersNikkity Pies Building: The project is estimated to cost $179,000, with $126,000 coming from the New York Forward grant, or 74.8% of the total project cost. The project will repair or replace the shared roof covering 9-11 E. Main St.; Preserve and stabilize the historic building for continued use; and allow PersNikkity Pies to introduce new bakery products and services. PersNikkity LLC. submitted the proposal.
– Renovate 223 W. Main for Mixed-Use Community Use: The project proposed by Eyeball Properties LLC is estimated to cost $121,000, with 74.4% of the funding, amounting to $90,000, coming from New York Forward funds. The project entails replacing the existing roof, removing and replacing 18 windows, installing new flooring, and planning for an upper-story apartment. It also aims to support the future conversion of the upper floor into one- and two-bedroom apartments.
– Amplify Community Gathering Opportunities at Coleson Park: The estimated cost of the project is $325,000, which will be fully funded by the New York Forward Forward grant. The Falconer Rotary Club sponsors this project, which aims to replace the existing Santa Claus House with a new, ADA-accessible structure. The project will also improve the park’s landscaping.
– Create New Employment and Housing Opportunities at 425 W. Main St. The project is forecasted to cost $550,000, with $500,000 or 91% funded by New York Forward grant monies. The project will renovate the interior and exterior of the 18,000-square-foot, single-floor building and construct four new apartments and five or six commercial spaces.
The LPC received three letters of interest, including: Ames Insurance to renovate the upper-floor apartment at 319 W. Main St.; and The Hearing Place, located at 102 E. Main St., to construct ADA-compliant entrance improvements, parking lot upgrades, and new lighting and signage. Duplex renovations at 220 E. Main St. to renovate an existing duplex apartment and paint a mural on the Village gateway side. Total cost is estimated at $277,000, with 74.4% funded by the New York Forward grant, or $207,00.