Deadline approaching for Massena Core of the Community funding
Jun. 21—MASSENA — Massena's village administrator says anyone who's interested in applying for grant funding in the final round of the Core of the Community Fund should think about getting their application in now.
"The last day to apply for the Core of the Community is July 15. We've really seen a lot more interest in the program this last round. So, I encourage people who do intend on applying to do so sooner rather than later," Monique N. Chatland told village trustees.
The Core of the Community Fund was one of eight projects approved as part of the $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding the village received from the state.
Grant funding from $5,000 to $100,000 is available in the third round, which can cover up to 75% of the total project cost. Applications for between $10,000 to $50,000 were reviewed in the second round.
The guidelines were also revised in the final round to decrease the match to 25% business owner contribution and increase the maximum award to $100,000. The property owner was previously required to cover at least 50% of all project costs for building renovation projects, or 25% for nonprofit applicants.
Funding is available for for-profit entities, nonprofit entities and individuals/business owners. Eligible applicants include owners of properties and businesses within the DRI target area or owners of prospective businesses that will be located within the DRI target area.
The DRI boundary encompasses 115 acres and includes commercial, residential and village parkland. The boundary comprises Andrews Street west to Church Street, Church Street south to West Orvis Street, West Orvis Street west to Church Street, East Orvis Street east to Parker Avenue, Glenn Street south to East Orvis Street, Phillips Street east to Water Street, Main Street north to Maple Street, Water Street northwest to Main Street, Center Street east to Parker Avenue Bridge, and Maple Street east to Center Street.
The fund is overseen by the village, and Chatland told trustees in May that they had committed approximately $187,000 for projects in the first two rounds. Previous funding was awarded for the restoration of the marquee and various enhancements at the Schine Theater, new signage and a kitchen expansion at the Gristmill Brewery, as well as equipment purchases for a new coffee shop that will be opening soon on Andrews Street.
Interested business owners, property owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply by visiting the village website at massena.us, where they can find details regarding the grant process, eligibility requirements and submission guidelines.
For assistance or inquiries about the program, contact LaBella Associates' Senior Planner Jamie Konkoski at jkonkoski@labellapc.com or 518-491-9884.
