VILLAGE OF SARANAC LAKE SEEKS INPUT FOR DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION GRANT APPLICATION

Contact: Jamie Konkoski, AICP, Community Development Director
(518) 891-4150
 comdev@saranaclakeny.gov

 Three Open House Sessions Scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th

SARANAC LAKE – The Village of Saranac Lake Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) project committee announced today that it is hosting three open house sessions on Tuesday, May 15th in order to engage the public in the development of the Village’s DRI grant application.

Open houses will take place at Origin Coffee at 8am to 10am, Nori’s Village Market at 11am to 1pm, and at the Hotel Saranac Great Hall from 5pm to 7pm. There will be a series of interactive displays showing the vision for downtown revitalization, the types of projects that are proposed, and the priority areas for redevelopment.  The public is invited to drop in at any of the locations to share feedback and ideas any time during the events. No formal presentation is scheduled but members of the DRI project committee and representatives from proposed projects will be available to answer questions and record comments. The materials will be on display at the Saranac Lake Free Library on May 16 through 18 for anyone who is not able to attend an open house.  The information will also be available on the Community Development page of the Village website at www.saranaclakeny.gov.  Questions or comments can be emailed to Jamie Konkoski, community development director at comdev@saranaclakeny.gov.

In its third year, Governor Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative program will invest $100 million into 10 downtown neighborhoods across the state. Participating communities are nominated by the state’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) based on the downtown’s potential for transformation, and each community is awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization.

Mayor Clyde Rabideau said: “With the opening of the Hotel Saranac and other businesses our wonderful downtown is poised for growth. We look forward to submitting a great DRI application that is guided by the creativity of our residents and businesses.”

Jamie Konkoski said: “There are already exceptional things happening in downtown Saranac Lake because our residents are engaged in collaborative efforts. The DRI offers an opportunity for us to elevate those efforts. Strong community support for Saranac Lake’s vision for downtown revitalization is essential for submitting a successful DRI application, so the public is highly encouraged to take the time to stop in at one of the open houses and share their ideas.”

Members of the DRI project committee have reviewed the Village’s existing plans and policies in order to draft a vision statement, establish goals, and identify strategies for downtown revitalization.  The committee released a project proposal form in February and has identified a variety of potential revitalization projects, including business expansions, building and facade renovations, public improvements, new businesses, and more.  The committee encourages residents and business owners to drop in at one of the Open House locations on May 15th or visit the Library on May 16th-18th to learn more and let the committee know if they are on the right track.

Saranac Lake’s DRI application is a cooperative effort by the Village of Saranac Lake, Franklin County IDA, Downtown Advisory Board, Saranac Lake Local Development Corporation, ROOST, and Franklin County Economic Development.

DRI Open House Sessions

Morning Session
Time: 8AM – 10AM
Location: Origin Coffee, 77 Main Street

Afternoon Session
Time: 11AM – 1PM
Location: Nori’s Village Market, 138 Church Street

Evening Session
Time : 5PM – 7PM
Location: Hotel Saranac Great Hall, 100 Main Street

Ongoing Display
Time: May 16 – May 18
Saranac Lake Free Library, 109 Main Street

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