WESTPORT — With an opportunity to advance Westport’s vision for its downtown area, the town is in the process of gathering information for the submission of a grant application entitled “NY Forward” to further its aspirations.
Adam DeSantis, Director of Economic Development for the Regional Office for Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), chaired the presentation in which he outlined the procedure for obtaining a $4.5 million grant.
“This is a wonderful program. We are competing with seven other counties. I have spoken to property owners about projects,” DeSantis said. “There’s been a lot of recent public and private investment. This demonstrates to the state that positive things have been done.”
The presentation included slides providing information on the process.
Among its assets, Westport already has momentum with a walkable Main Street and Lake Champlain, there’s a 2024 Main Street Revitalization Strategy and a Comprehensive Plan, as well as local businesses, services and public spaces supporting year-round community life.
The grant can fund the following: Building reuse; Public realm (Streets, parks, trails and public improvements); Small projects (facades, renovations.)
NY Forward does not fund property purchases, routine operations, standalone planning and pre-award costs.
Strong applications start with a clear story which include having a focused downtown area, recent investment documented, and confirming project sponsors.
Five signals the State looks for are: A walkable downtown; Credible projects positioned to proceed; Public backing; Projects that advance Westport’s vision; Sponsors as local capacity to implement.
Project sponsors should have: 25% private match; At least $75,000 for standalone projects; Break ground within two years.
The area being considered stretches from Lee Park to the end of Ballard Park. Priority projects include Main Street, Lee Park, the former fire station, the building at 8 Champlain (Possible apartments), and the former Mobil station.
Throughout the presentation DeSantis had added, “Public art has risen to the forefront. They want to fund projects that are already planned. The project grant will take a while to process. It is always a combination of public and private. One of the biggest sticking points is determining a boundary. The application will address what has already been done. We want someone who has never been to Westport to understand it. ROOST will be doing much of the work for the application and bids.”
For additional information contact Adam DeSantis at: adam@roostadk.com.