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The Village of Homer is the latest winner for the Central New York Region for the $10 million dollar Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Today New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez made a stop at the Homer Center for the Arts to make the announcement to Village officials.
“Our downtowns play a crucial role in our local economies, and we are working overtime to revitalize them across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This $10 million investment into the Village of Homer will help uplift the community for generations to come and rebuild the livelihood and regional economy of Central New York.”
The Village is part of Round 6 in the States Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the City of Cortland had won it back in 2017 in round two. Homer has applied in years past, but has been unsuccessful until today. In addition to Homer, several NY Forward Winners were announced: Phoenix won $4.5 million, and both Hamilton and Moravia won $2.25 million each.
Village of Homer Mayor Hal McCabe said, “On behalf of The Village of Homer, I want to express how deeply we appreciate the decision to award the Downtown Revitalization Initiative for Central NY to Homer. This funding will ensure our beautiful, friendly, historic village remains prosperous and accessible for future generations. Some of the region’s most important historic structures will be preserved thanks to these monies, as well as creating new business and economic development opportunities for our current residents. As we prepare as a region for the arrival of Micron, the DRI will also aid local projects which will position Homer as one of the premier communities the anticipated new employees and their families will call home. I cannot thank Governor Hochul and Secretary of State Rodriguez enough for this honor.”
Numerous projects have been proposed in the Villages’ DRI application including enhanced gateways at the intersections of Route 281 and Cayuga St, Route 281 and Clinton St, and Homer Ave. and Exit 12.
Patrick Clune, Deputy Mayor.
Plans also include a river trail walk along the Tioughnioga River, a master plan for bicycles and pedestrian trails, streetscape improvements, parking improvements, and numerous private projects that will benefit from DRI assistance.
