CONTACT: Danny Lapin, AICP, Revitalization Specialist 1 New York State Department of State
Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure
Phone: 518-948-7603
Email: daniel.lapin@dos.ny.gov
June 22, 2023, Cooperstown, NY – The Village of Cooperstown today announced an upcoming
public workshop to gather community input on the vision, goals, and development
opportunities for the NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan. The open house-style workshop
will take place on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from noon – 8:00 p.m. at the Cooperstown Jr.-Sr. High
School gymnasium. All are welcome to attend.
In conjunction with the public workshop, the Village of Cooperstown is also launching a call for
project proposals to be considered by the Local Planning Committee for NY Forward. Eligible
project types include public improvement projects, new development or rehabilitation of
downtown buildings, façade enhancements or small-scale building renovations, and branding
and marketing for downtown.
Proposed projects must be located within the NY Forward boundary, be able to break ground
within two years of receiving funding, have financing largely in place, and be sponsored by a
public, non-profit, or private entity with legal authority to undertake the project. To submit an
application, visit https://www.cooperstownny.org/new-york-forward.
The village’s project consultant, Laberge Group, will hold virtual office hours in July to assist
potential project proposers with their applications. To schedule an appointment, visit
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CA4A62BA2FAC16-call or the NY Forward website at
https://www.cooperstownny.org/new-york-forward.
The public workshop and call for projects are part of the NY Forward program, which awarded
the Village of Cooperstown $4.5 million from New York State for downtown development.
Investment from this program will allow Cooperstown to develop a Strategic Investment Plan
and implement key catalytic projects to advance a community vision for downtown
improvements. Projects selected for funding will transform the community and support a
vibrant local economy.
More information can be found at: https://www.cooperstownny.org/new-york-forward/
NY Forward was launched in 2022 to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New
York’s smaller communities, with a focus on hamlets, villages, and neighborhood-scale
commercial centers. NY Forward is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with
Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority. For more information, please visit
https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.
