Cape Vincent's $4.5 million from NY Forward to focus on pedestrian, waterfront park upgrades

Jonathon Wheeler, Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
·2 min read

Apr. 25—CAPE VINCENT — The state has outlined the projects included in a $4.5 million NY Forward grant for the village of Cape Vincent announced last year.

"The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs provide vital support for New York's downtowns," Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul said in a news release. "This funding for the north country will help communities carry out their plans to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity for generations to come."

$2,689,000 will go toward the downtown streetscape project to support walkability and businesses; $600,000 will go toward reimagining Club Street as a pedestrian-friendly zone; $300,000 will support the downtown business environment; $850,000 will go toward the Club Street waterfront park project; and $61,000 will go toward fixing up the Village Greens.

Mayor Jerry Golden said Thursday that the downtown street project will better utilize some of the area with paved streets, make the bump outs for the crosswalks safer, add green space and improve accessibility to businesses.

Golden said these projects could not be done without the state's help.

"We couldn't afford to do these large of improvements without the grant money," he said. "We just wouldn't have the means for it."

On Club Street, where town voters earlier this month approved spending up to $1 million on the project, also received state funding for the village.

Golden said they received $600,000 to spruce up the village-owned property on Club Street and make it more walkable.

On the Village Greens, Golden said a group of people bought the space downtown and opened it for public use and may be looking to add electric service there.

The $300,000 will allow for local businesses to propose projects of their own, such as more accessible entrances or additional space.

"That will get divvied back up to local businesses," Golden said.

The village will also be conscious of doing construction during the busy summer tourism season as they don't want to disrupt business.

"I definitely don't want to do anything that would cause any further issues to (businesses') bottom line," Golden said.

Golden called this "a huge opportunity for Cape Vincent."

"We're going to do our best to be good stewards and make this a very positive influence to the community for our residents and for people that come and visit," he said.

Golden said they plan to start bidding out services this summer.