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County to pursue state redevelopment planning funds for fire-damaged Ovid; application may seek up to $1 million
Summary
County planning staff and supervisors agreed to submit an Empire State Development predevelopment/redevelopment planning grant for Ovid. The application would use $50,000 county match to pursue up to $500,000–$1,000,000 in state funding depending on whether 10 housing units can be tied to the proposal.
Seneca County planning staff told the Economic Development, Tourism and Housing Committee on Feb. 25 that they will prepare an application to an Empire State Development redevelopment planning program to support predevelopment work in the village of Ovid, which experienced a recent fire.
The grant application would fund predevelopment activities such as feasibility studies, infrastructure and site assessments, coordination with property owners and potential design work. Planning staff said the program can provide up to $500,000 for non-housing redevelopment projects and up to $1,000,000 where the project can demonstrate inclusion of at least 10 housing units; the application requires a $50,000 local match, which planning staff said is available in the planning department budget.
Planning staff said they are already meeting with village officials and property owners and will include village leadership input in the application. County staff said they would collect written statements or letters of support from affected property owners and the village to include as objective evidence in the application. Committee members asked whether county involvement could “step on the toes” of the village; planning staff said the mayor and a town supervisor are part of the committee and have asked the county to assist.
Why it matters: the grant would fund engineering, predevelopment and planning work that could clarify redevelopment options for the fire-affected area in Ovid and position property owners and municipalities to apply for construction and infrastructure funds.
Details from committee discussion - The planning grant is a predevelopment program; eligible work includes site feasibility, infrastructure analysis and coordination with private owners or developers. - There is a $50,000 local match available in the planning department budget; the county could pursue $500,000 or $1,000,000 depending on housing unit demonstration. - Planning staff will obtain written support/verbiage from village leadership and affected property owners to meet application requirements; staff noted a March 31 application window for related infrastructure funding, which motivates prompt action.
Next steps: planning will prepare and submit the grant application, coordinate letters of support with the village and property owners, and report back to the committee on application status and any funding award.
