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Economic development director urges Kinderhook oversight group to sequence $2.5M in New York Forward projects
Summary
Economic Development Director Renee Shur told the board that New York Forward grants could enable transformative municipal projects but urged forming a small oversight group to prioritize budgeting and multi-year sequencing so early phases can proceed once state contracts arrive.
Economic Development Director Renee Shur asked the Village Board on May 14 to create a small steering group to oversee sequencing, budgeting and prioritization for Kinderhook’s New York Forward municipal projects. "New York Forward is the single largest grant award the village has ever received," Shur read to the board, and she warned that without coordinated planning preliminary work might not move forward until the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Shur said the village has not yet finalized contracts with New York State and that the 2025–26 budget does not include funding for municipal portions of New York Forward projects. She suggested the oversight group would help reconcile upfront costs, match requirements and how NY Forward projects fit alongside other capital needs. Trustee Joe Wildermuth and former Trustee Mark Browne both expressed support for a standing group to avoid missing reimbursements or delaying work. Wildermuth said DOS (Department of State) requires proper procurement and MWBE procedures and that understanding those requirements is part of keeping projects on track.
Board members discussed options for short-term cash flow, including quarterly bill submissions to the state rather than waiting until project completion. Trustee Kevin Monahan said that assembling priorities and a timeline in workshop meetings could help the board identify startup funds. The mayor and trustees agreed the topic needs follow-up; no formal motion to form the group was made during the meeting.
