Downtown committee looks at possible projects

PENN YAN--The Penn Yan Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee held its second public meeting Thursday, Dec. 13 at the fire department. The attendees heard details about the number and scope of the projects that have been submitted for consideration for state funding.
Ed Flynn from LaBella Associates, the Rochester-based firm coordinating the Penn Yan DRI project, opened the meeting and said the committee has received more than 40 projects requesting assistance from the state $10 million DRI grant.
Flynn also said the committee has finalized a vision statement for the group's work. The vision plan states the revitalization efforts will provide year round opportunities for all residents and visitors to enjoy the area's natural assets, local foods and beverages, arts and its creative economy. The goals and strategies include four parts: leverage the area's natural and historic assets, promote locally produced foods, beverages and products downtown, stimulate a year-round downtown arts and cultural environment and provide access for residents with affordable downtown housing, parking and transportation options.
For a complete list of projects, go to the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center's webpage at: http://www.fingerlakesedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/DRI-2nd-LPC-Meeting-Presentation-12.13.18.pdf. The project list on this page totals $27,731,256. Flynn said the state will fund $9,700,000 from the Penn Yan DRI grant and he expects the committee will submit projects totaling some $15,000,000 for the state's final consideration. During the next 60 days the committee members and consultants will be reviewing the projects. In March, the final slate of projects will be presented and submitted to the state for consideration.