About

On March 2, 2023 Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Village of Dolgeville was awarded $2.25 million in funding as one of three Mohawk Valley winners of the first round of NY Forward. NY Forward adopts a “Plan-then-Act” strategy to support more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities. Led by New York’s Department of State, the initiative couples strategic planning with immediate implementation, and brings together an interagency team of state experts to support local government capacity in realizing their community’s vision.

Project Area

The Village's NY Forward project area is located in the heart of Downtown Dolgeville, an easily walkable space with the Village's Main Street running through its center. The study area is characterized by industrial uses along the East Canada Creek, a strategic location that was home to the first Mohawk Valley hydroelectric plant. A Local Planning Committee (LPC) made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort to develop a Strategic Investment Plan. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine the unique challenges and opportunities for the revitalization of downtown, present the community’s vision for the future of the area, and propose transformative projects that may be realized with the investment of NYF funding. Funding will be awarded to projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization.

Village of Dolgeville’s NY Forward project area.

Local Planning Committee

The LPC is comprised of NYS Department of State approved members, including local community leaders and stakeholders. The LPC is tasked with developing the Strategic Investment Plan which will identify a slate of projects ready for implementation. The LPC works closely with the consultant team, state experts, and members of the general public throughout the process.

  • Co-Chair Hon. Mary Puznowski, Mayor

  • Co-Chair Dr. Renee Shevat, REDC Member and Owner, Herkimer Diamond Mines

  • Ms. Marilyn Williams, Community Event Organizer

  • Mr. Fred DeLucco, Coldwell Banker Faith Properties

  • Mr. Geoff Grace, Dolgeville Mill

  • Ms. Carmelita Maddocks, Parkside Courts Board

  • Ms. Chris Reynolds, Dolgeville Forward

  • Mr. Robert Maxwell, Upstate Cerebral Palsy

  • Ms. Brenda Gehring, Gehring Tricot

  • Mr. Peter McGowan, Dolgeville Bread Basket

  • Mr. Marvin Isum, Dolgeville Christian Fellowship

  • Mr. Jonathan Fredericks, Ameriprise Financial Services

  • Mr. Sam Licari, Dolgeville Rotary

  • Ms. Julie Izzo, Southern Girl Diner

  • Ms. Margery Balder, Dolgeville Library

About NY Forward

The NYF planning process will aim to refine the vision, develop actionable goals and strategies, and identify a portfolio of transformative projects that will support the community’s vision for downtown revitalization. Deliverables associated with each step will be developed by the consultant team, with guidance from the LPC.

  • Public engagement will occur throughout the entire NYF planning process to ensure community needs, opportunities and challenges are identified, to determine potential projects, and to ensure NYF revitalization efforts are supported.

  • The downtown profile and assessment will provide a clear, concise and compelling narrative that articulates the story of the region and downtown area, and describes the future of the area and region. This profile and assessment provides a logical basis for the projects recommended for NYF funding.

  • Informed by the NYF application and community input, the LPC will develop a vision statement with corresponding goals and revitalization strategies to guide decision-making about future development and investment in the NYF area.

  • NYF projects can be identified through the community’s application, during an open call for projects, or throughout the planning process as it advances. The consultant team works closely with project sponsors and the LPC to develop and refine proposed projects. The final slate of projects are intended to have positive and transformative impacts on the NYF community, and will be a mix of public and privately sponsored projects.

  • The SIPs, which will be prepared by the consultant teams, are a compilation of the deliverables produced throughout the process. Each SIP will describe the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization of the NYF area, present the community’s vision for the future of the area, and propose transformative projects that may be realized with an investment of NYF funds.

  • Program Overview

    Process Overview

    Public Engagement Overview

    Roles and Responsibilities

Planning Process + Schedule (click to enlarge)

Please click the link above to provide your contact information, receive updates and submit any comments or questions you may have.