Stamford Gets Big Money to Revitalize Main St.

STAMFORD – The villages of Stamford and Margaretville are the envy of many other small villages in the state, each the recipient of a $4.5 million state grant for downtown revitalization.

They have been working on the NY Forward grant process for a couple of years to get a win in the process. 

“We are thrilled that the village of Stamford has been selected as a winner of this year’s NY Forward funding for the Southern Tier. This is an exciting opportunity to build on the momentum we’ve been creating in our downtown. I want to thank Governor Cathy Hochul and Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley for recognizing the potential of small, rural communities like ours and for their continued support. With this funding, we look forward to strengthening our downtown, supporting local businesses and creating a more dynamic and welcoming future for all who live, work and visit here," stated Stamford Mayor Robert Schneider in a press release.

The MARK Project was key in assisting the villages in the process of this highly competitive grant process, located in the Southern Tier Region of the state. A third grant was awarded to the community of Ithaca in what was the ninth round of funding of NY Forward.

The application identified several key projects the Village hopes to fund including the potential for a new mixed-use building where the former burned buildings at 60-64 Main once stood, two segments of Main Street that need serious improvements, small projects and business support and various beautification efforts (downtown murals, wayfinding signage, and cohesive branding).

Ulla Wadner, president of the Stamford Village Improvement Association, who was involved in earlier funding rounds. "I was part of the first application. I am very happy and proud that our village has been chosen," she said.

Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Judy McKinney Cherry, Executive Director, Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development and SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff said in the press release, “The STREDC is incredibly proud to continue our support for the communities of Ithaca, Margaretville and Stamford and their exciting futures made possible through the Governor's transformative Downtown Revitalization (DRI) and New York Forward Initiatives. These targeted plans will benefit both residents and visitors alike, promoting economic growth and creating exciting and vibrant downtowns-places where people will want to live, work, and play for generations to come.”

Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains at the headwaters of the Delaware River, the village of Stamford is reclaiming its identity as the “Queen of the Catskills” through a bold vision for a vibrant and resilient downtown. The compact target area, centered along state Route 23 and anchored by civic, cultural and recreational attractions, represents the social and economic heart of the community. Strategic investments will restore underutilized properties, support small business growth and create inviting public spaces that celebrate Stamford’s heritage and natural beauty. Building on more than $10 million in recent public, private and philanthropic investments, the Village is well positioned to catalyze visible and lasting transformation. Stamford’s strong sense of community, robust partnerships and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity ensure that revitalization efforts reflect the needs of residents while welcoming newcomers and new opportunities. As a regional hub for recreation-based tourism and rural entrepreneurship, the village’s success will strengthen the broader Catskills economy.

For each of the state’s 10 economic development regions is being awarded $10 million from each program, for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. To date, total investments in the DRI and NY Forward have reached $1.4 billion.

“Building the foundation and delivering for generations of New Yorkers requires taking actionable measures,"  Governor Hochul said at the press conference.  “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward programs bring the brightest ideas to life, and the Southern Tier will thrive with these investments in Ithaca, Stamford and Margaretville to increase recreational opportunities and further generate economic growth for their communities.”

A bus carried stakeholders from both communities to Rochester last Thursday to receive the good news.
No projects contained within the application are guaranteed to be funded.

While the application outlined these projects, nothing is final yet. 

A new committee and the state will review and vet all projects, meaning some allocations may change, some projects may be dropped, and new ones may be added. The public should think of it  as a "line of credit" for downtown revitalization. Each project still needs approval.

The final submitted application and updates can be found at  Stamfordny.gov and the village will post the upcoming planning meetings on the village of Stamford website and its social media outlet.

It is just the beginning of a long process that will require:  The formation of a local planning committee; Engagement with the Department of State and Public input to refine and improve revitalization plans.  This process will take at least a year before final allocations are determined  and there will be plenty of opportunities for people to be involved and have their voices heard.

"The community has been hit hard in recent years by COVID-19, fires and economic change. The NY Forward program provides the small upstate village  to come together as a community to decide how it can improve what is termed  the beautiful 'Queen of the Catskills' in the village of Stamford.”

"We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in the application process, especially all those who volunteered and participated in putting forward the winning application," states a social media post. "A big shout out to  Laura Potter."