HEUVELTON – The Village of Heuvelton will kick off the NY Forward planning process with the first Local Planning Committee (LPC) meeting on Tuesday, July 28 at noon in Pickens Hall, 83 N. State St.

The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment at the conclusion of the meeting. 

The Village of Heuvelton and its Local Planning Committee invite residents, business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders to participate in two upcoming public engagement events; the Public Open House and Coffee with the Consultants. Public participation is a vital part of the NY Forward planning process and will help shape the vision and priorities for the future of downtown Heuvelton.

A Public Open House will be held on Tuesday, July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pickens Hall. This interactive Open House will provide opportunities for community members and visitors to share ideas, identify opportunities, and help the LPC develop a vision statement and goals for the NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan. A brief presentation introducing the NY Forward Program and planning process will begin at 5:15 p.m. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the Public Open House.

The following morning, Wednesday, July 29, from 8 to 10 a.m., the consultant team will host Coffee with the Consultants at Pickens Hall. Residents, business owners, and prospective project sponsors are invited to stop by for coffee, ask questions about the NY Forward Program, discuss their project ideas, and meet one-on-one with members of the planning team in a casual setting. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

"Seeing the Village of Heuvelton included in this round of the NY Forward Program is a wonderful experience. Through a partnership with the Local Planning Committee and residents to shape a shared vision for the future that encourages local businesses, boosts the economy, and enhances quality of life in our community is a monumental opportunity,” said Mayor Barbara Lashua, LPC Co-Chair.

Zvi Szafran, President of SUNY Canton, North Country Regional Economic Development Council member, and LPC Co-Chair added, “Being chosen for the NY Forward Program is a meaningful step forward for Heuvelton. This investment brings new energy and possibilities, and we’re excited to work together with the community to build a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone who calls Heuvelton home.”

In addition, project applications will be accepted starting July 28, through Sept. 2, through the NY Forward Call for Projects. During the Open Call for Projects, property owners, businesses, local government and non-profit sponsors are invited to submit project proposals that could help revitalize downtown Heuvelton and advance the community’s vision. To be considered for the NY Forward program, all potential projects must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Sept. 2. NY Forward Program requirements and project application materials can be found on the project website: www.HeuveltonNYForward.com 

To support this process, the consultant team will host a virtual introduction and overview of the Call for Projects on Aug. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. Following the presentation, residents and potential project sponsors will have an opportunity to ask questions, discuss project ideas, and learn more about the submission process. 

For more information and to follow along with the NY Forward process, please visit the Heuvelton NY Forward website at www.HeuveltonNYForward.com

NY Forward is a central component of the State's economic development efforts, working together with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York's downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development. Governor Kathy Hochul has committed $100 million for the fourth round of the NY Forward program. Each of the State’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) recommended two communities for NY Forward awards. In the North Country Region, Heuvelton and Moriah were each awarded $4.5 million.

NY Forward is led by the Department of State, in close partnership with Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. 

The Local Planning Committee (LPC) includes local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives. LPC members will attend a variety of meetings at which they will be asked to brainstorm ideas, provide direction to consultants, review planning products, prioritize actions and evaluate potential projects. The Village of Heuvelton Mayor Barbara Lashua and Dr. Zvi Szafran, President of SUNY Canton and North Country Regional Economic Development Council member, are the Heuvelton LPC Co-Chairs. 

Public engagement is a key component of the NY Forward planning process and fundamental to the success of NY Forward. The objective of public engagement is to ensure that all stakeholders have ample opportunity to be informed about the NY Forward process and its intended outcomes; to comment on the process as it progresses; to express their concerns and contribute ideas; and to participate in building a consensus about the vision for the downtown and other outcomes, culminating in a locally supported NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan. Public workshops and engagement activities will be scheduled throughout the effort to allow opportunity for public input. More information about NY Forward can be found at https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.  

The NY Forward process is being facilitated by a consultant team led by M.J. Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Land Surveying, P.C. and supported by Andropogon, E.M. Pemrick & Company, and Captain Consulting.