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NYS Department of State | Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure

Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) �and NY Forward (NYF)

Local Planning Committee

Meeting #7

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Introduction and Agenda

  • Preamble & Recusals
  • Online Survey Review
  • Project Updates
  • Review of Projects & Discussion
  • Determination of Project Slate
  • Public Comment

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Preamble

Each Local Planning Committee Member is reminded of their obligation to disclose potential conflicts of interest with respect to projects that may be discussed at today’s meeting. If you have a potential conflict of interest regarding a project you believe will be discussed during the meeting, please disclose it now and recuse yourself from any discussion or vote on that project. For example, you may state that you, or a family member, have a financial interest in the project, or you are on the board of the organization proposing the project.

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Preliminary Survey Results

  • Open from September 16th to October 16th
  • 265 responses
  • For each project we asked:
    • Does this project align with the DRI vision and goals?
    • Will this project encourage additional positive development in the DRI region?
    • On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, what is your level of support for this project?
      • This is noted on subsequent project slides
    • Do you have any additional comments on this project?

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Alignment with Vision/Goals

Highest Alignment:

  • Frontenac Park Improvements (95% said yes)
  • Improvements to McIntosh Park (92%)
  • Rehab of Frontenac Historical Society and Museum 178 Cayuga Street (90%)
  • Administer a Small Projects Fund (89%)
  • Construction of Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park (87%)
  • Upgrades to Community Medical Center at 18 Wells Road (85%)
  • Aurora Free Library Window Restoration at 370 Main Street (85%)

Lowest Alignment:

  • Development of a Duplex at 6306 Water Street (49%)
  • Restoration and Decarbonization of Apartments at 316 Main Street (52%)
  • Building Improvements at 6228 Lake Street (56%)
  • Rehab of Lakeside Cottage into Event Space at 6176 Lake Street (57%)
  • Inns of Aurora Dock (59%)
  • Seminary Street Campground (62%)
  • 6278 Willard Street Mixed-Use Space (64%)
  • Development of an Event Center on Lake Street (64%)

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Encourages Additional Development

Most Catalytic:

  • Enhancements to Frontenac Park (93% said yes)
  • Administer a Small Projects Fund (86%)
  • Improvements to McIntosh Park (84%)
  • Updates to Community Medical Center (83%)
  • Rehabilitation of the Frontenac Historical Society & Museum (81%)
  • Construction of a Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park (81%)

Least Catalytic:

  • Restoration and Decarbonization of Apartments at 316 Main (44%)
  • Development of Duplex at 6306 Water Steet (45%)
  • Building Improvements at 6228 Lake Street (46%)
  • Rehabilitation of Lakeside Cottage Building into Event Space at 6176 Lake Street (52%)
  • Inns of Aurora Dock (54%)
  • Community Center at 337 Main Street (UMA) (58%)
  • 6278 Willard Street Mixed-Use Space (59%)

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Projects with the Highest Level of Public Support

  • Enhancements to Frontenac Park - (average rating of 8.0/10)
  • Updates to Community Medical Center -7.4/10
  • Administer a Small Projects Fund -7.4/10
  • Rehabilitation of the Frontenac Historic Society & Museum -7.0/10
  • Construction of a Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park -6.9/10
  • Improvements to McIntosh Park -6.8/10
  • Aurora Free Library Window Restoration -6.6/10
  • Creation of a Cohesive Branding and Marketing Strategy -6.2/10

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Projects with the Mid-level Public Support

  • Foundry Street Pedestrian Bridge - 6.2/10

  • Mixed-Use Building at 143 Cayuga Street -6.1/10

  • Union Springs Supermarket - 6.0/10

  • Aurora Community Park and Boathouse - 5.9/10

  • Patricks Tavern - 5.6/10

  • Artist Gallery and Live Workspace - 5.4/10

  • School Renovation into Office/Apartments - 4.8/10

  • 6273 Willard Street Campground - 4.6/10

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Projects with the Lowest Level of Public Support

  • Development of an Event Center on Lake Street - 4.5/10
  • Seminary Street Campground - 4.4/10
  • 6273 Willard Street Mixed-Use Space - 4.2/10
  • Inns of Aurora Dock - 3.8/10
  • Rehabilitation of Lakeside Cottage into Event Space at 6176 Lake Street - 3.7/10
  • Building Improvements at 6228 Lake Street - 3.7/10
  • Development of Duplex at 6306 Water Steet -3.6/10
  • Restoration and Decarbonization of Apartments at 316 Main - 3.4/10

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Additional Comments

  • Emphasis on community benefits & level of impact
    • General concern about public funding going to private entities and the desire for funded projects to improve the community
    • General concern about projects geared toward tourists and pricing out local residents / residents should be considered
    • Housing projects were perceived as not meeting the need for affordable housing in the area
  • Concern about using public funding responsibly
    • Some wanted a higher match for certain projects, or a decrease in total cost
    • Preference for renovating existing buildings rather than building new

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Additional Comments

  • General support for increasing waterfront access and parks improvements
    • Desires for additional amenities within parks projects such as allowing for Farmer’s Markets and events, new trails, and ways to increase year-round use
    • Comments surrounding green infrastructure and decreasing asphalt as well as protection of water quality
  • Renovation vs. Restoration
    • Comments regarding support for renovation and restoration of historic and notable properties and concerns about projects that are mostly general renovations and/or maintenance

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Working Meeting Project Updates

  • 143 Cayuga Mixed Use Development – Project sponsor increased personal contributions to 25% of total project cost
  • 6200 Center Street Apartments – Project sponsor updated total project cost and increased match to 50%
  • 316 Main Street Apartments – Project sponsor removed geothermal from scope and added HVAC and increased match to 50% and decreased request
  • 6273 Willard Street Campground – Project sponsor decided to keep match at 25%

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Working Meeting Project Updates

  • Seminary Street Campground – Project sponsor decided to decrease total project cost by removing two cabins and keep match the same (25%)
  • Inns of Aurora Dock Construction – Project sponsor decided to keep 50% match
  • United Ministry of Aurora Improvements – Project sponsor removed geothermal and added in HVAC, match increased to 23% and decreased request
  • 6306 Duplex Development – Increased match to 30%
  • 6273 Willard Street Mixed Use Development – Project sponsor decided to keep match at 25%

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Current Status of Requests

  • Total Funding Requests - $17.9 million
  • Slate Goal - $15 million
  • Let's go through by project by project to determine what projects should be included on the slate
  • If we are unclear on projects we will revisit them with a deeper dive

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Restore and Rehabilitate Historic Patrick Tavern Building and Develop Tavern Green at 302 Main Street

  • Sponsor: Village of Aurora Historical Society
  • Total Project Cost: $391,700
  • DRI Request: $363,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 92% (Non-Profit)
  • Replacement of the roof, windows, and doors as well as the construction of a new covered porch, signage, sidewalk connection, bike racks, and storage room.
  • The project also includes new exterior lighting, stone patio and stone wall, ADA accessible ramps, and green space behind the building.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.3

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

3.0

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.8

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

3.1

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.5

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.6

Average Public Support: 5.6/10

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Rehabilitation of the Frontenac Historical Society & Museum at 178 Cayuga Street

  • Sponsor: Frontenac Historical Society & Museum
  • Total Project Cost: $208,000
  • DRI Request: $193,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 93% (Non-Profit)
  • Improvements include the installation of lights on the front porch, replacement of failed siding on the rear addition, replacement of windows on the rear addition, design and creation of new signage for the front entrance, painting of the exterior structure, and carpeting the main meeting room.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.0

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.8

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.8

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.9

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.4

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.4

Average Public Support: 7/10

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Community Center Enhancements at 337 Main Street

  • Sponsor: United Ministry of Aurora
  • Total Project Cost: $235,000
  • DRI Request: $181,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 77% (Non-Profit)
  • Paving, landscaping, new exterior lighting, signage, and new railing for the entry way into the building. A new entry will be installed with power operated door and a small shed roof. There will be a replacement of interior linoleum flooring, improved LED lighting, reconstruction of the kitchen, and new geothermal installation to assist in decarbonization of the building.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.9

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.3

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.8

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.6

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.2

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.5

Average Public Support: 5/10

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Rehabilitation of Lakeside Cottage Building into Event Space at 6176 Lake Street

  • Sponsor: Community Center, LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $1,015,000
  • DRI Request: $761,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Redevelopment of the Lakeside Cottage building including energy efficient, roof, exterior, floor, and window improvements, electrical fixture installation, painting of the exterior, development of a rock garden, and small water feature. The space will be used for receptions and small events.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.1

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

1.8

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.1

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

1.6

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

1.8

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.9

Average Public Support: 3.7/10

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Historic School Renovation into Office and Apartment Space at 6193 Center St.

  • Sponsor: Community Center, LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $325,000
  • DRI Request: $244,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Conversion of first floor to updated facilities for commercial use and second floor for residential use (1 apt), and restoration of the bell tower. The project also includes the construction of a storage and commercial antique sale pavilion.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.3

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.3

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.2

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.1

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.2

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.9

Average Public Support: 4.8/10

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Restoration and Decarbonization of Apartments at 316 Main

  • Sponsor: Mark Ferrari, Ferrari + Ferrari, LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $327,000
  • DRI Request: $164,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 72%
  • Construction of two additional rental units, as well as the replacement of existing oil-fired boiler heating system with geothermal heating/cooling system, upgrades to existing blown in cellulose insulation, additional of historically appropriate storm windows to the renovated original windows, and to complete restoration of the building exterior.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.9

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.4

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.7

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.5

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.8

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.3

Average Public Support: 3.4/10

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Upgrades to Inns of Aurora Dock at 391 Main Street

  • Sponsor: Inns of Aurora
  • Total Project Cost: $278,896
  • DRI Request: $140,000
  • Match %: 50%
  • Upgrades to the existing docks to accommodate 12 additional boats. The project includes two longer slips on the end to dock boats that are 30+ feet in length, with the remainder being 24 feet in length. One or two slips will contain hoists and roofs to cover IoA boats that will be used for fishing charters and other programs. Slips can be utilized by community members or visitors visiting Inns of Aurora businesses.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.7

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.3

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.5

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.5

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.4

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.4

Average Public Support: 3.8/10

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Development of Duplex at 6306 Water Street

  • Sponsor: Water St Real Property LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $702,000
  • DRI Request: $491,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 70%
  • Development of a 2-family, two story home (duplex). Each unit will be 1,500 sq ft each on a currently vacant lot at the northern gateway of the Village.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.6

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.1

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.9

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

1.9

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.4

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.9

Average Public Support: 3.6/10

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Development of Event Center on Lake Street

  • Sponsor: Waterloo Properties, LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $2,000,000
  • DRI Request: $1,300,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 65%
  • Development of a new 4,000 sqft event center and adjacent parking lot, seawall, overlook deck and dock, and walking trail to provide waterfront views along Cayuga Lake.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.3

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

3.1

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.7

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.3

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

3.1

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.3

Average Public Support: 4.5/10

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Development of Marina Gateway and Storefront Entrance, Waterfront Café, and Additional Boat Service Facilities

  • Sponsor: Frontenac Holding LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $976,000
  • DRI Request: $589,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 60%
  • Removal of structures at 107 Cayuga Street and integration of 109 Cayuga into a gateway into the Marina and Cayuga Lake. The project also includes the development of a new storefront entrance for the show room and construction of triple bay service and parts facility. The project also includes the construction of a waterfront café.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.8

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

3.4

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.7

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

3.4

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

3.6

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.5

Average Public Support: 6/10

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Aurora Free Library Window Restoration and Renovation at 370 Main Street

  • Sponsor: Aurora Free Library/Morgan Opera House
  • Total Project Cost: $420,000
  • DRI Request: $375,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 89% (Non-Profit)
  • Restoration and renovation of the 125-year-old historic building and Opera House windows. The project includes the restoration of 55 original leaded glass windows, which are no longer weathertight and have broken panes. The clear-glass scope includes 44 windows, many of which are broken and non-functional.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.0

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.3

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.4

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.6

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.3

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.1

Average Public Support: 6.6/10

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Development of Cabin Rentals and RV Park on Seminary Street

  • Sponsor: Union Springs Academy
  • Total Project Cost: $675,000
  • DRI Request: $475,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Improvements to the existing lodge and rental facility and RV Park. Construction of 10-12 ‘tiny home’ style lodges for rent by the public which include kitchen and bath. Improvements to existing RV sites with water / sewer connections and stone pads. Upgrades also include new pavilions and store, walking paths, and site lighting.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.9

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.6

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.4

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.7

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.7

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.5

Average Public Support: 4.4/10

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New Lodging and Commercial Redevelopment at Beacon Bay Marina

  • Sponsor: Beacon Bay Enterprises Inc.
  • Total Project Cost: $5,746,000
  • DRI Request: $2,500,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 44%
  • Redevelopment of existing building into 19 new lodging units, a property manager's apartment, and a small open-air gathering space primarily for lodging guests. The project also includes the installation of new docks to accommodate additional water activity.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.5

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

3.4

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.1

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.6

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

3.3

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.6

Average Public Support: 5.4/10

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Development of Apartments at 6200 Center Street

  • Sponsor: Gemcole Properties
  • Total Project Cost: $911,000
  • DRI Request: $446,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 51%
  • Development of 5 apartments (1688 sqft each) and a 5-unit storage space on the ground floor.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.1

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.6

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.7

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.8

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.5

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.2

Average Public Support: 4.7/10

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Upgrades to Community Medical Center at 18 Wells Road

  • Sponsor: Community Medical Center
  • Total Project Cost: $294,000
  • DRI Request: $220,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Development of handicap accessible restroom, new windows, and doors, renovation of 1,000 sqft existing space to accommodate various physicians

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.2

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.9

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.5

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

3.4

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

3.4

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.9

Average Public Support: 7.4/10

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Development of Mixed-Use Building at 143 Cayuga Street

  • Sponsor: Eric + Frances Rosenkrans
  • Total Project Cost: $2,200,000
  • DRI Request: $1,650,000
  • % of Total Project Cost:75%
  • Demolition of the dilapidated building and construction of a new 3-story 4,000 sqft mixed use building to include at least four apartments above and retail space on the ground floor.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.4

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

3.3

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.1

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.6

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

3.1

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.6

Average Public Support: 6.1/10

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Development of Artist Gallery and Live/Work Space at 6223 Lake Street

  • Sponsor: Mansfield Block, LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $321,000
  • DRI Request: $185,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 58%
  • Construction of a 2-story timber frame Carriage House Barn that includes a retail gallery exhibiting art and local craft / food vendor space. Project includes the construction of a smaller timber frame barn to be utilized as a live/workspace for artists.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.9

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.8

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.0

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.8

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.8

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.3

Average Public Support: 5.4/10

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Development of a Campground at 6273 Willard Street

  • Sponsor: Camp Dwellmin LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $1,100,000
  • DRI Request: $825,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Development of a new campground that includes 16 oversized pull through RV sites, 4 cabin sites, a bathroom with showers, walking trails, recreation area, and communal garden.

Alignment with Vision & Goals

3.1

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.9

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.4

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.8

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.8

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.7

Average Public Support: 4.6/10

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Development of Mixed-Use Space at 6273 Willard Street

  • Sponsor: Dwellmin Storage LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $540,000
  • DRI Request: $405,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Development of a new, 1,200 sqft retail space for local artisans with outdoor seating, and 10,800 sqft of storage space for recreational vehicles

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.7

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.5

Is the project ready for implementation?

3.3

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.2

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.6

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.5

Average Public Support: 4.2/10

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Improvements to the Union Springs Supermarket at 177 Cayuga Street

  • Sponsor: Union Springs Supermarket
  • Total Project Cost: $142,000
  • DRI Request: $106,000
  • % of Total Project Cost: 75%
  • Roof renovations, new lighting, new sign installation, and updates to facade

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.3

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

2.2

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.6

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.5

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.4

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

2.9

Average Public Support: 6/10

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Mixed Use Building Improvements at 6228 Lake Street

  • Sponsor: Aurelius Property Management, LLC
  • Total Project Cost: $147,000
  • DRI Request: $110,000
  • % of Total Project Cost:75%
  • Exterior renovations including construction of two porches, new siding, new roof, back porches, rain gutters, and landscaping

Alignment with Vision & Goals

2.2

Is the project catalytic for the DRI region?

1.9

Is the project ready for implementation?

2.5

Is the project cost effective for the DRI region?

2.3

Does the project provide co-benefits for the DRI region?

2.1

Does the project have positive visual impacts?

3.2

Average Public Support: 3.7/10

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Public Projects

  • Public Projects Total to $6.425 million and includes:
    • Improvements to McIntosh Park
    • Enhancements to Frontenac Park
    • Construction of a Pedestrian Bridge on Foundry Street
    • Construction of a Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park
    • Development of Aurora Community Park & Boathouse at 170 Main Street
    • Administer a Small Projects Fund (all Villages)
    • Creation of a Cohesive Branding and Marketing Strategy (all Villages)

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Voting on the Final Slate

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Public Comment