LIBERTY – The Town of Liberty is once again setting its sights on a major state funding opportunity aimed at revitalizing small communities. At its recent meeting, the town board voted unanimously to apply for a $4.5 million New York Forward grant.

The program was created in part by Govenor Kathy Hochul’s economic development strategy to help smaller communities strengthen and improve their downtowns. It is modeled after the larger downtown revitalization initiative (DRI), which had awarded $10 million grants to cities like Middletown in the past.

Supervisor Frank DeMayo noted that Liberty has applied for the New York Forward funds for the past few years but has not yet been selected. “We’ve been close, and we’ve been lobbying like crazy on this program,” he shared.

The grant would focus heavily on downtown Liberty, particularly the village center. Proposed projects would include parking improvements, pedestrian and traffic safety upgrades and other efforts to enhance the area’s appeal.

The board also pointed to the success other communities have had with the funding, such as Middletown, which was able to parlay that award into $30 million in total investments by attracting additional funding sources.

As for Liberty, winning the New York Forward grant would represent a major step toward downtown revitalization efforts that have been ongoing for years. 

The board emphasized that continued investments in the village is key to improving the quality of life for its residents, boosting local businesses and attracting new visitors. With the authorization now approved, the supervisor’s office will move forward in preparing the grant application.