For Immediate Release 5/22/2024
Homer NY – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects in the Village of Homer that have been selected for funding.
Eleven projects have been selected to share in $9.7 million dollars in State funding through the DRI program.
The 11 projects, include:
Improve the Homer Festival Grounds ($1,420,000)
The Village will improve the Homer Festival Grounds, creating an appealing amenity in the DRI Area with the development of an east/west pathway from Main Street and overflow parking areas for downtown events. “Greening” of the entire area will include pavement reduction, new sidewalks, introduction of additional grass and trees throughout, rain gardens, naturalized storm water outfall and small craft boat launch.
Restore the Village Food Market Interior ($139,000)
Owners of Homer’s Village Food Market, a Main Street fixture for nearly 200 years, will update the interior of the grocery store. The project will complement the exterior façade restoration done in 2012 with new flooring, grab-and-go-counter and butcher counter, accessible rear entrance and handicapped parking to provide 21st century service in a charming and attractive restored setting.
Initiate Redevelopment of the Historic Little White Church ($1,170,000)
The Homer Center for the Arts will undertake the first of four phases of restoration and renovation of the Little White Church on the Village Green, transforming Homer’s first religious building into the Homer Cultural Center. The vision for the Homer Cultural Center is of a venue for meetings, events, programs and festivals for the Village of Homer, Homer School District, Landmark Society of Cortland County, and Homer Center for the Arts and others.
Develop a Boutique Hotel ($3,500,000)
A new boutique hotel will transform the 1825 Manor at Briggs Hall, 11 N. Main St. The 34-room full-service hotel with dining, lounge, and conference facilities will be attached to a Wellness Spa to be developed in the neighboring property.
Administer a Small Projects Fund ($500,000)
The Village will administer a fund to finance interior and exterior building improvements and improve the aesthetic appeal of downtown’s historic buildings. Improvements can include façade improvements, installation of new exterior lighting, replacement windows, code and safety updates and handicapped accessibility improvements.
Create a Downtown Marketing & Signage Program ($300,000)
The Village will create downtown promotional materials, wayfinding and gateway signage to draw more visitors into Historic Homer and help define the downtown. The program will enhance the DRI area for drivers and pedestrians and promote downtown Homer’s unique destinations.
Develop a Wellness Spa ($500,000)
A deteriorating residential building will be transformed into a Wellness Spa designed to pamper and rejuvenate body and soul with services that include hair styling, manicures and pedicures, saunas, facials, and body treatments. The 3,000 square-foot destination for Homer residents and visitors will be connected to a boutique hotel, proposed under a separate DRI project submission.
Develop Commercial Space on Wall Street ($396,000)
The 11 Wall St. building will undergo extensive renovation and restoration evocative of a Victorian-era train station. The mixed-use development will include a café, indoor and outdoor seating, local art and gift items, an area to display the works of local artists and a performance area are also planned. A trail to the Tioughnioga River will lead patrons to the water’s edge.
Construct a Riverwalk Overlook ($652,000)
The Village will construct a Riverwalk Overlook on the banks of the Tioughnioga River at the Homer Festival Grounds. This project is the anchor for a future Riverwalk, a long-imagined multi-use waterfront pathway that will be developed in phases. The overlook will feature a plaza that can host small outdoor events and where residents and visitors can linger on the water’s edge.
Develop a Commercial Kitchen, Community Center, and Year- Round Farmers Market ($823,000)
Seven Valleys Health Coalition in partnership with Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives will renovate a 4,600 square-foot space at 41 James St. to include licensed commercial kitchen and multi-use space for a year-round farmers market and community center offering low- and no-cost programs, performance and rehearsal venue, and rental classrooms for educators and instructors.
Restore the Historic Water Street Bridge ($300,000)
The historic double lenticular truss Water Street Bridge will be restored, reopening it for pedestrian use. Safety and aesthetic improvements include painting, lighting, and railings compliant with environmental, transportation and historic preservation agency requirements.
The Village was selected as a DRI community in 2023; the Village joins the City of Cortland as a DRI community. The Cortland County Business Development Corporation was pleased to support the Village’s application by providing resources to develop a promotional video that helped showcase how the state resources would be utilized to support several million worth of private investment.
