Copake to pursue NY Forward funding for third time

COPAKE — The hamlet of Copake is hosting a planning meeting for its NY Forward Grant application Thursday, Oct. 10.

The NY Forward grants are part of the state’s policy for economic development. The hope is that the grant will “reinvigorate local and regional economies by creating a critical mass of vibrant downtown destinations.” Two awards of $4.5 million each will be awarded in each of the rural regions of the state. Another grant, DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) is for cities.

The application process is being led by Roberta Roll. She also led the Waterfront Project, which won a grant to revitalize Bish Bash Brook, Roeliff-Jansen Kill, and Taghkanic Creek.

There are four steps to the application process: Pre-application, apply, plan and implement. The Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) picks nominees and nominates towns for the awards.

The towns and hamlets eligible for the grant are usually those which lost an industry, such as the railroad or a mill, that the town grew up around.

Roberta Roll talked about the proposed application saying, “This is our third try for NY Forward, and, while our past applications have been strong, we think that this year’s application demonstrates that Copake is fully prepared to receive a NY Forward award.”

Roll mentioned some of the projects the grant would help. “The projects range from the renovation and expansion of existing successful businesses in town, to the creation of new dining establishments and farm-related projects, to housing, as well as a therapeutic riding center. The Copake Grange, a historic building, and an important community center will be renovated and restored. A new green space/park will be created.”

She added: “the timing of this award couldn’t be better, as it would dovetail with the streetscape redesign project, the construction of which will commence in early 2026.”

The requirements for application include planning meetings so that residents can contribute ideas. The meeting on Oct. 10 will take place at the Copake Town Hall from 4 to 5:30 p.m. It can be attended in person or by Google Meet and the link can be found at www.copakewaterfronts.com/nyforward At the meeting there will be a review of the projects that have been proposed for the NY Forward Grant.