Jeremy Ryan

The Village of Canastota's NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan serves as a roadmap for revitalizing its downtown and realizing its economic and development potential as a canal town. The plan is structured around four key strategic pillars: spurring the downtown economy, enhancing the quality of life for all residents, ensuring housing availability and affordability, and promoting tourism opportunities. The overarching vision is to create a welcoming and lively downtown with popular small businesses, diverse housing options, and attractive amenities for residents and visitors, fostering continued growth and prosperity for future generations. The plan outlines 11 proposed projects, including new construction, building renovations, and public infrastructure improvements, with anticipated implementation extending through 2028.

The Canastota Connected Comprehensive Plan aims to maintain the village's small-town feel while enhancing the community's quality of life. Key areas of focus include improving the downtown area, leveraging the Thruway exit for economic development, enhancing the Old Erie Canal for tourism and recreation, and improving housing. The plan also prioritizes recreational assets, community spaces, and economic opportunities, with an emphasis on collaboration and strategic partnerships to achieve its goals.

The meeting included budget transfers, approval of abstracts, and payments to AccuData. The board discussed and approved a resolution establishing Holiday Premium Pay for part-time police officers. Public comments included discussion of charging the Boxing Hall of Fame for costs associated with events. The Recreation Board's request to hold Summer Sports Clinics was approved. The board declared a Bobcat skid steer as surplus and authorized its use as a trade-in. Additionally, the Village attorney was authorized to prepare an Offer to Purchase property on S. Main Street. An IT Support Services Agreement was approved, and appointments were made to the Architectural Review Board. The board also discussed a credit against sewer charges and a contract change order. Agreements with the Canastota Community Band and Artist Performance Contracts were approved for the Summer Concert Series. The board discussed a request for a letter of support for a sidewalk installation and the repair of the War Memorial at Clark Park. Updates were provided on the pool opening, phone change over, and bulk pickup fees. The Mayor reported on NYCOM and discussions regarding sewer billing and utility rate management.

The meeting included discussions and approvals for several key items. Budget transfers were approved, moving funds to street lighting, beautification, and youth programs. The board approved the appointment of a part-time officer and her attendance at the Phase II Police Academy. An agreement for professional service fees with Housing Visions Consultants, Inc. was also approved, with authorization for the Mayor to execute the agreement.

The meeting included discussions and actions related to budget modifications for the purchase of real property, specifically 103 South Main Street. Payment of abstracts for the General Fund and Sewer Fund were approved. An addendum to the purchase contract for the property at 103 South Main Street was approved, clarifying details about the building dedication. The Village Administrator was appointed as the temporary Fair Housing Officer. A presentation was given for the use and design of the old Erie Mill property at 103 South Main Street, with potential development as a community center/rec center.