AURORA, NY (607NewsNow) – Development plans in Cayuga County have been announced.

On May 15, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled nine chosen projects in Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs that will help transform the villages into a “lakeside corridor.” It was part of a larger event announcing similar projects in the Village of Canastota and the Hamlet of Brewerton.

“Central New York is at the forefront of the economic resurgence sweeping across our state, and I’m investing in 20 projects that will transform our towns and villages and strengthen the communities around them,” said Hochul. “When we invest in our communities, we make it easier for families and businesses to do what they do best with the freedom to do it better. That’s why I’m fighting to make our neighborhoods better for generations to come.”

The projects were ultimately chosen after community input and several rounds of review from a committee of leadership from the villages and state officials. They include park improvements, a marina overhaul, housing, and mixed-use buildings.

“One year ago, Wells College closed,” said Aurora Mayor Jim Orman. “The Village of Aurora lost over half of its population. This DRI award will provide the first tangible step to begin the renaissance of Aurora. We have already attracted the interest of an investor to build homes and small businesses across from this new park. This transformational award will provide the initial boost in our long-term economic development growth.”

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative program was started in 2016 to serve as a catalyst for investment in neighborhoods and communities statewide.

Project Details via Governor Hochul’s Office

  • Redevelopment of Beacon Bay Marina – Redevelop the existing building into new lodging, a property manager’s apartment, and a small open-air gathering space, primarily for lodging guests. Additional docks will be installed to accommodate increased boating activity. ($2.5M)
  • Improvements to Frontenac Park – Develop new pathways for pedestrian circulation, a new pay station, and parking accommodations. A new picnic shelter will be added, and laws will be restored. Additionally, the house at the end of Factory Street will be repurposed into a recreation office and community gathering space. A new patio will allow for recreation programming and classes. ($1.338M)
  • Transformation of McIntosh Park – Overhaul the park with renovations including drainage improvements, paved entrance road and parking, basketball and pickleball courts, relocation of existing tee-ball field, new benches, and construction of an inclusive playground and new pavilion. ($2.083M)
  • Development of mixed-use building at 143 Cayuga Street – Construct new, multi-story building that will include upper floor apartments and ground floor retail space. ($1.428M)
  • Constuction of a Southern Gateway: Aurora Waterfront Park – Construct Southern Gateway Park by repurposing old railway bed into durable, shared-use, ADA-compliant trail. New signage, new parking area, picnic tables with grills and shade trees. Also, an accessible canoe/kayak launch, kayak storage, Blueway launch site signage, Blueway Trail kiosk, and benches along the trail and a concrete sidewall. ($773,000)
  • Development of Marina Gateway and storefront entrance, waterfront cafe and additional boat service facilities – Structures will be removed at 107 Cayuga Street to develop the gateway, which will feature a new storefront entrance for the Marina show room, and a triple-bay service and parts facility. Also, a year-round waterfront cafe will be built. ($589,000)
  • Development apartments at 6200 Center Street – Adaptive reuse of an existing building into two-bedroom loft style apartments with storage spaces ($446,000)
  • Restoration of historic Patrick Tavern building and development of Tavern Green at 302 Main Street – Restore Patrick Tavern including addition of historically accurate covered porch along the Village’s Main Street facade. Includes replacement of roof, windows, and doors, as well as new signage, a sidewalk connection, bike racks, storage room, exterior lighting, stone patio, stone wall, and ADA accessible ramps. A new green space behind the building will be developed to allow for markets and events. ($363,000)
  • Upgrades to community center and new accessible entrance at 337 Main Street – Install ADA accessible entryway with improved lighting, signage and a sidewalk connection to existing public walk. Updates to existing meeting space including new floors, lighting, and reconstruction of the kitchen and HVAC installation. ($180,000)