A local planning committee will review 33 submissions to determine how to invest the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant awarded to the villages of Aurora, Cayuga and Union Springs.Â
The 19-member committee reviewed the project ideas during a meeting at Union Springs Fire Hall Monday. Consultants will follow up with project sponsors to gather more information and accurate estimates.Â
The final list of projects will be part of a strategic plan the committee will adopt later this year. The state must approve the projects.Â
Here are the 33 DRI project proposals:Â
Aurora
Park improvements
The village would add mile markers and replace signage on its fitness route. At Memorial Playground, equipment will be upgraded, playing surfaces will be improved, sustainable landscaping (pollinator gardens, rain gardens and foraging gardens) will be installed, additional benches and picnic tables, a new playground sign and new wayfinding signage will be placed downtown. The improvements at Aurora Village Park would include replacement and lighting of stairs, new signage, new picnic tables, benches and the installation of a boat and fishing dock.Â
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DRI request: $500,000; total project cost: $500,000
Lakeshore enhancements, dock construction
The village plans to build a transient dock for the boating season, which would provide a public gateway from Cayuga Lake to Aurora. The improvements include new boat slips, a welcome sign, wayfinding signage, an informational kiosk, new landscaping and fencing.Â
DRI request: $750,000; total project cost: $750,000
Southern gateway and waterfront park
The village wants to repurpose the former railway bed into a walking trail with an American with Disabilities Act-compliant walkway. The waterfront park would include an ADA-compliant paddle craft launch and storage site, picnic equipment, grills and a swimming beach. New signage and kiosks will be installed.Â
DRI request: $500,000; total project cost: $500,000
Renovation of 165 and 185 Main St. into community center, village offices
The village would renovate the 3,008-square-foot Wells College president's house and transform it into a new community center. There would be indoor and outdoor community space at this location and it would serve as the new site of the village offices.Â
DRI request: $1.2 million; total project cost: $1.2 million
Restoration and decarbonization of apartments at 316 Main St.Â
The project would rehabilitate the property at 316 Main St. in Aurora and add two rental units. The oil-fired boiler heating system will be replaced with a geothermal heating and cooling system. Other work includes upgrades to the existing insulation and addition of storm windows to the renovated original windows. The building's exterior will be restored.Â
DRI request: $319,000; total project cost: $444,000
Upgrades to the Inns of Aurora dockÂ
The Inns of Aurora wants to upgrade its dock to accommodate 12 boats. There would be two longer slips for boats that are more than 30 feet long. Up to two slips will have hoists and roofs for boats that will be used for other programs, including fishing charters. One slip will be designated for short-term docking that can be used by vessels, such as ferries or shuttles, for dropoffs and pickups.Â
DRI request: $139,448; total project cost: $278,896
Community Medical Center upgrades
The medical center on the Wells College campus is planning to renovate the existing building. The project will include an accessible restroom, new doors and windows and updating 1,000 square feet of space to accommodate physicians. The center also plans to expand its operations into the college's Schwartz Athletic Center. Physical therapy and fitness classes would be provided at the facility.Â
DRI request: $187,000; total project cost: $250,000
United Ministry of Aurora community center
The United Ministry of Aurora is planning several improvements, including the installation of a paved walkway connecting the public sidewalk in front of the church to the lakeshore. An existing window will be replaced with an ADA-compliant doorway, according to a summary. A new entry will be installed with a power-operated door and a small shed roof. LED lighting will be installed, the flooring will be replaced and the kitchen will be rebuilt.Â
DRI request: $455,000; total project cost: $455,000
Aurora Free Library/Morgan Opera House, 370 Main St.
The project will restore and renovate historic windows at the library. The work will include 55 leaded-glass window openings (12 casements and 43 fixed) and 44 clear-glass window openings (23 casements, 12 fixed and nine double hung).Â
DRI request: $250,000; total project cost: $400,000
Patrick Tavern rehabilitation
The Village of Aurora Historical Society wants to restore Patrick Tavern at 302 Main St. The work would include replacing doors, windows and the roof. A covered porch and stairs will be constructed. New signage, an alarm system, bike racks and a new sidewalk connection are among the improvements. The project also calls for the construction of a stone patio and stone wall, installation of green space and landscaping.Â
DRI request: $360,725; total project cost: $373,900
Cayuga
McIntosh Park improvements
Mayor Don Wilson, Jr. outlined the project at the DRI local planning committee meeting Monday. The upgrades include a new pavilion, basketball courts, batting cages and pickleball courts. New drainage for the soccer fields and paving for a larger parking area are also included in the proposal.Â
DRI request: $1.5 million; total project cost: $1.5 million
Apartments at 6200 Center St.Â
The project will transform a two-story building into a two-floor housing unit. The ground floor will be separated into five storage areas for tenants. The second floor will have five two-bedroom apartments.Â
DRI request: $390,000; total project cost: $487,500
Duplex at 6306 Water St.Â
A two-story home will be developed into a two-family duplex. Each unit will be 1,500 square feet.Â
DRI request: $227,813; total project cost: $303,750
Beacon Bay Marina commercial redevelopment and lodging
A three-story office building will be transformed into a lodge with up to 15 bedroom suites and a small event space. A fourth floor will be built with additional living space and a small event area. An existing shop will be rehabilitated to add square footage. Decarbonization practices will be implemented. Docks will be installed for boats.Â
DRI request: $1.5 million;Â total project cost: $2 million
Campground at 6273 Willard St.Â
A vacant property will become a campground with sites for RVs and tents. There will be cabins, RVs and safari-style tents available for rent.Â
The campground will have a bathhouse, family activity area, a fire pit, small commercial store and walking trails.Â
DRI request: $825,000; total project cost: $1.1 million
Mixed-use space at 6273 Willard St.
A mixed-use building will be built for commercial use, including the storage of RVs and a new retail space.Â
DRI request: $405,000; total project cost: $540,000
Event center on Lake Street
A three-acre lakefront property will be developed into a new 4,000-square-foot event center overlooking Cayuga Lake. The project will include the construction of a new access road, an adjacent parking lot, a dock, overlook deck, parking lot and walking trail.Â
The event center will have a kitchen, restrooms and an outdoor area to host large gatherings, such as reunions and weddings.Â
Part of the property is partially outside the village of Cayuga's DRI boundary — Wilson said it's adjacent to the edge of the downtown area. The planning committee must decide whether to extend the boundary by what Wilson said is roughly 100 feet.Â
DRI request: $975,000; total project cost: $1.3 million
Lakeside cottage building rehabilitation at 6176 Lake St.Â
The building will become event space, according to the project summary. The work will include exterior, floor, roof and window improvements.Â
DRI request: $90,000; total project cost: $120,000
Artist gallery and live/work space at 6223 Lake St.
The project would create a mixed-use development, with residential and retail space, on a vacant property. A two-story carriage house barn will be constructed. The barn will include a retail gallery for arts, crafts and food vendors. A smaller barn will be built to provide accessible live/work space for artists.Â
DRI request: $184,570; total project cost: $320,570
Office, apartment space at 6193 Center St.Â
The project will convert the first floor into commercial space for historical displays and offices. The second floor will be improved for residential use. The work will include a bathroom, kitchen and laundry facility.Â
DRI request: $90,000; total project cost: $120,000
Union SpringsÂ
Frontenac Park improvements
The primary entrance driveway and boat launch parking area will be reconstructed. The boat launch pay station will be replaced. Permanent docks will be installed at the main boat launch. ADA-compliant pedestrian pathways will be installed through the park. Landscaping and trees will be added to reduce runoff.Â
DRI request: $1.5 million; total project cost: $1.5 million
Foundry Street pedestrian bridge
A pedestrian bridge will be installed on Foundry Street over the creek. A gateway park entrance sign will be placed over or adjacent to the bridge.Â
DRI request: $225,000; total project cost: $225,000
Union Springs Village Hall meeting space
The municipal building will be expanded to increase available meeting space in the facility. The storage shed will be relocated and ADA accessibility will be improved. There will be energy efficiency improvements, including new doors and windows, exterior and interior lighting, and insulation.Â
DRI request: $500,000; total project cost: $440,000
Development of mixed-use building at 143 Cayuga St.Â
A 2,604-square-foot, two-story building will be demolished and a new 4,000-square-foot building will be constructed. The building will include commercial space and at least four apartments.Â
DRI request: $1,650,000; total project cost: $2.2 million
Get the Funk Out Laundromats upgrades at 177 Cayuga St.Â
Dryers and washers will be upgraded for better efficiency. Sewer disposal will be improved.Â
DRI request: $250,000; total project cost: $250,000
Cabin rentals, RV park at 40 Spring St.Â
The project would develop cabin rentals, a lodge and RV park. It will include up to 12 "tiny home" lodges that will be equipped with bathrooms and kitchens. Existing RV sites will be improved, with full sewer and water connections and stone pads. The camping area will have new pavilions, playgrounds and a store.Â
The proposal is outside of the DRI boundary — about seven properties away — so the committee would need to extend the corridor if the project is approved.Â
DRI request: $600,000; total project cost: $800,000
Union Springs Supermarket improvements
The Union Springs Supermarket is seeking funding for facade and roof renovations, new lighting, new signage and to repave the walkway.Â
DRI request: $114,225; total project cost: $152,300
New entrance, storefront at 21 Basin St.Â
The project would include the demolition of buildings at 107 Cayuga St. A new entrance and storefront would be built for a showroom building at 21 Basin St. The showroom would be connected to an existing 12,000-square-foot building on the property.Â
DRI request: $158,700; total project cost: $317,400
Union Springs waterfront cafe
A new waterfront cafe would be built at 21 Basin St.Â
DRI request: $162,892; total project cost: $217,190
FLX Marine boat service extension
The project would construct a triple bay service and parts facility for boats. The new building would include bathrooms, a break room, equipment, storage and utilities.Â
DRI request: $123,794; total project cost: $247,588
Mural and patio at 129 Cayuga St.Â
The funding would support the commissioning of a mural for the north side of the building. A patio with outdoor seating would be built. The addition of the patio would allow for the structure's future use as a tavern.Â
DRI request: $78,765; total project cost: $105,020
Frontenac Historical Society and Museum
The project will include new signage, air conditioning for the building and paving the driveway. Lights will be installed on the front porch and siding on the rear addition will be replaced.Â
DRI request: $192,150; total project cost: $207,650
Cayuga 69´«Ã½
Marketing strategy for villages
The county is seeking funding to develop a branding and marketing strategy for the three villages.Â
DRI request: $120,000; total project cost: $120,000
Joint projects
A small projects fund for the villages
The committee received eight proposals for a small projects fund. These are smaller funding requests. One example: Healing Grounds Therapy and Cafe is seeking $600 for a community garden.Â
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.