By Max Oppen
TANNERSVILLE — In a strategic move to breathe new life into its downtown, Village of Tannersville officials have named LaBella Associates as the designated consultant for their $600,000 Downtown Revitalization Fund (DRF), secured through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). This funding is part of the $10 million grant awarded to the Village by the State of New York in 2021 and aims to revitalize the downtown area. The grant will be administered by the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).
The Rochester-based LaBella Associates will be allocated $60,000 to oversee the implementation of the DRF grant. They will provide administrative assistance and project management services to ensure the success of Tannersville's revitalization efforts.
According to officials, LaBella Associates is involved in several projects on the mountaintop, including the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s new Dance Studios next to the Orpheum Performing Arts Center.
The responsibilities of LaBella Associates will encompass various vital tasks:
Administrative Assistance:
Coordination of the execution of the grant agreement/contract.
Active participation in developing and coordinating the application and project selection process.
Review of grant agreements with selected participants.
Submission of funding commitment paperwork and payment requests.
Coordination of site inspections.
Communication with property owners.
Collaboration with The Village of Tannersville Board.
Management of DRF and Grant:
Implementing the procedures outlined in Tannersville’s DRF Administrative Plan.
Overseeing the DRF grant to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources.
Project Implementation:
Managing the implementation of various projects, yet to be determined, including building and façade renovations and business expansions after individual awards are made.
Budget Oversight:
Managing the grant budget by overseeing project expenditures.
Making payments and submitting reimbursement documentation to State authorities.
The appointed consultant for administrative services will play a role in various aspects of the DRF. Their responsibilities include:
Public Outreach and Information Sessions:
Effectively publicize the availability of funds to property and business owners in the DRI area.
Conduct public information meetings to clarify program requirements.
Project Application Review and Recommendations:
Scrutinize project applications for eligibility and completeness.
Collaborate with Tannersville’s Village Board to formulate recommendations for the State.
Funding Approval and Contract Preparation:
Notify property and business owners of funding approval.
Facilitate the preparation of funding contracts.
Program Guidance and Support:
Clarify specific program requirements to business and property owners.
Assist owners and their architects/engineers in developing scopes of work.
Financial and Administrative Oversight:
Review owners’ cost estimates, financing plans, SEQR documentation, and project designs.
Aid in obtaining necessary approvals from the Village and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Establish a comprehensive list of contractors and oversee bid solicitations and evaluations.
Assist the Village Building Inspector with periodic construction oversight.
Review owners’ expenses, process invoices, and submit documentation for reimbursement by the State.
Reporting and Environmental Services Assistance:
Compile individual project Environmental Review paperwork.
Assemble documentation, including maps and relevant records, for project-specific environmental reviews.
Submit final scopes/designs for approval through the State Historic Preservation Office’s Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS).
Coordinate the Environmental Assessment of project sites to determine the required level of investigation, adhering to program requirements and ASTM guidelines.
Assist in identifying qualified environmental firms or conduct reviews in-house if capacity allows.
The selected consultant will receive guidance from the NYS DHCR and Tannersville’s Village Board. Regular visits to the Village for site inspections and in-person meetings are expected, and the Village will provide the necessary facilities.
This action reflects the Village’s commitment to ensuring the success of its downtown revitalization efforts. The collaboration will bring positive changes, including infrastructure improvements, business growth, and an enhanced overall community experience. In the coming weeks, Village officials will discuss the details of spending the grant money.
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