At last week’s meeting for the Town of Richfield’s New York Forward grant, the committee reviewed and updated goals for the money.
Richfield was awarded $4.5 million from New York state earlier this year.
A list of projects will be sent to the state on how to use the funds.
The Local Planning Committee had met previously in executive session to review the projects, specifically the financial data submitted by potential project developers.
Last week’s meeting reviewed the projects, but the list to submit has yet to be decided.
Larry Frigault, Richfield town supervisor and co-chair of the local committee, said since the award Richfield has gained attention.
“There’s a surprising amount of interest from developers outside this area,’’ he said. “I think they are thinking if New York is willing to put money here so should we.’’
Richfield’s call for projects brought in 45 that totaled $15.3 million in work. The request for grant funding is at $12.5 million.
Nicole Allen of Laberge Group said the committee needs to get the request for funding down to $6 to $8 million.
Not all of the projects submitted to the state will be approved for NY Forward funding.
At a previous meeting the committee had expanded the boundaries of the selected Downtown Zone.
Allen said while the new Zone does exclude some of the housing projects proposed, other funding could be available for those developments.
At their next meeting the committee will begin selecting projects.
Allen outlined the criteria that will be looked at to decide.
The categories include how a project aligns with the town’s goals and those of the NY Forward program, how transformative it is, if it can spark other positive changes, public support, readiness and site control.
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