Moving Our Village Downtown Forward!
In February 2024, the Village of Webster, New York was selected by Governor Kathy Hochul to receive $4.5 million through the NY Forward community revitalization program! The Webster Economic Development Alliance spearheaded this collaborative community-building effort amongst the Village, School District, and Business Improvement District.
Village of Webster NY Forward Boundary Area (map)
Local Planning Committee Update
From May to October 2024, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) convened to discuss the continued revitalization of the Village of Webster downtown area. The LPC was comprised of stakeholders who provided diverse perspectives and local expertise. Over the course of 6 meetings, the LPC:
- Developed a vision for Downtown, including goals for revitalization.
- Reviewed key demographic and market data to support revitalization.
- Announced an open round seeking funding proposals from the private sector.
- Reviewed and scored project proposals against the community's vision and goals.
- Selected a slate of projects to recommend to NYS for funding consideration.
The following presentations are from each of the LPC Meetings:
| LPC Meeting 1 | LPC Meeting 2 | LPC Meeting 3 |
| LPC Meeting 4 | LPC Meeting 5 | LPC Meeting 6 |
Awarded Projects
On May 23rd, 2025, Governor Hochul announced 11 winning projects for Webster NY Forward. The following projects were awarded:
- Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use ($1,100,000): Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
- Optimize Harmony House for Performances ($1,010,000): Update the historic Harmony House to enhance ADA accessibility and make it more conducive to performances and events, strengthening the presence of performing arts in downtown Webster.
- Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000): Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail as well as workshops and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.
- Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage ($381,000): Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the downtown core to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster's sense of place.
- Create a Gateway to the North End Business District ($310,000): Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business district by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a gateway feature.
- Establish a Small Project Grant Fund ($289,000): Create a matching grant fund to support smaller-scale improvements and renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.
- Create a Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000): Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection, create a sense of place and enhance safety for those accessing the trail.
- Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000): Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by modernizing the spaces and enhancing comfort to increase utilization by the community.
- Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street ($161,000): Modernize and reconfigure the commercial spaces at 39 West Main Street to optimize the layout, right-size the spaces for the market, and enhance accessibility to attract future tenants to the downtown core.
- Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use ($89,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to optimize for retail use, bringing a new business into a vacant space and adding vibrancy to the Main Street Business District.
- Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster ($70,000): Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.
View the Village of Webster's Strategic Investment Plan
To learn more about the NY Forward Program, visit: https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.
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