Falconer application outlines NY Forward grant uses – observertoday.com

Jun 20, 2026
Falconer Mayor James Jaroszynski is pictured with Gov. Kathy Hochul after accepting a $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

The village of Falconer is proposing to use $1.75 million of its $4.5 million NY Forward grant on a major development on West Main Street.
The first project listed in the village’s application to the state is a partnership with Peak Development Partners to build two four-story buildings, at a total project cost of $20,956,000, at 21-37 W. Main St. The project will also have $19,206,000 in private investment along Empire State Development and Pro-Housing Capital. The project could be done in as few as 24 months.
Part of the site is land that was cleared after fires in 2017 and 2018. In the years since Falconer and Ellicott officials have tried to find partners to build new mixed-use buildings on the site that include ground floor retail with upper floor apartments.
“This development will bring new energy to the area with modern commercial space on the ground floor and 54 thoughtfully designed apartments above helping to reimagine West Main as a vibrant place to live, work and connect,” the village’s NY Forward grant application states.
Another $500,000 of the NY Forward grant is proposed to be used on the third phase of work at 1 E. Main St. The building, owned by J. Siriano Holdings, currently houses Prevention Works. The next phase of the project is estimated to cost $1 million – of which $500,000 would come from NY Forward – with $500,000 in private investment to add an elevator, refresh the building’s facade and create new commercial spaces.
Pictured is an artist’s rendering of a $20,956,000 project proposed by Peak Development Partners to redevelop property at 21-37 W. Main St., Falconer. The redevelopment has been discussed for years after fire destroyed two buildings in 2017 and 2018.
Village officials also propose spending $1.5 million as part of a $3.5 million project to revitalize 27-28 E. Main St., with 26 residential units as well as work planned for 27 Merchant Lane. Another $185,000 is proposed to be spent on 17-19 W. Main St., the site of the West Main Mercantile. That project would include $65,000 in private funding as well as NY Main Street and Restore NY money to refresh the building’s facades, create new entrances and renovate four currently vacant upper floor apartments. Properties at 9-11 E. Main St. that currently house the Belle-view East and PersNikkity Pies would receive $172,000 to refresh the building’s facade and, according to the application, “introduce a new dining destination…”
Hanson Sign is requesting $382,000 in NY Forward money as part of a $510,000 project to build a new 4,000 square foot steel facility to expand production capacity. The expansion is expected to create three or four new jobs. Also expanding is Falconer Printing, which is requesting $405,000 from the NY Forward grant as part of a $540,000 project to add 4,000 square feet to the existing 66 E. Main St. building to expand production capabilities, introduce vehicle graphic installation services and accommodate new equipment and staff. The company expects to add two or three new jobs once the expansion is complete.
The NY Forward grant application also includes projects that aren’t requesting NY Forward money, but that are in the village’s long-term plans. The village is eyeing a $2.5 million streetscape project along Main Street and Work Street, with funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program and Climate Smart Communities programs. Upgrades will be designed to increase pedestrian and cyclists’ safety with decorative corner bump outs with environmentally friendly infrastructure, trees, decorative lighting and sidewalk improvements. The village is looking to upgrade and connect Falconer, Lions and Davis parks in the village with a $2,025,000 project, through applications to a state Environmental Protection Fund Parks Program and a Municipal Parks and Recreation grant. The upgrades would include ADA-compliant playground equipment at Falconer Park, improved courts and athletic fields at all village parks, a new bandshell at Davis Park for live performances and a connected network of trails and sidewalks that would link all village parks for walking and biking. A separate project would upgrade Abe Mattison Millrace Park at a cost of $1.5 million, with the village looking for a second grant from the Environmental Protection Fund Parks Program and a Municipal Parks and Recreation programs. Upgrades at Mattison Millrace Park would include an ADA-accessible boat launch, new pavilion and secure kayak storage to promote outdoor recreation, replacing the park’s footbridge and adding an ADA-accessible playground, new lighting and blue light safety features as well as wayfinding and interpretive signs.
Other possible NY Forward grant funding could be used on a $1.7 million upgrade to the Falconer Community Building and Falconer Library. The project is requesting $1.5 million from the NY Forward program, with additional funding coming from private sources and a Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities grant. The project would install an elevator to allow the library’s upper and lower levels to be used for expanded computer access, a dedicated children’s room and additional areas for events and meetings. The project would also include interior and exterior upgrades. Another $500,000 in NY Forward money could be used for new wayfinding signs while $150,000 is requested for a project to transform Coleson Park into a yearlong destination by expanding Santa’s House to improve ADA accessibility, create a larger space for community gatherings and support year-round programs. A glass enclosure would showcase the village’s 1936 fire truck while the village wants to develop public access to the Chadakoin River from the park. The final NY Forward request is $300,000 toward a $500,000 project to establish a small projects fund for downtown Falconer building owners to revitalize the interior or exterior of their buildings.
“Over the years we’ve faced our share of challenges, but the spirit of Falconer has never wavered,” Mayor James Jaroszynski wrote in a message included in the application. “Our residents have shown time and time again that when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. The NY Forward grant represents a chance to turn that determination into real, lasting progress. We’re ready to breathe new life into our downtown, support our local businesses and create new opportunities that keep families here for generations to come.”
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