At the second meeting for the people chosen to submit projects for Richfield’s New York Forward grant established criteria for evaluating projects.
Last week’s meeting at Richfield Central School involved the Local Planning Committee, state consultants and about 25 members of the public who attended. The meeting began with a review of the Code of Conduct LPC members must follow.
Richfield Town Supervisors Larry Frigault also reminded the group that they are the cheerleaders of the $4.5 million grant awarded by New York state.
He said they must all take care that accurate information comes from them to the community.
Nicole Allen of Laberge Group, the town’s consultant on the project, said Laberge is working on a downtown Richfield profile.
Projects can be submitted to the end of July at the website www.richfieldforward.org.
The LPC will then use the criteria set to submit a list to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her to choose the projects awarded.
Allen reviewed ways the public will learn about the grant, including a July 11 workshop from 4 to 8 p.m. at the school and outreach at the community’s July 10 concert in Spring Park.
People can also reach out through the website.
Allen said six potential applicants attended office hours earlier that day.
Since 2015 the community has seen $7.7 million in investment on various projects.
Allen went over the LPC’s list of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats they saw about the community. Using that they considered Vision and Goals.
LPC members said more affordable housing, such as for seniors, would be goal, as would safer streets for walking and biking.
Goals for Richfield should align with the state’s NY Forward goals, Allen said. These include growing the tax base, housing options and employment opportunities.
Criteria to select projects will include readiness, at minimum of $75,000 in grant money requested and co-benefits with other parts of the community.
Projects too small to qualify can apply for funding under the Small Project Fund to be established from the grant.