Who is asking for what in Boonville’s NY Forward $4.5 million grant award

BOONVILLE- 28 project proposals will be considered, consisting of both private and public submissions, for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

31 were originally handed in, but two project propositions, the Boonville Bowl and Lodge at Headwaters, were ultimately deemed to be outside of the map boundary. A third submission, Mobile Workshop for Children, was also found to be ineligible.

According to the Local Planning Committee, there is a 30% match required for all private projects, while there is no match for any submitted public projects.

Speaking of which, the committee says several public projects are those proposed via the village.

See the full list of public and private project submissions in this PDF link (starts at slide 30).

For example, one of the public project propositions involves restoring the historic downtown bandstand. The requested funding for that adds up to $210,000.

Another public project proposal involves modernizing the Boonville Fire Department and the firehouse, including the addition of a bay to house larger equipment. Total requested funds for that project idea adds up to just over $915,000.

In terms of private project submissions, one example includes re-creating the historic Slim’s Diner, which would essentially erect another building designed exactly as the former establishment.

Including initial funding requests and other funds, the total for a potential new Slim’s Restaurant adds up to $950,000.

A very similar proposal to restore the former Boone building was also submitted, where total requested costs, including NY Forward and other expenses, rings in over $7.3 million.

Again, the public can view a complete list of submitted project proposals here.

The next upcoming public workshop will be October 2 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Erwin Library. According to Lisa Stanford, member of the Local Planning Committee, public input is highly encouraged for these project submissions.

“People’s opinions matter,” she told us. “Even if they are not on the committee, their input will still be a part of the decision making process.”

For those who are unsure of attending the next public workshop, an online survey is aimed to launch starting September 25, where folks will be able to make comments and voice their input.

Village of Boonville, NY image.