The NY Forward Planning Process

The Canajoharie NY Forward planning process is a community-driven process supported by New York State and a consultant team. The six-month planning process will identify, develop, and recommend proposed projects for NY Forward funding and will result in the development of a Strategic Investment Plan. Throughout the planning process, the public — including residents, business owners, civic organizations, Village staff, anchor institutions, and the broader community — are invited to attend Local Planning Committee (LPC) meetings and public workshops to learn about the planning process; to help shape the vision for downtown Canajoharie; to pose questions; to comment on the findings, goals, and recommendations; and to contribute project ideas. The section below describes the key components of the planning process.

Public Engagement

Public engagement will occur throughout the entire NY Forward planning process to understand community needs, opportunities and challenges, identify and develop potential projects, and to ensure NY Forward revitalization efforts are supported by the local community.

The downtown profile and assessment will provide a clear, concise, and compelling narrative that articulates the story of the region and downtown Canajoharie as well as describes the future of the downtown area and region. This section will provide a data-driven basis for projects recommended for NY Forward funding.

Downtown Profile + Assessment

Informed by the Village of Canajoharie’s NY Forward application and public input, the LPC will develop a vision statement with corresponding goals and revitalization strategies to guide decision-making about future development and investment in the downtown area.

Downtown Vision, Goals, + Strategies

Proposed projects for NY Forward funding will be identified through an open call for project proposals. The state and consultant team will work closely with project sponsors to develop project profiles. The final slate of projects are intended to have positive and transformative impacts on the NY Forward community and will be a mix of public, non-profit, and privately sponsored projects.

Project Identification + Development

The SIP will describe the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization of downtown Canajoharie, present the community’s vision for the future of the downtown, and propose transformative projects that may be realized with an investment of NY Forward funds. Once complete, the State will review Canajoharie’s SIP and select which projects will receive NY Forward funding.

Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)

Canajoharie NY Forward Boundary

The Village of Canajoharie’s NY Forward boundary is centered on the downtown core roughly five blocks long and anchored by the West Hill School to the south and Riverfront Park to the north. Most of the village is located within the Canajoharie Historic District, due to its historic importance as a transportation hub and the abundance of well-preserved architecture from different eras.

Canajoharie’s NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) will examine the unique challenges and opportunities for the revitalization of downtown Canajoharie, present the community’s vision for the future of the NY Forward area, and propose transformative projects that may be realized with the investment of NY Forward funding.

NY FORWARD BOUNDARY MAP

(forthcoming)

Local Planning Committee (LPC)

While the New York State Department of State will oversee the Canajoharie NY Forward process with support from a consultant team led by Laberge Group, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will be responsible for meeting regularly with the consultant team and representing the public throughout the process. The LPC is comprised of NYS Department of State approved members, including a diverse group of community leaders and stakeholders. The LPC is tasked with overseeing the development of the SIP, which will identify a slate of projects ready for implementation. The LPC will also be responsible for sharing information about the NY Forward with their networks and communities. Members of the LPC play an important role in ensuring that the plan is grounded in the values and aspirations of the community.

All LPC meetings are open to the public and provide opportunity for public comment.

Members of the Canajoharie LPC include:

  • Co-Chair: Hon. Ronald Dievendorf, Village of Canajoharie

  • Co-Chair: Kenneth Rose, MVREDC Regional Council Member and Director of the Montgomery County Business Development Center

  • MaryBeth Shults, Shults Family Farm

  • Tim Shepard, Community Youth Center, Inc.

  • Sheryl Neal, Arkell Museum

  • Andrew Meka, Orsini Landscaping

  • Amelia Hoad, Canajoharie Central School

  • Autumn Kraak, Howard Hanna Real Estate and Homes for Sale

  • Andrew Whittingham, Montgomery County Health Department

  • Dennis Yaccobucci, Liberty ARC

  • Jerry Ward, Village of Canajoharie

  • Joe Fowler, Brotherhood Antiques

  • Tracy Evans, Canajoharie Central School

  • Janet Stanley, Lee Newspapers, Inc.