Just yesterday, as I walked through the village, I got to wondering whatever happened to that $4.5 million NY Forward grant that we heard so much about a few years ago.
The grant, you might remember, was awarded to the Village of Webster for improvements to the downtown business district. It was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), and landing it was a long process involving proposals, committees, focus groups, and lots of opportunities for input from community members and business owners.
After receiving the award, more meetings and input sessions ensued to decide where and how to use the hard-won funds. Ultimately all the proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, and community members were given several opportunities to vote for their favorite ones. Last year, New York State selected 11 projects to receive the funding.
But then, I heard pretty much nothing about that money and when it was finally going to be spent. So it was with great interest that I read an article in the most recent Village of Webster newsletter which outlined the next steps.
The 11 projects which were chosen are:
- Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use — $1,100,000
- Optimize Harmony House for Performances — $1,010,000
- Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts — $546,000
- Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage — $381,000
- Create a Gateway to the North End Business District — $310,000
- Establish a Small Project Grant Fund — $289,000
- Create a Hojack Trail Gateway — $289,000
- Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church — $255,000
- Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street — $161,000
- Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use — $89,000
- Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster — $70,000
According to the newsletter, on Aug. 13 the Village of Webster signed initial consultant agreements for three of those projects:
- Veterans Memorial Park
- Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
- Wayfinding signage
- Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the Village to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
- Marketing
- Develop a platform for information on parking, events and promotions, along with digital marketing content to promote the Village and enhance awareness of businesses.
The Village promises additional opportunities for public engagement with the projects. Stay tuned for more information.
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(posted 9/15/2026)
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