Oneonta To Launch Round 2 of Downtown Improvement Fund

On Monday, June 3rd, the City of Oneonta is launching Round II of Downtown Improvement Fund applications, specifically for the creation of new, high-quality upper story housing units. Round II follows the award of almost $2 million in funding to more than 60 projects that promise to update building facades, storefronts and signage, and to create several new market-rate apartments on Main and Dietz Streets.

Mayor Gary Herzig stated, “Our DRI Strategic Investment Plan specifically identified an unmet need for improved housing for young professionals and early retirees, and we have a wealth of downtown buildings with vacant or underutilized upper stories. Our hope is to provide robust funding through Round II to incentivize property owners to begin meeting this substantiated need.”  Former Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller, who continues to chair the Project Selection Committee, stated, “The first wave of DRI projects will help revitalize storefronts in our historic downtown, and offers an exciting opportunity to property and business owners. The next critical step is to catalyze the creation of high-quality
housing that will attract more residents to our increasingly vibrant downtown.

The Round II application period begins on June 3, 2019. Information and applications will be available on the City’s website, or by contacting Elizabeth Horvath, Delaware Engineering, at (607) 432 8073, or by email at ehorvath@delawareengineering.com. Completed applications are due by July 12th, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. To download an application and/or informational materials, visit http://www.oneonta.ny.us/departments/community-development/authentically-oneonta, beginning Ju