NY Forward Program

The Village of Scotia is preparing a NY Forward (NYF) grant application to support a range of projects along the Mohawk Avenue Corridor to further the corridor’s revitalization and reinvestment.

What is NY Forward?

The NY Forward (NYF) program is a comprehensive approach to reinvigorate and enliven downtowns in New York’s smaller and rural communities—the type of downtowns found in villages, hamlets and other small, neighborhood-scale municipal centers. Each year 2-3 communities in each of NY’s ten regions are selected as NY Forward communities—either two $4.5 million awards, or one $4.5 million award and two $2.25 million awards. The funding can be used on a range of projects, including public, private, and not-for-profit projects, with the funding allocated between multiple, diverse projects.

Scotia is located in the Capital Region REDC. Round 1 & 2 Capital Region REDC NY Forward awardees are the Village of Cambridge (Washington County), Village of Schuylerville (Saratoga County), Village of Hoosick Falls (Rensselaer County), Village of Coxsackie (Greene County), and Village of Kinderhook (Columbia County).

Why Scotia, and why now?

Scotia stands out as one of the only Schenectady County communities that fits the mold of what the State is typically looking for with a NY Forward community. The recent completion of the Envision Scotia plan has built momentum and identified and developed compelling projects that can be included in the application. BOA designated communities are prioritized for NY Forward funding (and other State funding). The Village was also designated as a Pro-Housing community in June. Pro-Housing designation is a requirement to be eligible for NY Forward funding this year, and there are currently only 75 designated Pro-Housing communities in the State. The Village of Scotia is the only Pro-Housing community in Schenectady County and one of only 11 in the Capital Region REDC.

Scotia’s Vision for NY Forward

The Village of Scotia is embarking on an exciting journey to revitalize and transform our downtown area through the NY Forward program. Building on the comprehensive goals and recommendations of the Envision Scotia BOA plan, our focus is on the Mohawk Avenue Corridor, a key area poised for significant redevelopment and investment.

Why Scotia and Why Now?

Scotia is uniquely positioned as a vibrant community within Schenectady County, with a rich history and a strong sense of community. As one of the few designated Pro-Housing communities in the Capital Region, Scotia meets the essential criteria for NY Forward funding, making this an opportune moment to drive forward our ambitious plans.

Goals of the NY Forward Program in Scotia:

  • Economic Revitalization: Stimulate local economic growth by supporting shovel-ready projects that create immediate positive impacts on our downtown area.

  • Cultural and Historical Preservation: Preserve and celebrate Scotia’s unique cultural and historical assets, integrating them into the fabric of a modern, thriving community.

  • Sustainable Development: Promote sustainable practices in all redevelopment efforts, ensuring long-term benefits for both the community and the environment.

The Envision Scotia plan has laid a robust foundation for these efforts, identifying key projects that align with the NY Forward program’s objectives. With community support and strategic investments, we aim to transform the Mohawk Avenue Corridor into a dynamic and inviting space that reflects Scotia's vision for the future.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite all community members to engage with us in this transformative process. Share your ideas, participate in upcoming workshops, and help us shape the future of Scotia. Together, we can create a revitalized downtown that serves as a vibrant hub for our community and a model for sustainable development in New York’s smaller and rural communities.

Preliminary NY Forward Project Area Map

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Projects outside of the project area are encouraged to submit an interest as the current boundaries are preliminary.

Project Documents

Project documents will be added to this section as they are completed during the application process.

Question or a Project Idea?

Reach out to Norabelle Greenberger, Senior Planner, LaBella Associates
518-824-1933 | ngreenberger@labellapc.com