The 50 or so folks who attended last Thursday’s NY Forward public meeting at Munger Cottage may not have realized they were going to be put to work. But they were!
The kickoff public session was hosted by Supervisor Josh Wojehowski and Mayor James Gagliano, both of whom thanked those who attended. The audience was mostly private citizens, but included some people who serve on municipal boards, clubs and service organizations.
“We appreciate everyone who is here tonight,” the mayor said. “Everybody in this room has helped out to get us to this point.”
Wojehowski reminded the audience that the community’s support of the grant application process is what got them to this point.
“The state wasn’t going to give us this money if they didn’t think we’d move forward in a positive way,” the supervisor said. “Now, we need your feedback, helping us to confirm some of the input you’ve given us in the past year.”
Wojehowski said that he believes if the community continues to work together so well, “we can really maximize this $4.5 million”.
“I’m hoping the good use of this grant makes us more attractive to the private sector,” he added, and makes us more attractive for other state funds.”
And with that, after VHB’s Jill Gallant spoke for a few moments about the time line for the coming few months, those in attendance were broken into small groups to give ideas on different types of projects that may be in Cornwall’s future.
Gallant called the work that evening “the fun part”.
“We want your ideas, and all ideas are welcome” she said to those who might have been shy about sharing their thoughts. “We want to know all the great things here, what you’d like to see added, and what’s preventing you from getting there.”
She added: “We’re looking for the most transformative projects,” Gallant said. She echoed Wojehowski in saying that working through the NY Forward process is “really a great way to get additional funding into the community” once the initial grant funds are used.”
She also thanked those who were there for getting involved — “you’ve taken the first step for your community and that’s awesome”, she said.
Gallant reminded attendees that the ‘open call’ for potential projects is now through July 21. All the information as to how to submit a project idea is at www.cornwallnyf.com. The types of projects and project boundaries are explained, as is who can sponsor projects — public, non-profit, or private entities.
Gallant also put forth upcoming meeting dates:
• There are two ‘virtual office hours’ set for those who think they have a project idea. The calls will be with the planners set for June 27 and July 13. Information on those is available on the website.
• June 28, July 31, Sept. 6 and Oct. 12 are Local Planning Committee meetings (these rotate between Town and Village Halls)
• There will be an informational booth at the Fall Festival on September 24
• A public workshop is planned for September 27, at 5:30 p.m., at Munger Cottage