Lewis County Planning and Community Development

12/20/2022

Stop into Naturally Lewis to pick up the best last minute holiday gift while also showing support to local businesses!

Looking for a last minute holiday gift? It's not too late to get your County Ca$h!🤩 Stop into our office to get yours and show some local love today!

Participating merchants in the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce County Ca$h program: Amish Connection, Autumn Ridge Goat Farm, Boondocks Restaurant & Bar, Cedar Hedge Farm, Croghan Meat Market, Inc., The Edge Hotel, Flat Rock Inn, Good Ol' Wishy's, Grunert’s Great Outdoors, Guignard Greenhouses, Hand In Hand Childhood Center, jeb's Restaurant, Judge's Quarters Bed and Breakfast, Lewis County Soil & Water Conservation District, The Lowville Cheese Store, Lowville Sport and Farm Equipment, OPEN SKY Wellness, LLC, The PB&J Cafe, Roggies' Flooring Center, Snow Ridge Ski Resort, Steak 'N Brew, Towpath Restaurant & Lodge, Tug Hill Estate, West Martinsburg Mercantile

12/16/2022

Take a closer look at the December Edition of our Grant Newsletter:
https://www.lewiscounty.org/media/Newsletter/December%202022%20Newsletter%20Final.pdf

Reach out to Megan at [email protected] , to let her know what your specific funding need is.

12/15/2022

LAST CHANCE!

Lewis County Landowners, are you interested in requesting inclusion into the NYS Certified Agricultural District?
The Lewis County Board of Legislators has designated their 30-day annual review period beginning November 15, 2022 through December 15, 2022. During this period, landowners may submit written requests for inclusion into the Agricultural District. Parcels requesting inclusion must meet the definition of “viable agricultural land” as defined in Agriculture and Markets Law § 301, subdivision 7. Lands already included in the district need not submit a request. Parcel owners must complete the Agricultural District Inclusion Worksheet, which must include a written description of the land, the tax map identification number, and be accompanied by a copy of the relevant portion of a tax map depicting the location of the property you would like included into the Agricultural District. This form can be found on the County website at:
https://www.lewiscounty.org/AgDistrictInclusionWorksheet2022 or by contacting Casandra Buell, Director of Planning at (315) 376-5919.
Please submit all inclusion requests to the Lewis County Planning
Department, Lewis County Court House, 7660 North State Street, 3rd Floor Room 324, Lowville, NY 13367 on or before 4:30 PM Thursday, December 15, 2022.

12/15/2022

Beautified buildings inspire new pride in Lewis County villages and hamlets

Check out this news article about Lewis County's Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program!

“We had a great round one. The projects came out wonderfully and they’re being noticed and recognized, so that bolstered the requests in round two, although we had less money to work with,” she said, praising the dedication of the grantees. “We want to highlight our downtown areas and bring people in to an attractive place. These funds have been a catalyst … the word’s getting out and the great thing is, these building owners care enough to invest in these properties. Our ability to help with that with public funds is really, really great and the property owners have been great and really willing to go above and beyond to make the projects happen."
https://www.nny360.com/communitynews/business/beautified-buildings-inspire-new-pride-in-lewis-county-villages-and-hamlets/article_145d3aed-6eab-5c78-899e-f06e1cc5f929.html -source=login

LOWVILLE — Sixteen building and street improvement projects out of the 17 that were awarded first round funding through the two-phase Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program in Lewis County were

12/15/2022

The Lewis County Free Wi-Fi Hot Spot signs are going up! 🤩 Lewis County has partnered with Spectrum to bring free Wi-Fi hot spots to various hamlets and villages throughout the County. The picture below shows one of the signs at the Croghan Park/Recreation Area!

Here are the locations that are ready for use:
🔊 Town of New Bremen Recreation Area
🔊 Harrisville Hardware
🔊 Harrisville Library
🔊 Beaver Falls Beach
🔊 Miller's Meat Market
🔊 Croghan Recreation Area
🔊 Beaver Falls Library
🔊 Village of Castorland Offices/DPW
🔊 Town of Diana Recreation Park
🔊 Martinsburg Recreation Area
🔊 Martinsburg Offices/DPW
🔊3G Field Grounds
🔊Village of Constableville Offices

Stay tuned for more!!!

12/14/2022

What a great gift idea!

Give the gift of local this holiday season!🎁 The Lewis County Chamber of Commerce has County Ca$h available, making the best gift for your family and friends!

County Ca$h is a gift certificate program that works just like real money! Show some local love & learn more on the initiative here ➡️ https://adirondackstughill.com/cash-program/ !



Pictured: The PB&J Cafe, participating merchant of the County Ca$h program

12/12/2022

Have you noticed the new mural in Croghan??

Let us know your thoughts?!?!?!

The mural is located on the rail road side of Good Ol' Wishy's and turned out FANTASTIC!

Great job, Adirondacks Tug Hill and everyone that was part of this project🤩

12/10/2022

DON'T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Lewis County Landowners, are you interested in requesting inclusion into the NYS Certified Agricultural District?
The Lewis County Board of Legislators has designated their 30-day annual review period beginning November 15, 2022 through December 15, 2022. During this period, landowners may submit written requests for inclusion into the Agricultural District. Parcels requesting inclusion must meet the definition of “viable agricultural land” as defined in Agriculture and Markets Law § 301, subdivision 7. Lands already included in the district need not submit a request. Parcel owners must complete the Agricultural District Inclusion Worksheet, which must include a written description of the land, the tax map identification number, and be accompanied by a copy of the relevant portion of a tax map depicting the location of the property you would like included into the Agricultural District. This form can be found on the County website at:
https://www.lewiscounty.org/AgDistrictInclusionWorksheet2022 or by contacting Casandra Buell, Director of Planning at (315) 376-5919.
Please submit all inclusion requests to the Lewis County Planning
Department, Lewis County Court House, 7660 North State Street, 3rd Floor Room 324, Lowville, NY 13367 on or before 4:30 PM Thursday, December 15, 2022.

12/07/2022

We would like to congratulate the following awardees on being selected for the Round 2 of the Façade and Streetscape Improvement Program:

Village of Constableville to purchase and install benches and bike racks at the park on Church Street, $2,312.67.

The Village Inn will replace front doors, sign lenses, windows, the canopy roof and will install LP Smartsiding and cultured stone on the storefront in the Hamlet of Harrisville, $36,675.00.

Snow Belt Housing Company will purchase and install a new sign, awning, and lighting for their building in Downtown Lowville, $4,050.00.

Shut the Front Door, LLC will replace, repair, and repoint brick façade of their building in Downtown Port Leyden, $7,875.00.

The Croghan Free Library will contract with a local artist to paint a mural on the exterior wall of their building located in Downtown Croghan, $5,625.00.

Crumbs. Bakeshop will replace the glass in the historical façade windows, install new commercial doors and windows, add an ADA-compliant sloped entrance, and add outdoor dining in Downtown Lowville,$27,750.00.

Cedar Bridge Properties, LLC will restore the first-floor commercial façade by redesigning and replacing the storefront windows and doors in their building in Downtown Lowville, $33,579.33.

Tyler Weese will replace exterior windows, repair damage to the brick façade and its cornice, and restore the first-floor commercial storefronts in the Murphy Building in Downtown Copenhagen, $75,525.00.

Judge’s Quarters will purchase and install four historic replica outdoor light fixtures and poles in Downtown Lowville, $1,019.96.

Town of Lewis will install a commercial grade flagpole, two six-foot benches, and a granite memorial marker to create a pocket park overlooking the Mohawk River in the Hamlet of West Leyden, $5,588.04.

We had an exceptional pool of applications this year!

12/07/2022

Lewis County Landowners, are you interested in requesting inclusion into the NYS Certified Agricultural District?
The Lewis County Board of Legislators has designated their 30-day annual review period beginning November 15, 2022 through December 15, 2022. During this period, landowners may submit written requests for inclusion into the Agricultural District. Parcels requesting inclusion must meet the definition of “viable agricultural land” as defined in Agriculture and Markets Law § 301, subdivision 7. Lands already included in the district need not submit a request. Parcel owners must complete the Agricultural District Inclusion Worksheet, which must include a written description of the land, the tax map identification number, and be accompanied by a copy of the relevant portion of a tax map depicting the location of the property you would like included into the Agricultural District. This form can be found on the County website at:
https://www.lewiscounty.org/AgDistrictInclusionWorksheet2022 or by contacting Casandra Buell, Director of Planning at (315) 376-5919.
Please submit all inclusion requests to the Lewis County Planning
Department, Lewis County Court House, 7660 North State Street, 3rd Floor Room 324, Lowville, NY 13367 on or before 4:30 PM Thursday, December 15, 2022.

12/06/2022

Lewis County Awards Round 2 Façade and Streetscape Improvement Funds to 10 Local Businesses and Municipalities

Congratulations to the 10 businesses/ municipalities awarded Round 2 Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program funding.

We had soooo many great applications and not nearly enough 💵

Lowville, NY – Lewis County Legislators allocated $200,000 in ARPA funds for the second round of the Façade and Streetscape Improvement Program. After receiving 29 applications for approximately $1,094,500 in requested project funds, ultimately, 10 projects were awarded funding for a variety of d...

12/06/2022

Port Leyden Portal is under construction!🚧
Did you know Naturally Lewis partnered with Port Leyden Portal, LLC to redevelop the former Port Leyden School? The Lewis County IDA approved Port Leyden Portal's PILOT application in early 2022, setting a foundation for future development! The building is set to be transformed to senior housing, community space and AirBnB rentals. Together, we are championing the growth of a community where people want to live, work, build business and play!

Want a chance to develop a property in Lewis County? Check out the Glenfield School Development Opportunity ➡️ https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/glenfield-school-development-opportunity

12/05/2022

Naturally Lewis, in partnership with Lewis County, released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) that seeks to identify respondents interested in acquiring and redeveloping a 6.9-acre former elementary school property at 5960 Main Street in Glenfield, NY! 🏫🤩

Expressions of Interest are being accepted through January 31, 2023.

➡https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/glenfield-school-development-opportunity.

12/01/2022

Keep North Country homes warm and bright this winter!

Electric utilities in New York are offering an opportunity for income-eligible residential customers to have all utility debt prior to May 1, 2022 erased. Please help spread the word to National Grid or NYSEG customers who could benefit from the Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program. The deadline to enroll is Dec. 31, 2022.

National Grid customers: bit.ly/3tAmeN7
NYSEG customers: bit.ly/3EFIjAB

Contact ANCA's Annie Arnold at [email protected] or 518-891-6200 about how to enroll.

12/01/2022

Let your municipality know you'd like them to entertain utilizing Community Choice Aggregation.

OR

Reach out if you are interested in learning more about Community Choice Aggregation.

11/30/2022

Lewis County Landowners, are you interested in requesting inclusion into the NYS Certified Agricultural District?

The Lewis County Board of Legislators has designated their 30-day annual review period beginning November 15, 2022 through December 15, 2022. During this period, landowners may submit written requests for inclusion into the Agricultural District. Parcels requesting inclusion must meet the definition of “viable agricultural land” as defined in Agriculture and Markets Law § 301, subdivision 7. Lands already included in the district need not submit a request. Parcel owners must complete the Agricultural District Inclusion Worksheet, which must include a written description of the land, the tax map identification number, and be accompanied by a copy of the relevant portion of a tax map depicting the location of the property you would like included into the Agricultural District. This form can be found on the County website at:
https://www.lewiscounty.org/AgDistrictInclusionWorksheet2022 or by contacting Casandra Buell, Director of Planning at (315) 376-5919.

Please submit all inclusion requests to the Lewis County Planning
Department, Lewis County Court House, 7660 North State Street, 3rd Floor Room 324, Lowville, NY 13367 on or before 4:30 PM Thursday, December 15, 2022.

Lewis County Planning and Community Development

11/24/2022

The Lewis County Offices will be closed 11/24 and 11/25 for observance of Thanksgiving.

Take care and be well!

11/18/2022

Keep North Country homes warm and bright this winter!

Electric utilities in New York are offering an opportunity for income-eligible residential customers to have all utility debt prior to May 1, 2022 erased. Please help spread the word to National Grid or NYSEG customers who could benefit from the Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program. The deadline to enroll is Dec. 31, 2022.

National Grid customers: bit.ly/3tAmeN7
NYSEG customers: bit.ly/3EFIjAB

Contact ANCA's Annie Arnold at [email protected] about how to enroll.

11/16/2022

MUNICIPAL LEADERS/ PROPERTY OWNERS

TODAY is the last day to submit your ideas!

Round 7 of the Restore NY Community Initiative is now open and we are looking to assist municipalities with projects they would like to submit. Restore NY provides municipalities with the financial assistance needed to revitalize commercial and residential properties. My office, the Department of Planning and Community Development, along with the Lewis County IDA, are looking for information on projects that municipalities and property owners are interested in partnering on. It is important to note that applications will need to be submitted by the municipality, demonstrate a minimum match of at least 10%, and a public hearing must be held discussing the application and the associated property assessment list.

To get the ball rolling, we put together a quick survey that we are asking interested municipalities and property owners/developers to complete by Wednesday, November 16th. If you have a project in mind and would like our assistance, please fill out the following Project Eligibility Form online: https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/vpr

We will use the information you provide us to assess the eligibility of the project with the Restore NY program requirements. If we find that your project may be suited well for this funding, we will reach out to you to collect more information and, if warranted, to complete and submit an Intent to Apply form.

Important Dates for Round 7 Restore NY Program
Program Launch: Friday, October 28th, 2022
Intent to Apply Form Due: Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 (5 PM)
Final Application Due: Friday, January 27th, 2023 (3 PM)

I should also note that you may be curious about the referenced Lewis County Vacant Property Revitalization Program on the webpage hosting the Project Eligibility Form. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding this program after the New Year!

As always, if you should have any questions, please reach out Lewis County Planning or Naturally Lewis!

11/15/2022

VACANT🏚 >> VALUE🏠

Do you own a vacant, abandoned or condemned building in a downtown area? Lewis County and Naturally Lewis are teaming up with local building owners to help revitalize vacant buildings!
Interested? Fill out the Project Eligibility Form by November 16! If your project appears eligible for funding we will invite you to complete a full application🏘

Learn more about the new Vacant Property Revitalization ➡️ https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/vpr

VACANT🏚 >> VALUE🏠
Do you own a vacant, abandoned or condemned building in a downtown area? Lewis County and Naturally Lewis are teaming up with local building owners to help revitalize vacant buildings!

Interested? Fill out the Project Eligibility Form by November 16! If your project appears eligible for funding we will invite you to complete a full application🏘

Learn more about the new Vacant Property Revitalization ➡️ https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/vpr

11/14/2022

The third session in the Solar and Clean Energy Training Series in partnership with Adirondack North Country Association is happening tomorrow night from 5-7 pm on Zoom!🤩 This training is approved for 2-hours of In-Service training credits.

➡To register and get your link to join, visit: https://bit.ly/3rcgF6z

11/08/2022

Naturally Lewis: Lewis County Economic Development - Vacant Property Revitalization

MUNICIPAL LEADERS/ PROPERTY OWNERS

Round 7 of the Restore NY Community Initiative is now open and we are looking to assist municipalities with projects they would like to submit. Restore NY provides municipalities with the financial assistance needed to revitalize commercial and residential properties. My office, the Department of Planning and Community Development, along with the Lewis County IDA, are looking for information on projects that municipalities and property owners are interested in partnering on. It is important to note that applications will need to be submitted by the municipality, demonstrate a minimum match of at least 10%, and a public hearing must be held discussing the application and the associated property assessment list.

To get the ball rolling, we put together a quick survey that we are asking interested municipalities and property owners/developers to complete by Wednesday, November 16th. If you have a project in mind and would like our assistance, please fill out the following Project Eligibility Form online: https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/vpr

We will use the information you provide us to assess the eligibility of the project with the Restore NY program requirements. If we find that your project may be suited well for this funding, we will reach out to you to collect more information and, if warranted, to complete and submit an Intent to Apply form.

Important Dates for Round 7 Restore NY Program
Program Launch: Friday, October 28th, 2022
Intent to Apply Form Due: Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 (5 PM)
Final Application Due: Friday, January 27th, 2023 (3 PM)

I should also note that you may be curious about the referenced Lewis County Vacant Property Revitalization Program on the webpage hosting the Project Eligibility Form. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding this program after the New Year!

As always, if you should have any questions, please reach out Lewis County Planning or Naturally Lewis!

The central office to provide economic development through small business assistance and start-up business development in Lewis County, NY.

11/06/2022

Don't forget to TURN BACK TIME 😂

11/04/2022

MUNICIPAL LEADERS/ PROPERTY OWNERS

Round 7 of the Restore NY Community Initiative opened last Friday and we are looking to assist municipalities with projects they would like to submit. Restore NY provides municipalities with the financial assistance needed to revitalize commercial and residential properties. My office, the Department of Planning and Community Development, along with the Lewis County IDA, are looking for information on projects that municipalities and property owners are interested in partnering on. It is important to note that applications will need to be submitted by the municipality, demonstrate a minimum match of at least 10%, and a public hearing must be held discussing the application and the associated property assessment list.

To get the ball rolling, we put together a quick survey that we are asking interested municipalities and property owners/developers to complete by Wednesday, November 16th. If you have a project in mind and would like our assistance, please fill out the following Project Eligibility Form online: https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/vpr

We will use the information you provide us to assess the eligibility of the project with the Restore NY program requirements. If we find that your project may be suited well for this funding, we will reach out to you to collect more information and, if warranted, to complete and submit an Intent to Apply form.

Important Dates for Round 7 Restore NY Program
Program Launch: Friday, October 28th, 2022
Intent to Apply Form Due: Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 (5 PM)
Final Application Due: Friday, January 27th, 2023 (3 PM)

I should also note that you may be curious about the referenced Lewis County Vacant Property Revitalization Program on the webpage hosting the Project Eligibility Form. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding this program after the New Year!

As always, if you should have any questions, please reach out Lewis County Planning or Naturally Lewis!