Greater Hamilton Economic Development Plan (GHEDP)

The GHEDP effort was begun in January 2005 when the three founding partners of the Partnership for Community Development (PCD) – the Town of Hamilton, Village of Hamilton, and Colgate University – and the PCD Board of Directors agreed upon a new strategic plan for the organization. The top priority selected was to develop an economic development plan for the Greater Hamilton area.

After a process stretching over two years and one characterized by extensive public participation, the Greater Hamilton Economic Development Plan (GHEDP) was finalized. This economic roadmap sets out the priority initiatives for the greater Hamilton area for the foreseeable future. These priority items include infrastructure enhancements, business retention & expansion, agricultural value-added projects, area marketing & branding, the continued development of the Mid York Airpark and other important items. Potential funding sources were identified through the process and actions are well underway to set the stage for a coordinated and collaborative approach in realizing incremental, steady progress toward these Economic Development Goals and Initiatives. Lead and responsible entities for all initiatives were identified and in each case the PCD is an integral force in working toward the stated goal, keeping the initiatives fresh in the public view, and in monitoring and ultimately reporting successes and continuing challenges.

The entire process, completed with a high level of public involvement and a diversity of perspectives, ultimately resulted in The Greater Hamilton Economic Development Plan (GHEDP) ………… a shared vision of the future! Please click on this link GHEDP to review the plan in its entirety.

Earlville Main Street Improvement Program

Facade and renovation improvements continued within the Village of Earlville in 2007. These improvements were made possible through a $200,000 New York Main Street grant, secured by the PCD in 2006 on behalf of the Village of Earlville, from the NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The streetscape component of the grant enabled the Village of Earlville to address needs in the park area, adjacent to the library, on the corner of North Main Street and Route 12B. Grant funding, on a non-matching basis, allowed for the purchase and installation of a gazebo, new park benches, new trash cans, and banners for each season. Funding for facade and building renovations varies based on the scope of each project, but generally 50% is reimbursable under the grant and 50% is funded by the building owner, although additional owner contributions may be required on larger scale projects. Several projects have already been completed, while others are continuing to progress with completion of all projects scheduled by August 31, 2008, the grant deadline (To view photo's click here). Renovations including painting, masonry repointing, new windows, gutters, signage, exterior lights, and roof work are providing amazing changes to the “face” of downtown Earlville. There has been an overwhelming positive response from the community to all the upgrades that have taken place. Earlville building owners and the municipal leadership are taking bold and forward thinking moves to add considerably to the attractiveness of their lovely hamlet. The PCD is proud to be a partner in this effort.