Village of Pelham, chamber of commerce receive grant for downtown improvement
The Village of Pelham and the town chamber of commerce received a Business First Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) from Westchester County that will fund market analysis, a strategic economic growth plan, six months of hands-on support and up to $250,000 to aid implementation, according to press releases issued by the village, chamber and county.
Pelham is one of only five municipalities picked for the project, and the others include Bedford, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Kisco and Port Chester. Under the new program, the village will be working with JGSC Group, consultants who focus on promoting growth in community downtowns.
The five winners of the grants face challenges that include “reducing vacancy rates, increasing foot traffic, attracting new businesses, retention of current businesses, enhancing the community experience, addressing parking issues, investing in the area’s visual appeal, and more,” said the county’s press release.
“I am immensely proud of the chamber’s continued collaboration with the Village of Pelham in our shared mission to enhance and uplift our community,” said Cristina Chianese, president of the chamber, in a statement. “Our unified efforts exemplify the spirit of community and underscore our commitment to a vibrant Pelham to drive positive change, foster growth and create an even more thriving business community in Pelham.”
Chianese offered a special thank you to Deanna Zammit, government liaison for the chamber, for leading the grant application effort.
“The Wolfs Lane and Fifth Avenue corridor is home to many businesses that serve our community, some of them for decades.” said Zammit. “But our downtown, like many, faces complicated and entrenched challenges that require special expertise to overcome. This grant will provide Pelham with the crucial direction needed to push forward.”
The program, a first-of-its-kind, was created by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development.
“I am excited to begin the next stage of work with JGSC Group as we implement this pilot DIG program,” said Shari Rosen Ascher, Westchester County director of policy and programs, small business and chambers of commerce. “We’ve started a critical process that will help spark vibrancy at the local level, attract outside resources, support small businesses, inspire entrepreneurs and provide a sense of long-term direction that will benefit these communities for years to come and help them remain resilient into the future.”
Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen said the project’s approval came at the right time, given the construction of residential apartment projects in the downtown. “It won’t be long before the buildings we’ve approved will actually be built,” he said. “This program will help us crystallize what the next chapter of our work will look like.”
More information about the DIG program can be found here.
Kiran Schwaderer is a sophomore at Pelham Memorial High School. She has been part of the Pelham Examiner since fifth grade. She enjoys playing the flute...
Patricia Shepherd • Jun 23, 2023 at 11:43 am
OK staff of Pelham Examiner – a few questions are raised by this story. 1 – is this federal money that is awarded to the state of NY and then the state awards it to Westchester County, which in turn retains a consulting firm – JCSC Group – to “administer” the grants for the chosen municipalities? How much does JCSC Group charge by the hour for its services? What is JCSC Group’s track record with downtown revitalization – as in measurable data from the consultancy, not how much each principal oversaw while they worked in government? Did JCSC get this contract with Westchester via a competitive tender? And if so – why was it selected as the winner? Exactly what does the taxpayer get for this money? Because in the end, federal, state or local – it is all tax payer money.
Bob Shepherd • Jun 23, 2023 at 11:30 am
Absolutely agree with Natali’s comments here…it’s the people living and/or owning small businesses in the village that need the say to it’s future.
“Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen said the project’s approval came at the right time, given the construction of residential apartment projects in the downtown. “It won’t be long before the buildings we’ve approved will actually be built,” he said. “This program will help us crystallize what the next chapter of our work will look like.” I would have thought that the next chapter of work post building, would have been looked into long before the building work began. I’m still to get a straight answer from anyone of Pelham’s authority as to exactly where day and night parking will be off of the streets, now that the two double story parking lots have been taken over for construction of buildings. For me, more on the street parking leads to crime, more rubbish left on our streets, and frustrated drivers driving recklessly in very busy areas…which indeed is already happening. I get the feeling that the only winner here will be JGSC Group when they pick up their cheque.
Natali Wind • Jun 22, 2023 at 6:35 pm
I have to disagree with the mayor that it’s “right on time”. “reducing vacancy rates, increasing foot traffic, attracting new businesses, retention of current businesses, enhancing the community experience, addressing parking issues, investing in the area’s visual appeal” are all things that should have been done thirty years ago.
I just hope that “market analysis” includes including the community because when an article about improving Pelham was posted on here not long ago many people had some great ideas. There should definitely be surveys sent out as well as a group created for people who want to help in this endeavor and give feedback.