BV Forward

BV Forward is a working group sponsored by Butternut Valley Alliance to complete NY Forward grant applications for the Villages of Morris and Gilbertsville. NY Forward, and its parent Downtown Revitalization Initiative, are grant programs designed to support communities in developing new businesses and projects to create economic growth and sustainability.

Click here to see Morris project proposals.

Click here to watch a project explanation from the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District.

Project Overview

  • State-funded grant program offering up to $4.5M supporting community revitalization

  • Round 4 application deadline November 7, 2025

  • Grant awards announced in April

  • Community input identified needs/desires of the residents

  • Individual “project sponsors” submitted plans for development

  • If awarded, a Local Planning Council is appointed consisting of a state-designated consultant, the Mayor and volunteers from the community

  • Additional community input is gathered and a consolidated development plan is created based on existing project proposals and new proposals

  • Approved projects are implemented and sponsors are reimbursed upon completion

Morris application will be submitted for Round 4 in November.

Gilbertsville has begun developing its application for Round 5 in 2026.

BV Forward Working Group Members

Tim Atticus
Maggie Brenner
John DiStefano
Michele Farwell 
Shane Gardner
Ed Lentz
Stacia Norman 
Glen Noto
Lynne Ohl
Matt Palmer
Patrick Strain
Bob Thomas
Judith Russell 
Jim Tremlett 
Tom Washbon
Teresa Winchester
Aidan Woishnis

For either Morris or Gilbertsville, please contact us with ideas for projects or questions about the program – bvforward@butternutvalleyalliance.org

Morris Project Proposals

  • 127 Main Street

    Stabilization of building and creation of residential units on upper floors.

  • Otsego County Fairgrounds

    Rebuild grandstands, re-design front entrance and upgrade bathroom facilities.

  • Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center

    Revitalization/preservation of building; creation of studios, exhibit galleries and retail space.

  • Butternut Valley Exploration

    A web-based self-guided tour of the area highlighting historic sites.

  • Streetscaping

    New streetlights, improved signage and plantings, installation of original horse trough and village clock.

  • Morris Library

    Foundation repair and stabilization. Addition of a pedestrian-friendly patio area with wi-fi access and expansion of program space.

  • Morris Historical Society Museum

    Renovation of the two-story 1860s addition to create more exhibit and storage space and an accessible entrance.

  • Johnson & Stanimer

    Apartment renovation, parking lot with EV chargers, new housing, transportation hub, building expansion.

  • The Gatehouse Coffeeshop and Mercantile

    Expanded capabilities and services, creation of residential units on upper floors.

  • The Block

    Creation of the Morris Creative and Sustainable Arts Hub – a community art gallery and shared studio space and upgrade of existing apartments.

  • Small Project Fund

    Monies available to business owners and residents to fund small building renovations to maintain historic appearances.

Presentation from Heather Devitt of the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District

Slides may be accessed here.