Morris NY Forward
The Village of Morris has been awarded $4.5 million through New York State's NY Forward program to support transformative downtown revitalization projects.
Butternut Valley Alliance (BVA) served as the catalyst for Morris's successful application, with leadership from Board Chair Maggie Brenner and Board Member Tom Washbon. BVA coordinated community engagement, supported project development, and led the grant-writing process.
Now that the grant has been awarded, New York State has assigned consultants to guide the planning process. Working with the Morris Local Planning Committee, they will evaluate project proposals and recommend projects for state approval.
Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement described Morris as a community "poised for its next chapter," noting that the village is building on its natural and cultural assets while creating new opportunities for investment and growth.
The original application identified 11 potential projects, including improvements to the Otsego County Fairgrounds and stabilization work at the Morris Library. These projects—and any new proposals—must go through the Local Planning Committee and state review process before funding decisions are made.
To learn more about the NY Forward process, upcoming meetings, and opportunities to submit a project proposal, visit the Morris NY Forward website.
BVA is also working with community members in the Village of Gilbertsville to prepare a future NY Forward application.
Learn more about Morris NY Forward
NY 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 – info@butternutvalleyalliance.org
Morris Project Proposals
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127 Main Street
Stabilization of building and creation of residential units on upper floors.
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Otsego County Fairgrounds
Rebuild grandstands, re-design front entrance and upgrade bathroom facilities.
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Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center
Revitalization/preservation of building; creation of studios, exhibit galleries and retail space.
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Butternut Valley Exploration
A web-based self-guided tour of the area highlighting historic sites.
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Streetscaping
New streetlights, improved signage and plantings, installation of original horse trough and village clock.
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Morris Library
Foundation repair and stabilization. Addition of a pedestrian-friendly patio area with wi-fi access and expansion of program space.
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Morris Historical Society Museum
Renovation of the two-story 1860s addition to create more exhibit and storage space and an accessible entrance.
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Johnston & Stanimer
Apartment renovation, parking lot with EV chargers, new housing, transportation hub, building expansion.
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The Gatehouse Coffeeshop and Mercantile
Expanded capabilities and services, creation of residential units on upper floors.
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The Block
Creation of the Morris Creative and Sustainable Arts Hub – a community art gallery and shared studio space and upgrade of existing apartments.
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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.