$1M Grant For SF Historic District Improvements

State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that Seneca Falls has been awarded $1.06 million in state and federal funding to improve the safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic in the Seneca Falls Historic District and in surrounding neighborhoods. The Seneca Falls Historic District is a designated National and New York State Heritage Area.“This important project will help beautify and improve the Seneca Falls Historic District and create safer routes for walkers and bikers,” said Senator Nozzolio. “By investing in our community, we will increase the number of visitors to the heritage area and expand the number of customers for area businesses. I am extremely excited about this project and it was a pleasure to aggressively work to secure this critical funding.”The funding announced today will be used to improve the appearance of the mbusiness district of the Village along Fall Street to the Seneca-Cayuga canal overlooking Van Cleef Lake. The project will create safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians and will connect neighborhoods around Seneca Falls to encourage walking and bicycling. The funding will allow for the installation of rest areas, shelters, historic pavers, lighting, traffic control signs, benches and bicycle racks.Village of Seneca Falls Mayor Diana Smith said, “Seneca Fall’s residents are so excited about the prospect of being awarded this grant and theenhancement it will bring to the Village. This project will help preserve our historic district and create a beautiful and restful area that enhances safety, improves pedestrian and bicycle traffic and complements the heritage area. As always, Senator Nozzolio has come through for Seneca Falls and I thank him for his continued steadfast support of the Village.”Town of Seneca Falls Supervisor Peter Same said, “It is nice to realize both the Village and Town of Seneca Falls worked jointly for a grant that will enhance the downtown area and make our community much more receptive for visitors. Streetscape improvements and additional parking were much needed for the community and the project will include an overlook over Fall Street. Hikers, bikers, walkers and visitors will be able to view the beautiful view of the Seneca Knitting Mill which sits directly to the South. As Supervisor of the Town of Seneca Falls, I am extremely excited about the new look that downtown Seneca Falls will have.”It is estimated that approximately 35,000 tourists and visitors and over 1,000 bicyclists travel along Route 5 and Route 20 annually. The Transportation and Trail Enhancement Project will enhance the visual experience for tourists visiting Seneca Falls and is part of the Village’s efforts to expand the local economy, increase access to the Heritage Area, and boost regional tourism.