The NY Forward Planning Process

The Mexico NY Forward planning process is a community-driven process supported by New York State and a consultant team. The six-month planning process will identify, develop, and recommend proposed projects for NY Forward funding and will result in the development of a Strategic Investment Plan. Throughout the planning process, the public — including residents, business owners, civic organizations, Village staff, anchor institutions, and the broader community — are invited to attend Local Planning Committee (LPC) meetings and public workshops to learn about the planning process; to help shape the vision for downtown Mexico; to pose questions; to comment on the findings, goals, and recommendations; and to contribute project ideas. The section below describes the key components of the planning process.

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Public Engagement

Public engagement will occur throughout the entire NY Forward planning process to understand community needs, opportunities and challenges, identify and develop potential projects, and to ensure NY Forward revitalization efforts are supported by the local community.

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The downtown profile and assessment will tell a clear, concise story of the region and the downtown Village of Mexico, and describe the future of the downtown area and region. This section will provide a data-driven basis for projects recommended for NY Forward funding.

Downtown Profile + Assessment

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Informed by the Village of Mexico NY Forward application and public input, the LPC will develop a vision statement with corresponding goals and revitalization strategies to guide decision-making about future development and investment in the downtown area.

Downtown Vision, Goals, + Strategies

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Proposed projects for NY Forward funding will be identified through an open call for project proposals. The State and consultant team will work closely with project sponsors to develop project profiles. The final slate of projects are intended to have positive and transformative impacts on the NY Forward community and will be a mix of public, non-profit, and privately sponsored projects.

Project Identification + Development

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The SIP will describe the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization of downtown Mexico, present the community’s vision for the future of the downtown, and propose transformative projects that may be realized with an investment of NY Forward funds. Once complete, the State will review Mexico’s SIP and select which projects will receive NY Forward funding.

Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)

Mexico NY Forward Boundary

The proposed NY Forward area boundary encompasses the core of the Village’s downtown, Main Street, from cross streets Lincoln Ave to County Route 64, with boundaries extending to surrounding parcels that contain a concentration of historic, commercial, and cultural assets.

The boundary includes the Little Salmon River waterfront, the central park, key cultural resources such as Beck’s Hotel and the Starr Clark Tin Shop, and the surrounding commercial and residential properties that anchor daily community life. While the boundary is designed to capture the densest area of economic and cultural activity, minor adjustments may occur during the planning process to better align with parcel lines and roadways. Only projects located within these boundaries will be enhanced ensuring that investments are focused where they will have the greatest catalytic effect.

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Local Planning Committee (LPC)

While the New York State Department of State will oversee the Mexico NY Forward process with support from a consultant team led by Stantec, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will be responsible for meeting regularly with the consultant team and representing the public throughout the process. The LPC is comprised of NYS Department of State approved members, including a diverse group of community leaders and stakeholders. The LPC is tasked with overseeing the development of the SIP, which will identify a slate of projects ready for implementation. The LPC will also be responsible for sharing information about the NY Forward with their networks and communities. Members of the LPC play an important role in ensuring that the plan is grounded in the values and aspirations of the community.

All LPC meetings are open to the public and provide opportunity for public comment.

Members of the Mexico LPC include:

  • Co-Chair: Terry Grimshaw, Mayor, Village of Mexico

  • Co-Chair: Austin Wheelock, Executive Director, Operation Oswego County

  • Amy Shaw, Branch Manager, Pathfinder Bank – Mexico Branch

  • David Anderson, Former Town Supervisor, Village/Town of Mexico

  • Donna Runner, Superintendent, Mexico Academy School District

  • Dorothy Beck, Owner, Molly Johns Farm

  • Jeremy Belfield, Executive Officer, CiTi BOCES

  • Mary Rice, Owner, Unique Baskets and Gifts

  • Nancy Evale, Resident, Village of Mexico

  • Robert Oustrich, Board Member, ConnextCare Board of Directors

  • Tim Stahl, Director, Oswego County Community Development, Tourism, and Planning