Judging from the NY Forward projects that did or did not pass muster by the LPC (Front page story in the August 29th issue), I have to wonder how the LPC and our friends at NYS applied the criteria for eligible projects. According to published goals by the NY Forward team, “Strong” project are:
• Catalytic
• Transformational
• Able to be implemented in the near-term
• Create synergies between different projects and programs in the downtown

Some of the projects given the go ahead are none of these things: if you think that simply rehabbing an empty storefront is catalytic or transformational then I have a bridge you might be interested in. Where is the synergy with the rest of the projects that are literally blocks apart from said empty storefront? One of few the projects that is potentially transformational – i.e., could be the hub of new business activity that currently does not exist – was given the thumbs down. Turning the old Lilies of the Valley building into an art center with art spaces can truly be catalytic unless this LPC does not realize the economic value that a thriving artistic community can bring to Main St. One other transformational opportunity is to turn the old News of the Highlands space into a performance space and cafe. That at least was recognized for its value to the community.

If the LPC and the residents of this community are really committed to the success of the NY Forward grant to revitalize Main St. we need to step outside our comfortable little bubble with its outdated ideas of who does what for whom and recognize and support innovative ideas.