The NY Forward Planning Process

The Village of Morris 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 (SIP). 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 Morris; 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 and for those interested, the NYS Department of State (DOS) has provided a reference timeline for review.

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. This will ensure NY Forward revitalization efforts are supported by the local community.

The downtown profile and assessment will provide a clear, concise, and compelling narrative that articulates the story of the region and downtown Morris as well as describes 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

Informed by the Village of Morris’ 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

Proposed projects for NY Forward funding will be identified through an open call for project proposals. This is the stage in the NY Forward process where communities invite local businesses, organizations, and residents to submit ideas for projects that could be included in their Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The state and consultant team will work closely with project sponsors to develop project profiles. The final slate of projects is 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

The Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) is a plan with a vision for downtown, based on community input, that will describe the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization of downtown Morris. It will represent the community’s vision for the future of the NY Forward area and propose transformative projects that may be realized with an investment of NY Forward funds. Once complete, the State will review Morris’ SIP and select which projects will receive NY Forward funding.

Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)

Morris NY Forward Boundary

The boundary focuses on the crossroads of Main and Broad Streets, the business district in the heart of the village.

Within it, Morris already has many characteristics of successful downtowns: walkability, public spaces, mixed-use buildings, and public support for this project.

Local Planning Committee (LPC)

While the New York State Department of State will oversee the Morris NY Forward process with support from a consultant team led by Laberge Group, 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 Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), which will identify a slate of projects ready for implementation. The LPC will also be responsible for sharing information about 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 Morris LPC include:

  • Co-Chair: Rush French, Village Trustee

  • Co-Chair: Cass Martin-Majestic, Destination Marketing Corporation of Otsego County

  • Mike Newell, Mayor, Village of Morris

  • Maggie Brenner, Butternut Valley Alliance

  • Jami Brown, Hillside Vista Properties Team

  • Beth Child, Village of Morris Planning Board

  • Teresa DeLaurentiis, Morris Central School District Board of Education

  • Gary Norman, Morris Historical Society

  • Richard (Rick) O'Keefe, Otsego Land Trust

  • Luis Rivas, Resident, Community Member and SUNY Oneonta Affiliate

  • Andrew Smith, Sidney Federal Credit Union

  • Kay Stroh, Gender Wellness Center

“For 250 years, Morris has been the commercial and industrial hub of the Butternut Valley. Our business district, located in the heart of our village, is the crossroads between Norwich and Oneonta and has long functioned as the center of commerce for the surrounding communities. As time has gone by, Morris has continued to succeed – from a thriving mill community to an agricultural market town – Morris is ready for its next evolution to move from a bedroom community to an eco-tourist and artistic community that draws visitors into the village.” - Morris NYF Application