On the agenda: Lyons meeting — data center (Apr 8)

Economic Development and Planning
Committee
Regular Meeting
Fantuzzo, Brady, Chatfield, Carr, VanNostrand
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 10:00 AM
Supervisors Conference Room

AGENDA
1.

Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting

2.

Cooperative Extension

3.

Economic Development and Planning, Brian Pincelli
A.

4.

2025 Annual Report

Tourism, Christine Worth
A.

Tourism Progress Report

Economic Development and
Planning Department
2025 Annual Report

Brian Pincelli, Executive Director
March 2026

Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3
Planning ....................................................................................................................................... 3
County Planning Board ........................................................................................................... 3
Brownfields ............................................................................................................................. 4
Broadband ............................................................................................................................... 4
Agriculture............................................................................................................................... 4
Housing ................................................................................................................................... 5
Housing Projects and Programs .............................................................................................. 5
GIS........................................................................................................................................... 6
Economic Development .............................................................................................................. 6
Business Retention and Expansion.......................................................................................... 7
Workforce Development ......................................................................................................... 8
Business Attraction.................................................................................................................. 9
Butler Correction Facility ........................................................................................................ 9
Kickstart Wayne County ....................................................................................................... 10
Civic Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 11
Agencies ................................................................................................................................ 11
The Year Ahead......................................................................................................................... 12
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 12
Grants Secured Since 2017.................................................................................................... 13
WEDC Loan Fund Descriptions............................................................................................ 14

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Introduction
The Wayne County Economic Development and Planning Department consist of staff working together
and across economic development and planning areas to improve the economy and quality of life in the
County. Planning staff conducts County Planning Board review, completes land use and other planning
studies, manages state and federal grant programs, and assists in the implementation of economic
development initiatives. Economic Development staff fosters business attraction, expansion and retention,
and small business development across the County, and provides staffing to the County Industrial
Development Agency (IDA) and the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The WEDC
manages commercial finance programs on behalf of the County and the IDA provides benefits to companies
locating or expanding in Wayne County who meet certain qualifying criteria.
This past year presented new challenges and opportunities. The department has been focused on building
off of previously completed plans, implementation of key projects and programs, and new initiatives to
address emerging issues. Efforts include building off of the completed Park and Recreation Plan update to
create new recreation amenities, taking the next steps in shovel ready site development utilizing
recommendations from the Business Park Analysis, and implementation of housing programs aimed at
improving the County’s housing stock and affordability.
Additional Department lead projects continue to advance including the County Broadband project, to be
completed 2026, and the acquisition and transfer of the Butler Correction Facility property through the
Industrial Development Agency (IDA).
Both the Planning Department and the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) have been
working on application of the County’s Assessment Grant and Revolving Loan Fund grant from the EPA
and have found significant success in assisting the County Land Bank on assessment of various sites across
the County, and application of loan funds to move focused investment in Lyons forward.
Details on completed plans, agency supported economic development projects, and highlights of several
high-profile County initiatives are included in this report.

Planning
County Planning Board
The Wayne County Planning Department staff continues to manage the County Planning Board Article 239
(L) and (M) reviews. Board appointments are made by the Board of Supervisors with Board participation
open to representatives from all 15 towns. The Wayne County Planning Department staff continues to
manage the County Planning Board Article 239 (L) and (M) reviews. Board appointments are made by the
Board of Supervisors with Board participation open to representatives from all 15 towns. The County
Planning Board reviewed 59 referrals, of which 3 were deemed to have “no significant countywide or intercounty impact (NCI). Of the remaining referrals 46 received approval with comments, while 10 were
denied, withdrawn, canceled, or determined to be exempt. Out of the 59 referrals, special permits were the
most prominent with 23 referrals, followed by site plan reviews with 14 total referrals, 7 subdivision
referrals, 6 text amendments, 4 use variance referrals, 3 area variance referrals, and 1 zoning map
amendment. The Wayne County Planning Board approvals helped pave the way for a creation of 302
housing units across Wayne County, 17 being single family homes and the remaining 285 being multifamily units.
Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Brownfields
The Department completed a Brownfield Inventory in early 2021, leading to a $600,000 (FY) 2020 U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant for investigation of sites
impacted by petroleum and hazardous substances. Completed at the end of 2023, funding was used to
complete phase I and phase II studies at priority brownfield sites across the County. In collaboration with
the County Land Bank, staff worked to identify sites best suited for this investment, with priorities driven
by their impact on current conditions, market interest, and other economic and community factors. In total
21 phase I studies, 9 phase II studies, 3 Regulated Building Materials (RBM) surveys were completed as
well as removal of underground storage tanks at sites in Lyons and Sodus, most notably resulting in the
demolition of the former Sodus Hotel in the Village of Sodus.
The County’s Brownfield efforts continued in 2024 and 2025 with implementation of a $1M FY23 EPA
Brownfield Assessment Grant, along with a $1M Brownfield Revolving loan fund (being administered by
the WEDC). The majority of assessment funds were committed in that period, with 37 sites addresses,
completing 31 phase I studies, 12 phase II studies, and 9 RBM surveys. WEDC also committed RLF funds
to assist in advancing the County Land Bank’s transformation project in the Town of Lyons. In total 52
phase! Studies, 21 phase II studies, and 12 RBM surveys have been completed since initial EPA funding,
and has been a critical component, in cooperation with the land bank in addressing derelict properties across
the County.
Efforts to attract addiotna funding were initiated in late 2025 and into 2026 with an application for new
EPA Assessment program funding requesting $1.5M submitted, and a request for an additional $800,000
in RLF funds being prepared to be submitted to EPA.

Broadband
In an effort to close the gap and address connectivity issues highlighted by the pandemic, the Department
issued an RFP in July 2021 to solicit proposals form Internet Service Providers (ISP) to provide service to
unserved Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL) of the County. The County selected Charter
Communications as its partner and in 2023 executed a contract to bring service to 1184 unserved BSL
across the County. At the beginning of 2026 implementation is substantially complete, with 87%
implementation completed, and confirmed access to new service to 1033 BSLs. In 2025 the County
approved a project to bring service to and additional 28 unserved BSLs in the County, left unserved by a
federal program that did not advance. That project was completed in late 2025. Service to the final 151 BLS
locations has been delayed as efforts to get DEC and OGS permits to bring service to these locations, all
located on the islands in Sodus Bay. Those permits are anticipated to be approved in Q1 of 2026 with
completion anticipated by the end of Q2.

Agriculture
The Planning Department manages the Agricultural District in Wayne County, under one cuntywide. Each year in January, landowners can apply to enroll their property, and in in 2025, one
landowner applied and was successfully added to the district. We fielded several calls regarding
how the agriculture district impacts zoning and its enforcement. Throughout the year call are
received regarding property rights under the district designation, and we work with code officers
and local officials to assist in providing an understanding and helping answer questions on
regulations allowed, or not, under properties include in the district.
Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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We also periodically assist in answering questions regarding the agricultural assessment in
cooperation with local assessors.
The department also supports the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Farmland Protection
Implementation Grants (FPIG) and applications by Genesee Land Trust through Ag Development
Board recommendations and Departmental (Planning Official) Letters of Support. Projects
supported this past year include Field Craft (185-acres) and Hares farms (286-aces) in three towns
(Williamson, Newark, Ontario).
We also serve as staff to Agricultural Development Board, and shepherded Notice Of Intent
notifications regarding a Sodus waterline, 2 solar projects- Arcadia and Walworth.
Housing
The Department utilized a grant form NYS HCR to complete a Housing Needs Assessment and Market
Analysis in 2024 that analyzed current market conditions and provide the basis for planning for growth and
addressing gaps in quality affordable housing.
Housing continues to be a pervasive topic across all sectors of government and business intersecting with
economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, senior housing, social services,
resiliency, real estate development, and others. Home owners, renters, buyers, service providers,
government leaders, and economists look at housing and the real estate market from different, often
conflicting perspectives.
Local leaders are often asked to bring solutions to these issues, which can vary from municipality, and often
cross municipal boundaries with varying market characteristics across the County. Analysis and utilization
of local, regional, and state market data can help local leaders make informed decisions on how to address
housing, and how to affect the change in their communities they are interested in promoting. Preservation
of rural character, economic development, and housing development can often present several different
ideologies, but communities can accommodate the balance of these interests through analysis and planning.
The study was aimed collecting, summarizing, and assessing data and current market conditions to provide
information and guidance to local leaders, developers, and other market participants to assist in planning
for the future and guiding resources to addressing market conditions and bringing development to areas
where it is needed. A wide variety of resources are available to municipalities, developers, and market
players to address these issues.

Housing Projects and Programs
In 2021, Wayne County completed an Affordable Housing Rental Needs Assessment utilizing funding
made available through the New York State Preservation Opportunity Program (NYS-POP). The plan
quantified the need for quality affordable rental housing, with a focus on the rehabilitation and preservation
of existing units in order to fulfill the unmet demand for housing in the County. The second phase of the
Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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NYS-POP program included an action plan and funding that addressed projects for the preservation of
affordable rental housing units in the County.
One action, referred to as the Landlord Housing Rehabilitation Program, initially secured $225,000 to
rehabilitate rental properties for small landlords who provide units through the housing choice voucher
program. In 2023, the Landlord Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program secured an additional $240,000 for
additional rental properties in Wayne County. The Housing Council at Pathstone is the project manager for
this program, which is expected to be completed in early 2026.
In addition, in 2025 the department applied for and received a $700,000 grant from NYS Homes and
Community renewal (HCR) to provide grant to income eligible homeowners to make qualified repairs to
their owner-occupied home. In cooperation with Pathstone Corporation, the program will began in 2025
with the aim of assisting 10-15 income-eligible homeowners. Implementation is underway. Program details
can be found here:
https://www.waynecountyny.gov/864/Homeowner-Housing-Repair-Program
The County IDA also implemented amendments to their Uniform Tax Exempt Policy (UTEP) to potentially
support new housing developments in the County, contingent on meeting certain criteria. The UTEP
including housing support criteria can be found here:
https://www.waynecountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18675/Uniform-Tax-Exemption-Policy---LastRevised-on-09-23-2025-PDF

GIS
The Planning Department and the County GIS department continue to work cooperatively to utilize GIS to
utilize data. One instance is development of Community Profiles and help inform County and local decision
makers current conditions and help with prioritization of local efforts to improve their communities. Initial
profiles were created in 2025, and updated profiles will eb completed in early 2026 to provide update
information, as well as opportunities to track changes and evaluate changing conditions at the local level as
well as across the County.
Staff are working to continue collection of local permit data from local code officers to incorporate into
GIS to build on data collection efforts and start to establish annual data collection and evaluation. This
effort helps track development and inform County and local officials ion trends and infrastructure and
service demand.

Economic Development
The Economic Development department continues to focus efforts and measure progress with a focus on 3
key economic development areas including business retention and expansion, workforce development, and
new business development. Additional areas of focus have emerged over the last several years including
housing and infrastructure capacity. A major focus continuing in the upcoming year will be infrastructure
capacity. There are significant efforts at the State level aimed at addressing capacity concerns, but
significant outstanding questions on timing, as well as the differentiation between generation capacity, and
the ability of the distribution system to deliver power where its currently, or projected to be in demand.
Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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In October of 2025 The New York Power Authority issued its first solicitations as part of a new initiative
to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear energy. The two solicitations include a Request for
Information (RFI) for Upstate New York communities interested in hosting an advanced nuclear project
developed by the Power Authority, and an RFI seeking information from potential development partners
with experience developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects. Wayne County
was a respondent to the community solicitation.
New York's electric power system will face shortfalls in supply due to rising consumer demand and power
plant retirements outpacing new construction. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)
warned that the grid is at a significant inflection point and needs "several thousand megawatts of new
dispatchable generation" within the next 10 years. The state's aging infrastructure, rapid growth of large
loads like data centers, and difficulty in developing new supply drive the state's "profound reliability
challenges."

Business Retention and Expansion
The Industrial Dvleopment Agency assisted in expansion and new development in Wayne County in 2025
with companies incuding Depandable Disposal, Rochester Strucural, and new Housing in Macedon.
Dependable Disposal, LLC and Morgan Rubbish Removal Inc. have 4 locations and service over 50,000
customers per week. In 2025 they completed development of an approx. 12,000 square foot office/repair
facility in the Lyons Industrial Park, bringing 15 full-time jobs to the town and a commitment to add five
jobs in three years. Part of the strategic plan is to expand their service footprint to the south and add 6-8
jobs over the next 5 years.
Rochester Structural acquired the former Rando building in the Town of Macedon in 2025, with an eye on
a long-term plan of business expansion.
The IDA also provided assistance to the Harbor Point project in Macedon. The project owner is developing
a 138-unit apartment development including 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. The development will also feature
amenities like meeting spaces, flexible work from home spaces, a pool and gym. This development will
include 6 ten-unit buildings each at 13,748 sq ft, 3 Twenty-Six Unit buildings each at 35,803 sq ft, 1
Community Center building at 6938 sq ft, and one Maintenance building at 875 sq ft. The community will
sit on land next to the Erie Macedon Landing Marina and Bullis Park making it ideal for active lifestyles.

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Shovel Ready Sites
The County has identified priority economic development sites, through the
completion of the business spark analysis, but is continuing to encourage
municipalities to identify where new larger-load economic development projects
could be developed in order to continue to share County identified priority areas
to share with RG&E/NYSEG to plan for new load accommodation.
The department’s efforts are not limited to power. Water and water treatment
capacity is locally controlled and is an area we are looking to address as well.
The County Business Park Analysis identified potential water and water
treatment capacity constraints, as well as a fragmented system of operation and
information availability in responding to site inquiries. This led to submission of
an application ad an award under the FAST NY program to complete a Countywide study of capacity. The scope of work completed under the study will
include:
Silver Hill Technology & Education
• Current capacity of the collection system pumping and treatment
Park
facilities.
• Evaluation of the current conditions of the distribution system.
• Pinch-point analysis and existing service constraints.
• Future Capacity Needs Assessment.
• Target Markets Impact and Expansion Needs Analysis.
• Development of a road map for future expansion including operation, maintenance, expansion of
service.
The study will commence in early 2026 and will take about a year to complete. A solid understanding of
current capacities, and paths to the provision of larger capacities as demanded will provide a clear path and
actionable plans in business attraction efforts.

Workforce Development
Issues related to workforce continue to hinder growth potential across the national economy. The
department shifted priorities in 2025 and have dedicated a staff position to advancing workforce program
coordination, as well as a direct effort to address this issue through the ACT Work Ready Communities
program. Participants leverage the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) to
measure and close the skills gap and build common frameworks that link, align, and match their workforce
development efforts. Wayne County is one of 7 Counties in NY participating in this effort. Nationally, 589
Counties are participating at various levels. At least 17 states officially use the ACT Certified Work Ready
Communities (CWRC) framework, including CA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MO, NC, ND, OH, OR, SC, TX,
UT, VA, WA, and WY. Communities in these areas of the Country use the NCRC to help employers find
qualified workers, as a predictor of job performance, and to align workforce training with industry needs.
Wayne County partners include BOCES, the Workforce Investment Board, Finger Lakes Community
College (FLCC), and Community Schools. The County’s role within this partnership is to bring employers
into the program through their commitment to accept the credential as verification of a potential employees
work readiness for specific jobs within their industry. Currently 14 employers in Wayne County recognize
or recommend the ACT WorkKeys NCRC, including Kreher Family Farms.
Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Business Attraction
New business development is a continued focus going into 2026. Implemented in 2023, our REsimplify
platform has been integrated in to the County website, aggregating commercial real estate listings and
updated to assisting marketing sites available for commercial and industrial development across the County.
Unlisted properties can also be included as available if property owners are interested in marketing nut are
not listed with commercial brokerage.
Industrial zoning in areas that Towns are interested in being marketed for business attraction are a key
component to our ability to compete with attraction opportunities. Active discussion and coordination with
local planning efforts is a focus moving forward.

Butler Correction Facility
In 2024, Wayne County Economic Development and Planning took several steps to secure a preferred
developer for the Former Butler Correctional Facility. The findings of the Former Butler Correctional
Facility Site Reuse Study and the Request For Expression of Interest (RFEI) made it clear that the site will
be most effectively and productively reused for commercial and/or light industrial industries.
In April 2024, NYS ESD provided a letter acknowledging WCIDA and Wayne County’s proposal and
WCIDA’s intention to release a Request for Responses (RFP) for the former Butler Correctional Facility
and WCIDA’s efforts towards redevelopment of the site.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was announced in early May 2024. Submissions were due early August
2024. The RFP was widely distributed by WCIDA. WCIDA advertised the RFP on its website, as a public
notice and posted in three local newspapers, through a press release to the media, on the contract reporter,
and outreach to local municipalities, steering committee members, WCIDA Board members, and the
business community.
At WCIDA board meeting on August 27th, the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency selected
Westbury Lands, LLC as its preferred developer for the former Butler Correction Facility in the Towns of
Wolcott and Butler to expand the Westbury Lumber Company. Westbury Lumber Company Lumber is
currently located adjacent to the former correction facility, presented a robust and complete response to the
RFP including initial investment, and potential additional phases. Westbury has grown too large for their
existing space and is looking to expand operations.
As lead Agency, WCIDA completed SEQR in December 2024. The Town of Butler provided their local
approval in January 2025 and the Town of Wolcott provided their local approval in December 2024.
In early 2025 the Board Empire State Development (ESD) approved transfer of the property to the WCIDA,
who has engaged with the adjacent property through a competitive solicitation, to get the property into
private hands and on the tax rolls.
The transfer stalled in 2025 based on a number of contractual issues and some market uncertainty, but
discussions were picked up in January 2026 and it is anticipated we are on path to closing in Q2 of 2026.

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Kickstart Wayne County
We continued efforts aimed at new small business development through the Wayne Economic Development
Corporation’s (WEDC’s) seventh annual Adult Pitch Competition where concept or early-stage businesses
submitted executive summaries of business plans. Five finalists were chosen for a live pitch where
participants have 3 minute “pitches” to a panel of judges.
This year the judges selected Laurie Alverio of
Hand In Hand In Your Home Incorporated to take
home the $20,000 grand prize. Located in Sodus,
Hand In Hand In Your Home assists older adults
in navigating safe and independent living with
personalized, holistic, in-home care. The award
will help them develop an exclusive
communication app that will streamline service
coordination and assist families and caregivers.
In addition, Andrew and Sophia Malchoff of
Country Luxe Co. from Newark were selected for
the $5,000 boost award. Country Luxe specializes
in premium lifestyle home fragrances, including customized hand-poured products such as coconut-soy
candles, wax melts, room sprays, and car fresheners.
The other finalists included James Gruttadauria of Sodus Bay Bike and Adventure Company, an e-bike and
traditional bike rental and retailer located in Sodus Point, and McKinley Miller of Anita’s Enigmas Escape
Rooms, an immersive and challenging escape room experience located in Newark.
For the student competition, Matiece Miller from Newark Central School District secured first place for her
project Matiece’s Beauty Guru, whose business specializes in beauty services that include hair styling,
makeup, nail art and skin care to accentuate a client’s features, instead of hiding insecurities and fitting a
conventional beauty standard.

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Civic Facilities
The Wayne County Civic Facility Loan Fund
revolving loan fund program is serving as an
economic stimulus in Wayne County to not-forprofit corporations and institutions. The program’s
objectives include investment in infrastructure and to
build effective partnerships with State, regional, and
local entities to promote community development
activities in Wayne County. The first loan was made
in 2022 for the Apartments for Success program
created by the Finger Lakes Community Action
Program (formerly Wayne County Action Program).
This program created six new transitional style
housing units. Efforts are underway to identify
additional project that we can support through
utilization of this funding.

Apartments for Success

Agencies
In addition to these specific department initiatives, economic development staff continue to work on
utilization of WEDC loan funds where they can be used to assist local businesses invest and grow. WEDC
loan funds have been adjusted over the last several years so as to not compete with local lenders, but rather
to enhance and fill gaps in resources available for Wayne County businesses, including gap financing, agspecific low interest financing, and microloan funding. Several of our loan funds have also and have also
recently increase caps on amount that can be borrowed.
The WEDC main loan funds were capitalized with CDBG grants from the County in 1983 and 1994 and
continue to revolve utilizing initial capital and accrued interest payments. The loan portfolio remains strong
and staff are exploring ways to offer support during the economic recovery. WEDC is currently managing
19 different loans made from all of our existing loan funds, including two new loans made utilizing the
Broadfield Revolving Loan Fund.
WEDC’s annual financing can be cyclical and new loans are subject to many market conditions. WEDC is
mindful to not compete with private sector funding, but to enhance and fill gaps in the marketplace. WEDC
has just over $3.2M in outstanding principal balances, and approximately $3.3M available for new loans
through its various loan programs.
The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) continues to provide project assistance in the form of tax
benefits for projects meeting qualifying thresholds including job creation and significant real estate
investments. Staff is currently managing 35 PILOTS supporting over $264M in investment across Wayne
County.

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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The Year Ahead
The Department is looking forward to implementing several projects and programs this year aimed at
building on studies and programs to address areas impacting the County including housing, brownfields,
business attraction, placemaking, and parks including:
•

•

•

•
•

The County has been awarded a $1M Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from New
York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR) under the Vacant Property Clearance
Program (VPCP). The funding is committed to assisting in the demolition of 165 Water Street in
Lyons. The County has also been awarded $150,000 from the NYS Canal Corporation to advance
a park development plan at the same location.
The Department is being awarded a $100,000 FAST NY grant that will be utilized by the WCIDA
to evaluate water and sewer treatment and delivery infrastructure, with a focus on industrial parks
and priority industrial sites, identified in our recently completed feasibility study completed to
evaluate potential areas for future industrial development.
The Department is working with the Town of Lyons on an award from NYS ESD’s County
Infrastructure Grant Program for the Town of Lyons Sidewalk Improvement Project. The
Department is in the process of preparing and submitting another County Infrastructure Grant
application for funding to assist infrastructure development in Lyons associated with new housing
development in two locations, led by the County Land Bank.
An application is being prepared for supplemental funding for additional funds in the EPA
Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund. The request will be for $800,000 to replenish loan funds to assist
in the remediation of brownfield sites.
Funding has been awarded by Housing Trust Fund Cooperation for an update to the Derelict
Property Study assisting in tracking conditions and assisting in the prioritization of sites to be
addressed under the Brownfield program in cooperation with the County Land Bank.

The Department will continue to evaluate funding opportunities to address these program areas. Several
additional projects are aimed at initiation or completion in the upcoming year including broadband, transfer
of the closed Butler Correction Facility, adaptive reuse of the former ECCC site, and operational oversight
of the OMID railroad.

Conclusion
The department’s efforts remain focused on providing sound planning advice through data analysis,
coordination and communication while assisting in driving informed decision making to accommodate new
economic growth while maintaining character and open space preservation. Details and data on the work
and impact of the department and agencies we staff are included as an appendix to this report. Planning and
economic development is a multi-year process of data analysis, resource development, and service
coordination. It is my hope that we can continue this process in the coming year s and that we will provide
meaningful guidance and bring resources to the table to drive initiatives and increase the quality of life
across the county.

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Department and Agency Data
Grants Secured Since 2017
Derelict Property Study
Brownfield Inventory
Land Bank AG Funding
EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant 2021
OMID Strategic Plan
NYS DOS GIS Shared Services
Comprehensive Housing Study
Business Park Study
Farmworker Housing
Farmland Protection Plan
CDBG Microburst
EPA Revolving Loan Fund
Restore NY- Newark Health and Wellness Center
EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant 2023
Housing Rehab Program
Water Infrastructure Study
County Infrastructure Project- Lyons Sidewalk
CDBG Derelict Property Study Update
Canal Corp- 165 Water Street Park

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
TOTAL

47,500
20,000
500,000
600,000
75,000
450,000
47,500
60,000
1,000,000
40,000
200,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
700,000
100,000
500,000
50,000
150,000

$ 8,540,000

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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WEDC Loan Fund Descriptions
Minimum
Amount

Maximum
Amount

Maximum
% of TPC

Interest Rate

Revolving Loan Fund

$25,000

$500,000

20%

Prime +/1%

$25,000

$2%0,000

90%

1%

$5,000

$250,000

90%

Prime +/2%

10 Years

No

$5,000

$250,000

90%

4%

10 Years

Yes

100%

1% - for
profit
0% for
nonprofit or
government

Interest only
during
remediation:
loan up to a
10-year loan

No

GAIN (Growing
Agriculture businesses)
Microenterprise (Micro)
Revolving Loan Fund
Microburst Loan
Program
Brownfield Revolving
Loan Fund

$50,000

n/a

Maximum
Term

Start
Up
Eligible

Loan Fund

Approx.
10 Years
Approx. 10
Years

No
No

Revolving Loan Fund
This fund provides a second source of financing (gap financing) for eligible businesses wishing to expand
or locate in Wayne County and who have been unable to fully finance their projects with equity,
conventional financing, or other private and public sources. Funds can be used for the acquisition of land,
buildings, and fixed equipment, site preparation and construction, reconstruction or installation of buildings
and fixed equipment, the payment of assessments for sewer, water, street, and other public utilities, and
working capital (inventory and direct labor costs only).
GAIN (Growing Agriculture businesses)
This loan pool will support capital projects for the creation, retention and expansion opportunities for the
region’s farmers and agricultural related businesses. Funding for GAIN! is being made available by support
from the Empire State Development Agency (ESD), the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development
Council, and the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council. Applicant information (name and social
security, etc.) is held on file for ESD audits of the program in order to verify the information.
Microenterprise (Micro) Revolving Loan Fund
This fund is designed to provide small primary loans to established or growing small businesses. Funds
may be used for working capital, inventory purchases, machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures,
supplies, leasehold improvements, minor building renovation/rehabilitation, or natural disaster recovery.
Microburst Loan Program
This fund is designed to provide small loans to start-up or newly established businesses. A key objective of
the program is to assist Wayne County residents who have traditionally had difficulty accessing debt
financing for their new business. Funds may be used for working capital, inventory purchases, machinery
and equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies, leasehold improvements, minor building
renovation/rehabilitation, or natural disaster recovery.
Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund
The fund provides loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. Loan funds can
only be used for eligible cleanup costs as designated by EPA. Applicants are required to complete a preapplication to determine eligibility.

Economic Development and Planning
Wayne Economic Development Corporation & Industrial Development Agency
9 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor, Lyons, NY 14489
[email protected] ⎯ (315) 946-5919

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PROGRESS REPORTS – March 2026
Christine Worth – Director
• Met with Corporate Communication regarding Apple Tasting Tour website
• Attended FLRTC Board & Committee Meetings
• Attended Lake Ontario Wine Trail Meeting
• Attended LOSPC Meeting
• Represented Wayne County Tourism at New England Saltwater Fishing Show
• Met with Trailworks, Barb DeRoo regarding app future
• Met with WCHS, Seneca Chief June 2026
Notes
• Advertising
• Finalized ad insertion Finger Lakes Times Explore Summer Guide
• Apple Tasting Tour
• Appletastingtour.com
• eCommunications – Fourth Quarter
• Wayne County Tourism – March Partner Newsletter: 53% Open rate, 3% CTR
• I Love NY
• 2025 Final Report submitted
• Quarterly business request – new businesses (Empire State Distillers 5/1,
Drumlins Brewing Company 5/1, Syren (new restaurant SP) 5/31/26.
• Tourism Updates
• Compliance training completed in the department.
• Assisted Human Resources with a photo request.
• Contracts to County Attorney’s Office:
▪ Apple Tasting Tour App
▪ Lamar
• Updating banner for Wayne County Fair booth.
• FL region familiarization tour takes place May 12-16. Wayne County hosts the
group on 5/13/26 from 10am-5pm. Tour consists of 5 journalists with a focus on
food, beverage and cultural museums. Itinerary being developed to include
lunch.
• Trailworks App –
▪ Wegmans will no longer be sponsoring the app. Looking at options to
continue the app under Tourism. App needs to be reviewed and
reorganized.
▪ Meeting will take place in April to help develop a plan.

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Lyons Empire State Trail Town Steering
▪ Our office was asked to be on the committee.
• Pen rearing project - DEC restocking 90,000 kings. Fish arrive April 13, 2026
▪ Approx. 3 weeks. By temperature not size, they will be brought out.
Wayne County Historical Society
• Lyons Monument ribbon cutting – August 2026. Planning a travel writer fam
tour and will continue pitching it.
• Seneca Chief returning June 18-20, 2026
Technology
• Future projects: Visit Widget, CRM (quotes received), Hit the trails App.
Visitor Guide/Website
• Visitor Guide is being distributed.
• Reviewing final proof from the printer

Special Notes
• Cycle the Erie Bike tour July 11-19, 2026. Passing through Wayne County on 7/14/26
• Wayne County Fair – August 10-16, 2026
• 2026 Wayne County Bicentennials
o Marion
o Huron, Rose & Wolcott