Marcellus’s NY Forward Planning Process Is Getting StartedThe Village of Marcellus is one of two communities in the Central New York region to be selected for Round 4 of the NY Forward program. Marcellus was selected for a $4.5 million award to help identify and complete transformative and/or catalytic projects in and near downtown. The NY Forward program includes robust capacity-building and technical assistance directly to communities throughout each phase of the program. Marcellus is paired with a consultant team led by Stantec to guide our community through the planning process.
This planning effort is just getting started and will continue through early 2027 with the completion of the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The SIP will include a list of projects recommended for NY Forward funding by the Local Planning Committee (LPC). Following the submission of the SIP to the State, a multi-agency State team will review each project recommended for NY Forward funding. A subset of the projects submitted in the SIP will be awarded funding by the State. These projects will be expected to start within two years of the funding award. Transparent, open, and ongoing public engagement is a critical component of the NY Forward planning process and the development of the SIP.
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NY Forward Calendar July 28-September 4
Open Call for Projects September 16
LPC Meeting #2 Marcellus Free Library 5pm - 7pm NY Forward Document LibrarySmall Project Fund Interest Form for projects less than $100,000
Local Planning Committee Meetings |
First Local Planning Committee Meeting for NY Forward on July 23
The first Local Planning Committee (LPC) meeting for the Village of Marcellus’ NY Forward planning process will be Thursday, July 23 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Marcellus Free Library. LPC meetings are working meetings for the committee and are open to the public to observe. A public comment period will be provided at the end of the meeting. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.
The LPC is the Steering Committee for the NY Forward planning process, and is comprised of representatives from local businesses, non-profits, social and public service organizations, educational institutions, and others who can represent the variety of interests in Marcellus. The LPC is co-chaired by Mayor Chad Clark and Honora Spillane, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth at CenterState CEO. Committee members include:
Over the next 6-7 months, LPC members will work with the State’s consultant team led by Stantec to: provide input to help shape the vision for downtown and its goals and revitalization strategies; discuss potential projects being considered for NY Forward funding; and ultimately recommend potential projects for State funding consideration. LPC members will also assist with community engagement by guiding the public engagement approach and helping reach out to various constituencies, so many voices are heard during the planning process. The first public meeting will be held August 20 and more information will be shared closer to the date. Please visit the Village’s NY Forward webpage: https://www.villageofmarcellusny.gov/ny-forward.html
NY Forward was launched in 2022 to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller communities, with a focus on hamlets, villages, and neighborhood-scale commercial centers. NY Forward is led by the New York State Department of State (DOS), in close partnership with Empire State Development (ESD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). For more information about the program, please visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.
The LPC is the Steering Committee for the NY Forward planning process, and is comprised of representatives from local businesses, non-profits, social and public service organizations, educational institutions, and others who can represent the variety of interests in Marcellus. The LPC is co-chaired by Mayor Chad Clark and Honora Spillane, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth at CenterState CEO. Committee members include:
- Wayne Blann, Marcellus Resident
- Tyler Cooper, Marcellus Central School District teacher
- Megan Costa, Onondaga County Planning Assistant Director
- Nicole Doshna, local business owner and property manager
- Jack Murphy, resident and former mayor
- Jamie Plis, Plis Funeral Homeowner
- Gregory Quick, Marcellus Rotary Club president
- Jennifer Tedesco, Marcellus Food Pantry president
- Rachel Wenzel, local business owner and event organizer
Over the next 6-7 months, LPC members will work with the State’s consultant team led by Stantec to: provide input to help shape the vision for downtown and its goals and revitalization strategies; discuss potential projects being considered for NY Forward funding; and ultimately recommend potential projects for State funding consideration. LPC members will also assist with community engagement by guiding the public engagement approach and helping reach out to various constituencies, so many voices are heard during the planning process. The first public meeting will be held August 20 and more information will be shared closer to the date. Please visit the Village’s NY Forward webpage: https://www.villageofmarcellusny.gov/ny-forward.html
NY Forward was launched in 2022 to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller communities, with a focus on hamlets, villages, and neighborhood-scale commercial centers. NY Forward is led by the New York State Department of State (DOS), in close partnership with Empire State Development (ESD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). For more information about the program, please visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.
MAYOR CLARK'S NY FORWARD PRESS RELEASE 04/08/2026
I am pleased to share exciting news with our Village residents: the Village of Marcellus has been awarded a Round 4 NY Forward Grant in the amount of $4.5 million! This significant investment will help us continue to strengthen and revitalize our community. Below is an overview of what comes next as we begin this important process.
First, I would like to recognize and thank those who played a key role in reaching this milestone. This achievement would not have been possible without your dedication and collaboration: Trustee Jamie Curtin; DPW Superintendent Mallory Zabinski; Village Treasurer Jen Plis; Village Clerk Charnley Abbott; former DPW Superintendent Greg Crysler; DPW Deputy Superintendent Jim LaRose; Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator John Holmes; Marcellus Police Chief Rich Curran; our MRB Group team—Matt Horn, Emily Honen, and Laurie Fox; and our presentation team- McClurg PR Coordinator Maggie Hartnett, Reagan Companies President Sean Reagan, and MCSD freshman Ada DeOrdio; and MCSD Professional Pathways and Career Coordinator Tyler Cooper. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated!
Please note that we are in the early stages of this process. A representative from the New York State Department of State recently met with the Village (Municipal) team for an introduction and initial overview of the planning process. The following outlines what we can expect in the coming months:
As always, we welcome questions and feedback from Village residents. Please feel free to contact any member of the Village Board:
Mayor Chad Clark [email protected]
Trustee Jamie Curtin [email protected]
Trustee Brandy Witthoft [email protected]
This is an exciting and historic moment for the Village of Marcellus. We look forward to working together to make meaningful, lasting improvements for our community.
Chad A. Clark, Mayor
First, I would like to recognize and thank those who played a key role in reaching this milestone. This achievement would not have been possible without your dedication and collaboration: Trustee Jamie Curtin; DPW Superintendent Mallory Zabinski; Village Treasurer Jen Plis; Village Clerk Charnley Abbott; former DPW Superintendent Greg Crysler; DPW Deputy Superintendent Jim LaRose; Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator John Holmes; Marcellus Police Chief Rich Curran; our MRB Group team—Matt Horn, Emily Honen, and Laurie Fox; and our presentation team- McClurg PR Coordinator Maggie Hartnett, Reagan Companies President Sean Reagan, and MCSD freshman Ada DeOrdio; and MCSD Professional Pathways and Career Coordinator Tyler Cooper. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated!
Please note that we are in the early stages of this process. A representative from the New York State Department of State recently met with the Village (Municipal) team for an introduction and initial overview of the planning process. The following outlines what we can expect in the coming months:
- The Village has been assigned a consultant team, Stantec, through New York State. They will provide technical expertise and guidance throughout the planning process. An on-site meeting with the Stantec team is scheduled for April.
- A Local Planning Committee (LPC) will be established, consisting of Village residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders representing a range of backgrounds and perspectives. The LPC will collaborate with the Municipal Team and consultants to develop a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), building upon our NY Forward application to identify and advance priority revitalization projects. The Village Board has suggested several individuals for consideration for the LCP, which will ultimately be vetted and approved by the State. Additional information about the LPC will be shared in the coming weeks, with the first meeting anticipated in late April or early May.
- Two public engagement sessions will be held to gather community input—one tentatively scheduled for early May, and a second in the fall or early winter.
- An “Open Call” for project proposals is expected to take place in June (dates to be announced).
- While we await additional guidance from New York State, a preliminary information request form is available for privately owned project proposals. This form can be accessed on the Village website at www.villageofmarcellusny.gov/ny-forward.html
- The process will culminate in the development of the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), which will be submitted to New York State for final review and approval.
As always, we welcome questions and feedback from Village residents. Please feel free to contact any member of the Village Board:
Mayor Chad Clark [email protected]
Trustee Jamie Curtin [email protected]
Trustee Brandy Witthoft [email protected]
This is an exciting and historic moment for the Village of Marcellus. We look forward to working together to make meaningful, lasting improvements for our community.
Chad A. Clark, Mayor
"$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Marcellus
Embodying the magic of a storybook small town, the 0.64 square-mile Village of Marcellus embraces its timeless traditions (like Olde Home Days) while also welcoming new residents and visitors with open arms. Located off the Seneca Turnpike, this idyllic Onondaga County village features a central downtown filled with thriving small businesses, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and second-to-none trout fishing known throughout the state. Without walking more than a mile, residents and visitors have access to a library, bookstore, daycare, bank, multiple hair salons, a physical therapist, a dentist and a wide variety of specialty restaurants, cafes and bars. The Village’s story of revitalization and adaptation to change began in the 1990s and will continue with the NY Forward funds, which will continue to improve walkability, preserve its historic character, expand green spaces and further support local businesses. This will create a domino effect and transform Marcellus into a hub of economic and population growth in Central New York."
Embodying the magic of a storybook small town, the 0.64 square-mile Village of Marcellus embraces its timeless traditions (like Olde Home Days) while also welcoming new residents and visitors with open arms. Located off the Seneca Turnpike, this idyllic Onondaga County village features a central downtown filled with thriving small businesses, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and second-to-none trout fishing known throughout the state. Without walking more than a mile, residents and visitors have access to a library, bookstore, daycare, bank, multiple hair salons, a physical therapist, a dentist and a wide variety of specialty restaurants, cafes and bars. The Village’s story of revitalization and adaptation to change began in the 1990s and will continue with the NY Forward funds, which will continue to improve walkability, preserve its historic character, expand green spaces and further support local businesses. This will create a domino effect and transform Marcellus into a hub of economic and population growth in Central New York."