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
Do you have a project in mind? Please complete and submit this request to the Village Clerk at [email protected] as soon as possible.
This information request is intended to collect general data on potential private owned projects that may or may not be included in the Village’s NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan, and more information may be needed for consideration as the planning process moves forward.
If you have questions regarding this form or the NY Forward grant award, please submit them in writing to the Village Clerk.
This information request is intended to collect general data on potential private owned projects that may or may not be included in the Village’s NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan, and more information may be needed for consideration as the planning process moves forward.
If you have questions regarding this form or the NY Forward grant award, please submit them in writing to the Village Clerk.
"$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."