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It’s been six years since the first of two fires ravaged Falconer’s downtown. A second fire a year later just widened the hole.
Previous efforts have failed due to lack of state funding support and now, apparently, the closure of the developer that was working on the newest attempt to build on the vacant space on Main Street in the village. Falconer officials are still waiting for definite word that Savarino Companies’ plan to obtain several downtown parcels to build apartments or townhouses and new commercial space has fallen through, but the latest snag isn’t a promising development.
The news isn’t all bad, however.
The Savarino-backed project had received $250,000 of Regional Economic Development Council funding through Empire State Development, so there is some funding trickling in for the project. That funding is also a sign that the state isn’t dismissing the need to fill in the gaps on Falconer’s Main Street.
Another positive sign is the village’s work with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth and consultants on a new downtown master plan that will identify priority projects and then help find funding. Projects identified so far include park improvements; a Complete Streets feasibility study; trail connections and park improvements; waterfront activation and enhancement; parking lot improvements; Main Street design guidelines; streetscape improvements; building facade improvements; and placemaking, wayfinding signage and connectivity. There is also talk of either restarting the Falconer Business Association or joining the county Chamber of Commerce to better promote Falconer-area businesses.
There needs to be some meat put on those bones, but the potential for a more vibrant Falconer is certainly visible. New buildings are nice, but the potential in Falconer is about more than just replacing what burned down in 2017 and 2018. The most encouraging sign is the engagement among Falconer citizens and business owners. They bring the vitality and enthusiasm needed to help the village fully rebound.
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