Ask The Expert

Recently, there have been a number of developers that have expressed an interest in converting upper-story space into residential apartments in our downtown. However, our zoning for downtown requires one off-street parking space for each apartment, which is impossible to provide downtown. We want to encourage living-over-the-store, but do not want to exacerbate the parking shortage downtown. What can be done?

First, you must determine whether there is a real or perceived parking shortage. If there is a real shortage, then determining when that shortage occurs is important. If your parking shortage is only during day shopping hours, perhaps some type of permitting system or hours exchange could be done, such as parking for shoppers during the day and residents in evening & overnight. Many times there is only a PERCEIVED parking issue in a downtown business district. Emphasis should be placed on having business owners and employees park in appropriate spaces, not directly in front of stores, which should be reserved for customers. Many communities have initiated a permit system for businesses or "park & ride" lots away from the business district. Also, consider providing a variance on the parking requirements, working under the assumption that not each and every person who lives in a downtown apartment has a need or owns a vehicle. Other actions could include re-configuring existing parking lots and on-street parking to provide more spaces.

Our community is interested in starting a Farmer's Market to provide an anchor for our Downtown. Who can we contact for technical assistance in setting up our Farmer's Market? Are there funding sources available to help us get the Farmer's Market started?

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announces a FARMER’S MARKET GRANT PROGRAM each year to assist in the construction, reconstruction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation of Farmer’s Markets in New York State. Typically, a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is announced in December of each year. More information about this program can be found at www.agmkt.state.ny.us. In addition, Cornell University's Community, Food, and Agriculture Program provides great information on how to connect Farmer's Markets to local food producers. Another excellent resource is the following guidebook: Farmer’s Markets and Rural Economic Development: Entrepreneurship, Small Business Incubation and Job Creation in the Rural Northeast. A must for Farmer's Markets sponsors, extension staff and economic development officials, this Bulletin reports on a study of how Farmer's Markets contribute to local economic development. You can contact Gretchen Gilbert, Office Manager, at gcg4@cornell.edu or 607/255-9832 if you would like to purchase a copy of the report.

Can a building with multiple storefronts be eligible for more than one façade grant?

If there are two or more separate entrances on the main street, more than 40 feet of frontage on the main street, and the building consists of two or more stories, the property may be considered eligible for two facade grants. Some larger buildings may be eligible for more than two facade grants. A single storied building may be considered if it has historical significance (built prior to 1945) and has at least 80 feet of frontage and 4 or more separate entrances on the main street. In these cases, separate facade grants may be permitted for each facade section. Whenever there are contiguous buildings or storefronts, they must have consistent facade treatments, and the State Historic Preservation Office must be provided an opportunity to review and suggest appropriate work items.

Can façade funding only be used on the side of a building that faces the main street?

Generally, the side of the building facing the Main Street would be considered the façade. There may be exceptions. A corner building may have a significant side façade. In some communities, buildings are accessed via a rear parking lot, and it would also be possible to have a rear façade. In such cases, the facade funding limitations would still apply.

Submit a question to our experts.