Developers sought for Canastota project in state canal initiative

CANASTOTA, N.Y. — Madison County is seeking developers to partner on a project to turn 160 Center St. in Canastota into a “canalside pocket neighborhood” as part of the state’s Reimagine the Canals initiative.

The county has released a request for qualifications (RFQ) in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation and the New York Power Authority, per a Tuesday news release

The project seeks to “showcase” canalside living and be a pilot project for the New York State Canal system, Madison County said.

The developer selected will partner with Madison County on this project. It’s part of Reimagine the Canals, an Erie Canal bicentennial initiative and reinvestment campaign.

Madison County was the winner of the state’s Reimagine the Canals competition, securing $1.5 million to directly support the development of this canalside pocket neighborhood.

Madison County currently owns the site that is the location for the canalside pocket neighborhood project.

“It is a 2.5-acre site with 250 feet of Erie Canal frontage and is in walking distance of Canastota’s downtown,” Jamie Kowalczk, assistant director of the Madison County Planning Department, said. “By linking new desirable housing choices to the Erie Canal’s one-of-a-kind trail and waterway system, we are hoping to retain and attract residents to our community’s downtown.”

The preferred redevelopment of the site will include a mix of housing; creative layout and site design; and reactivation of the canal waterfront.

“The vision for the project is to leverage the … brand and amenities of the Erie Canal and combine it with quality design to create a unique canalside living experience,” says Kowalczk “And now we are looking forward to bringing in a partner developer to build the project.”

Respondents to the RFQ should demonstrate their experience and capacity to construct and complete the project. Responses are due July 21.

To view bid details, visit: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/bids.aspx.

For more information on the project visit www.CanalsideCanastota.com, Madison County said.