JOHNSTOWN — The head of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth last week told county supervisors about a potential project for the Johnstown Industrial Park.
CRG President/CEO Ron Peters reported on “business marketing efforts” to the Board of Supervisors’ Economic Development and Environment Committee at the County Office Building.
Peters said the CRG “responded” to the New York State Empire Development Corp. about a request for information about a potential project called “Lion Electric.” He said the CRG submitted a potential site available at the Johnstown Industrial Park off Route 30A.
No other details were provided by the CRG.
But Peters said Tuesday that Lion Electric Co, is a Canadian company interested in New York state.
In the community development marketing part of his report, Peters said the CRG’s Microenterprise Grant Program was a “good program,” but the CRG must reapply. He said the 2016 Microenterprise Grant Program has six state-funded applications: Frozen Parts, Chad’s Second Gear, Bright Futures, Fox Run, Adirondack Pet Emergency Transportation Services, and East Canada Stop & Shop.
Elsewhere in his report to supervisors, Peters said the CRG website – fccrg.org – will be updated soon to be phone-compatible. He said his agency is still exploring doing an update or revamping of the site.
Peters said the CRG financed an equipment purchase for Evolution Recycling, a business in the Johnstown Industrial Park. The total project cost was originally $100,000. But he said the CRG revamped the project by maximizing a state Community Development Block Grant, which allows for a $200,000 project. He said a pre-application for CDBG funding was approved by the state last week. Peters said a public hearing must be set for the project, which may produce 10 new jobs in the next year and a half.
The CRG is assisting a company in Gloversville’s Crossroads Industrial Park that reached out for assistance. Peters said the CRG is also working with a company interested in a vacant Johnstown Industrial Park building.
In the city of Gloversville, Peters said the CRG is involved in at least seven projects. The CRG is also working on an additional project for the city, which includes a couple vacant buildings.
He said the CRG is participating in “at least six fairly solid” projects in the city of Johnstown.
Peters said the CRG is in the process of closing an approved Stump City Brewing loan.
He reported the village of Northville will probably submit a state Consolidated Funding Application for a Local Waterway Revitalization Initiative.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
