CANTON -- The Village of Canton will soon host informational meetings to discuss the availability of $300,000 in funds through the Canton Main Street Program.

Two sessions will be held on Tuesday, July 12 at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at TAUNY, 53 Main Street, to provide information about the program.

The Village of Canton has secured a $300,000 grant through the 2015 round of the New York Main Street Program (NYMS) that is administered by the NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal (OCR).

Funds will be used to provide rehabilitation assistance to property owners in the target area, defined as the north side of Main Street between Riverside Drive and Court Street (7-101), 84 Main Street, 8 Park Street, and 11/21 Court Street.

Any building owners in the target area are welcome to attend, and will be eligible to apply for assistance.

The village seeks projects that will contribute toward a vital and vibrant downtown economy, and leverage and encourage private investment by transforming vacant or underutilized second floor space to business or residential use, improving aesthetics through façade improvements that make downtown unique and attractive, encouraging upkeep and efficiency of these historic buildings, and encouraging projects that enhance secondary access to retail stores and businesses from municipal parking areas.

For further information, or if you are unable to attend one of the informational meetings, contact Leigh Rodriguez, Director of Economic Development, at 386-2871 ext. 5 or lrodriguez@cantonny.us to schedule an appointment.