BY JOSH DAVISNorth Country This Week

CANTON—It will be at least another year before visible progress is made on Canton’s Midtown Plaza project. 

Town Economic Developer Leigh Rodriguez said to expect to be patient when looking for updates on the Miner Street development at the June town and village board meetings. 

Rodriguez said a site plan for the project will likely be approved by August. Rodriguez said the site will also be subject to an environmental review, which she said “could happen as soon as this fall.”

She said because the project will involve public funds “we have to do it their way.” 

Rodriguez said that it’s important for the town to do its due diligence in completing the steps of the project in accordance with guidelines. 

“We have to be really cautious,” Rodriguez said, but noted by this time next year more tangible progress could be observable. 

Midtown Plaza development firm the Vecino Group has reportedly been making regular visits to Canton for meetings with stakeholders.

Leigh Rodriguez said that one of her most frequently answered questions is ‘when is the demolition going to begin,’ but said that several boxes must be checked before that time. 

Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley joked that the town should hold a ribbon cutting for the demolition of the old complex. 

Once complete, the 77,000 square foot complex will include retail and commercial space as well as an entrepreneurship center operated by SUNY Canton.

The multipurpose building will also feature residential space comprised of low income and market rate apartments. 

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