Future Plans
June 24th, 2026: Clarification on Housing Discussions
This memorandum is being issued to provide clarification and updated information regarding recent public discussions and ongoing village initiatives.
The public hearing on July 6th, 2026 is regarding the Village of Frankfort Water System Improvements Project. The $1,250,000.00 CDBG funding was for the Village of Frankfort Water System Improvements Project, which started in 2023 and is near completion. It is not related to the discussions that were held during the Herkimer IDA BOA meeting on June 23rd, 2026.
The Village would like to clarify that there is currently no concrete or approved plan to develop housing from Palmer Street to Reese Road. No funding has been applied for and no funding has been received by the Village. The concept mentioned at the Herkimer County IDA BOA meeting on June 23rd was presented only as an idea and example. It is not an active or committed development project. The purpose of attending that meeting was to engage the public and gather input on what residents would like to see in the Village, so that community feedback can directly inform future revitalization efforts. Residents were asked to write down their own ideas on one of the empty boards.
Regarding concerns about run-down or vacant properties, the Village is actively working to address these issues. However, the process is often complex. In many cases, unless property owners voluntarily surrender their property, it is difficult and expensive for the Village to take ownership and complete clean-up. Properties that are off the tax rolls present additional legal and administrative challenges for acquisition. The Village is currently working in coordination with the land bank to help address and remediate these problem properties as part of a long-term strategy.
The former Union Fork and Hoe site in the Village of Frankfort is privately owned, which presents certain challenges for Village-led development efforts. As a municipality, the Village has limited authority to directly plan, fund, or implement redevelopment initiatives on the site. Any progress toward reuse or revitalization depends on cooperation and negotiation with the private owner.
We would also like to inform residents that the Village has recently hired a new Codes Officer, Nicholas Mayr. He is already actively engaged in his duties and has begun addressing code enforcement matters with professionalism and urgency.
In addition, the Village is in the process of updating its zoning and code regulations as part of the broader Comprehensive Plan. This plan is publicly available on the Village website (see below) and has also been shared through official social media channels. We highly encourage all residents to read it. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2023 and was developed with significant input from residents who attended public engagement sessions, as it is imperative that that community priorities are reflected in future planning and development efforts.
The Village would also like to clarify the relocation of recreational amenities previously located at the East Canal Street Park. The basketball courts and playground equipment were moved to the Hilltop area following concerns and complaints raised by nearby residents. East Canal Street Park was originally envisioned as a central location for youth activity, but adjustments were made directly due to community feedback to better balance recreational use with neighborhood concerns.
The Village strongly encourages all residents to continue reaching out with ideas, concerns, and feedback. Meaningful community participation is essential to improving and revitalizing our Village, and we remain committed to working collaboratively toward that goal.
Finally, with respect to concerns that have been raised regarding “kickbacks,” the Village Board would like to state clearly that no member of the Village Board receives or has received any kickbacks.
We thank residents for their continued engagement and support as we work together to strengthen our community.
December 2025 Grant Awards
We are incredibly grateful to share that the Village of Frankfort has been awarded the Canalways Grant and the LWRP (Local Waterfront Revitalization Program), a major milestone in our ongoing effort to reimagine Frankfort as a waterfront destination.
Thank you to the Mohawk Valley REDC, NYS Canal Corporation, and Department of State for investing in our Village! Additionally, we would like to thank our Village officials and dedicated staff for their leadership and commitment to this vision, and to Barton & Loguidice for their expertise and partnership throughout the planning process. We also extend sincere thanks to Heelpath, Wakin' Bagel, Pontoon Lagoon, and Moonlight Market for their thoughtful letters of support; your advocacy truly helped make this possible.
This funding will help advance the proposed Frankfort Marina Amphitheater, docks, and related infrastructure, aligning directly with the goals of the Village of Frankfort’s Comprehensive Plan to leverage the marina as a catalyst for change across the Village. The LWRP will fund the design package for the amphitheater. The Village will submit another application for the construction of the amphitheater. Our plan is to build with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem and sustainable design elements. In addition, the Canalways grant will allow us to stabilize the shoreline for climate resiliency and to enhance access to the Mohawk River. Keeping the waterfront protected and beautiful is highly important.
Thank you to everyone who helped move this vision forward. We can’t wait to see what’s next for our waterfront and our community!
Comprehensive Plan
The Village of Frankfort developed a Comprehensive Plan to help officials make policy and capital project decisions about the future of the community. An essential element of developing the Plan was gathering input from residents, business owners, and visitors. The creation of this Comprehensive Plan was made possible by the efforts of the Village Officials, Steering Committee, and residents of Frankfort. The Steering Committee was integral in the drafting of this Plan through the contribution of their time, energy, and local knowledge. The Village would like to thank all members of the community and stakeholders who contributed to the vision of the community and helped shape the contents of the Plan for the betterment of the greater Frankfort community. The Village looks forward to the implementation of this Plan and the positive impacts it will have on its residents, local businesses, and region.
