SHERMAN — Sherman village officials are working through three Community Development Block grants awarded in 2020, two of which are coming to a close this summer.

Sherman Mayor Colleen Meeder outlined the grants and discussed how each one has been used. She noted that the state awarded more than $20 million in the 2020 round to assist communities across New York in addressing local community development needs. More than $14 million was awarded for a variety of projects that address local affordable housing needs, making investments in homeownership opportunities and home rehabilitation programs, she said.

Regarding the Downtown Market analysis that was conducted by Camoin Associates, the village received a $50,000 grant, of which it provided a local share of $2,500. This grant was closed in July.

Meeder highlighted key points of the 86-page analysis that can be viewed on the village website. The report will be used to support future grant applications as well as discussions with realtors, stakeholders, investors and foundations, she said.

In line with this, the mayor told Village Board members that she recently met with Nate Aldrich, economic development coordinator of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.

The second grant was a grant of $488,250 from the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation. The money is to be used to rehabilitate residential homes. Meeder reported that CHRIC received 12 application for rehabilitation from Sherman residents. Seven were approved for the program and one is still working on verifying eligibility. Five sets of contracts are ready, Meeder said.

One project is ready to go to contract, Meeder said. Three more are out to bid and one is engaged in inspection and write-up.

“However, the rehab staff was asked to put those on hold temporarily after a concern regarding the asbestos requirements. CHRIC is checking in with CDBG to get more clarification on the matter to determine how it may affect the anticipated schedule and costs,” she said.

The third grant for $1.25 million was a co-funded Public Infrastructure Grant, Meeder said. This was used as a part of the $7 million Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project.

The project is also being funded by CDBG, NYSEFC Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, and USDA Rural Development. The $1.25 million CDBG component is being used for construction, and all $1.25 money in funding was paid to the general contractor, H&K Services, Meeder said.

Regarding the wastewater treatment plant, board members heard comments from Andrew Meyerhofer of Barton & Loguidice. Meyerhofer is the engineer working with our lead engineer Matt Zarbo and is responsible for many of the engineered plans and day to day project oversight, and meeting coordination, Meeder said. Meyerhofer told board members that the project is on schedule and is progressing well.