Earlier this year, the volunteer Implementation Task Force (ITF) convened to prioritize recommendations outlined in the Village’s award-winning Comprehensive Plan. Comprised of over 30 village and town residents, the ITF is organized into
three focus groups: Downtown Development, Infrastructure (Traffic & Parking), and Land Use/Beautification. We will be working with
residents, businesses and other governments to accomplish the goals of the plan to enhance the
village as a pedestrian-friendly destination.

Before outlining some of our initiatives for the coming year, we wish to express our enthusiasm for the pending renovation and expansion of Sutherland High School and the construction of a new public library on State Street two key institutional anchors identified in the Comprehensive Plan.

We will support the village Trustees and/or work collaboratively with town
and school district staff to bring these projects to fruition.

Additionally, the Task Force will commit its efforts to the exciting possibility of acquiring a pedestrian bridge from the City of Rochester. A pedestrian bridge across the canal from Schoen Place to the library area is another key component in the Comprehensive Plan. We will keep you posted on
this and other initiatives.

Priorities identified by the ITC include:
Improvements to the village’s canal front between North Main Street and State Street, in keeping with Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Plan;

Incremental improvements to our six “Gateways,” beginning at North Main Street and the railroad trestle;

Improvements to 10 crosswalks, beginning with those at unsignalized crossings, in keeping with the new State law to protect the rights (and
safety) of pedestrians;

Installation of new commemorative sidewalk benches to enhance our streetscape;

Replacing and adding new trees along our streets to enhance the beauty and to “calm” traffic throughout the village;

Recruitment of staff to immediately address
economic, business and communication issues important to maintaining the vitality of our village as a civic and commercial center.

These priorities will be funded through a variety
of sources, including two substantial grants from the Canal Corporation, private donations and Village funds.

The ITC is also assisting the Board of Trustees
to update Village codes, increase and improve communications, to identify and develop funding opportunities, and to improve the Village’s quality of
life. We welcome your support, ideas and
participation.