A Bright Future Ahead: NY Forward Efforts Begin with New York State Representatives

Hello, Town of AuSable Residents!

I hope this message finds you well. I’m thrilled to share an exciting update with you all: yesterday (4/2/25), we held our first official onsite meeting with New York State representatives to discuss the incredible $4.5 million NY Forward grant awarded to Keeseville, a project that unites the Towns of AuSable and Chesterfield in a shared vision for revitalization. This is a historic moment for our community, and I want to take a moment to bring you up to speed on what this means for us and what’s next.

For those who may not yet be familiar, the NY Forward program is a New York State initiative designed to breathe new life into smaller communities like ours. Keeseville’s $4.5 million grant, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul on March 14, 2025, is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our two towns, as well as the dedication of the NY Forward Committee. This funding isn’t just a number—it’s a powerful opportunity to enhance our downtown areas, celebrate our history, and build a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone who calls Keeseville home.

During this first meeting, we kicked things off with representatives from New York State who will be guiding us through the process. The focus was on laying the groundwork for what’s to come: developing a Strategic Investment Plan that will shape how we use these funds. This plan will be crafted with input from a Local Planning Committee, made up of municipal leaders, community members, and stakeholders from both AuSable and Chesterfield. Supported by state planners and private-sector experts, this group will ensure that every project we pursue reflects our community’s needs and dreams.

So, what can we expect? The NY Forward grant is all about creating a downtown that’s welcoming, walkable, and full of opportunity. While specific projects are still in the early stages of discussion, the state representatives emphasized that the funding will support a mix of initiatives—think improvements to storefronts, upgrades to infrastructure, and enhancements to public spaces like our beautiful AuSable River waterfront. The goal is to make Keeseville a place where businesses thrive, residents feel proud, and visitors can’t wait to return.

One of the most inspiring parts of the meeting was hearing how much faith New York State has in Keeseville’s potential. Our unique location—nestled between the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains, just a stone’s throw from Lake Champlain—combined with our rich history and tight-knit community spirit, makes us a perfect fit for this program. The state sees what we’ve always known: Keeseville is special, and with a little investment, it can shine even brighter.

Of course, this is just the beginning. The next steps involve forming the Local Planning Committee and starting the community engagement process. That’s where you come in! Your voice matters, whether you’re a lifelong resident, a business owner, or someone who simply loves Keeseville’s charm. We’ll be sharing more details soon about how you can get involved—whether it’s attending public meetings, sharing your ideas, or even joining the planning efforts. Keep an eye on updates from the Town of AuSable and the Town of Chesterfield for opportunities to participate.

As your Town Supervisor, I couldn’t be more grateful for this chance to shape Keeseville’s future together. This $4.5 million is more than just money—it’s a vote of confidence in who we are and what we can become. Let’s seize this moment to blend our proud history with bold new possibilities, creating a Keeseville that’s not only a great place to live but a destination for others to discover.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward. Together, we’re building something extraordinary—here’s to a brighter, bolder Keeseville!

Warm regards,
Tim Bresett
Town of AuSable Supervisor