About Us

The Fairport Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) supports the continued growth of the Village of Fairport through community-enhancing development policies and actions that contribute to a vibrant and sustainable community.

Our Vision

Our innovative and collaborative organization is represented by our investments in village assets and a commitment to the future. Through our strategic vision, Fairport OCED supports the continued growth of the Village of Fairport into the most sought-after destination in Upstate New York region for residents, visitors, and businesses.

What We Do

Development Policies

Planning, policies, and inducements that encourage new investments that support growth in property value and expand the tax base.

Attainable Housing

Supporting innovative solutions that create housing options for the whole community and address critical housing needs unmet by the market.

Local Employment

Spearheading strategic employment growth in the village with a focus on professional, technical, business services, the creative class, and more.

Complete Community Development

Continuing investment in placemaking, adaptive re-use of historical buildings, amenities, arts, and culture to offer opportunities for healthy, vibrant, diverse, and expressive lives.

A Plan for the Future

Well positioned to build on our strengths and successes, OCED and our agencies have a focus on development policies, attainable housing, local employment and complete community development.

A History of Success

Since 1965, OCED and our agencies have partnered with the Village of Fairport, developers, and community stakeholders to provide catalytic support leading to business investment, improved quality of life, and new housing opportunities

Meet the OCED Team

As community members with varied backgrounds, our team and board members provide first-hand knowledge to support business owners, residents, visitors, and investors looking to join our community.

Success Stories

Iron Smoke Whiskey

Iron Smoke Whiskey, founded in 2011, is a small-batch craft distillery. Enjoying success, the distillery needed a larger location. Working with Fairport Local Development Corporation, a suitable site was identified, and Iron Smoke relocated to the Fairport location in 2014.  The project was assisted with a low-interest loan for renovations, build-out costs, fixtures, and equipment. The total project cost was $850,000.

29 Perrin Street

In 2010, the Fairport Urban Renewal Agency acquired this deteriorating property and requested redevelopment proposals. A local developer purchased the property, demolished the existing building and redeveloped the site into 5 market rate apartments, which were leased out upon opening in September 2012.

Sterling West

What began as a simple façade improvement project in 2004, resulted in the demolition of 2 buildings and the construction of what has become a signature project in the heart of the Village. The Fairport Urban Renewal Agency supported this project with a $300,000 low-interest loan and a façade grant. The total project cost was $1,200,000. 

56 Liftbridge West

The Fairport IDA assisted the developers of 56 Liftbridge by providing a custom PILOT program and sales and mortgage tax exemptions. As a result twenty-four market-rate residential rental units were carefully designed and created. The project addressed two of the FIDA’s strategic focus areas of downtown revitalization and adaptive reuse.

Partners

Fairport village logo

Testimonials

“The choice of the Village of Fairport is a strategic one; a decision many Rochester business owners seem to be gravitating towards in the past year. Known for its charming, walkable streets and growing business community, it’s the perfect new home for the flourishing studio. With deep roots in the Rochester area, the team is eager to contribute to the vibrancy and economic development of this historic village. As a certified WBE (women business enterprise), the relocation also contributes to the growing presence of woman-owned businesses in Fairport’s commercial landscape.” 

Brenna L. Thering

Design Space Studios

“Thank you for the grant! It made my vision come true for my house!!”

Lisa L.
Village Resident

“Thank you so much for this front porch grant. It certainly helps. I am grateful that I now have a safe and beautiful front porch.” 

Joanne M.

Village Resident

“The village of Fairport’s economic development group has embraced the project,” Lester said. “Most municipalities would have put the development team through the ringer. Fairport was like, ‘What can we do for you?’ ”

Matt Lester

Caliber Brokerage

“This is a shining example of how the arts and the Erie Canal can come together to create vibrant public spaces. Fairport has long been a quintessential canal village and this installation will make it an even more compelling destination.”

Brian U. Stratton

NYS Canal Corporation Director

“Fairport’s Office of Community and Economic Development supports local businesses and is dedicated to developing a Village business district that supports small business and the needs of the local community. OCED helps business owners cut through the red tape and navigate the complex process for new businesses looking to open or existing businesses looking to expand. It is like having an extra consultant on your team that will support you throughout the life cycle of your business.”

Tracy Jong, Esq.

Senior Attorney, Evans Fox, LLP

“The Village of Fairport is blessed with scenic Canal frontage, vibrant retail, food and beverage establishments, and a wonderfully charming community. They are also fortunate to have the Office of Community and Economic Development, which works tirelessly to champion development projects and capitalize on opportunities to optimize their downtown. Working with OCED on numerous projects within the Village has been undoubtedly one of the highlights of my professional career.”

John Reddington, RLA, ASLA

Trowbridge Wolf Michaels - A Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio

“Fairport OCED supports the charming and thriving village of Fairport with engaged and creative leadership who are dedicated to working with businesses and the community on sustainable growth. Great people to work with!”

Jared Shepard

MRB Group

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