Fairport

Industrial

Development

Agency

  • Incentivizing investments
  • Encouraging capital improvements
  • Creating savings for businesses
A car parked outside of a brewery with the Iron Smoke logo

Our Mission

The Village of Fairport Industrial Development Agency is a catalyst for growth of the Village of Fairport as a thriving, complete community and sought-after destination for residents, visitors, and businesses by strategically incentivizing, leveraging and investing in projects that support economic and community vibrancy.

What We Do

Supporting our vibrant community and a healthy local economy is essential to the Fairport Industrial Development Agency (FIDA). As a recognized leader in leveraging private-sector investment, the FIDA has the connections and know-how that come only from being part of the community ourselves.

For capital improvements to a new or existing commercial property, the Fairport Industrial Development Agency can help reduce your tax liability after completion, locking in significant savings in return for investing in Fairport.

Fairport IDA is a public benefit corporation established in 1976 under the General Municipal Law and the Public Authorities Law to foster economic development in the Village of Fairport.

 

How We Help

We offer the following benefits as outlined in our Uniform Tax Exemption Policy:

Real Property Tax Abatement

We help developers manage their incremental tax payments for construction or rehabilitation projects.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption

We can help lower costs by providing tax exemptions for construction, renovation or equipping an eligible project.

Mortgage Tax Exemption

Our mortgage tax exemptions can help lower the fees associated with project financing.

To qualify, your project must:

  • Be eligible to receive Agency financial assistance under the Law.
  • Include a capital investment that will result in a significant increase to the existing tax base upon completion.
  • Have a minimum ratio of 2:1 based on the Agency’s Benefit/Incentive ratio analysis.
  • Utilize, to the fullest extent practicable and economically feasible, resource conservation, energy efficiency, green technologies, and alternative and renewable energy measures.
For information and application, contact our Executive Director:

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.

FIDA Document Library

Find Meeting Agendas, Minutes, Reports, Financials, Policies and more.

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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