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Fairport

Urban

Renewal

Agency

  • Revitalizing properties & neighborhoods
  • Improving housing conditions
  • Supporting Section 8 success
  • Improving accessibility

Our Mission

The Village of Fairport Urban Renewal 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 promoting the full and productive use of all properties, and providing financial assistance to support diverse, attainable and affordable housing in the Village of Fairport and beyond.

What We Do

The Fairport Urban Renewal Agency (FURA) provides opportunities and support for individuals, businesses, community organizations, and developers to improve housing conditions, diversify housing opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and improve accessibility.

Incentives, loans and grants to assist projects that restore, preserve and improve property. These projects make a positive impact on the community and may also improve the value of your property.

*The Village of Fairport URA was established in 1965 by a special act of the New York State Legislature to revitalize and redevelop urban areas in Fairport.

How We Help

We offer the following benefits:

Commercial Residential/Mixed-Use Program

Fairport URA can provide low interest loans to multi-family housing projects in the Village of Fairport.

Front Porch Grant Program

This program encourages exterior preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or construction of front porches, which are compatible with traditional style and details appropriate to the original home.

Senior/Disabled Homeowner Programs

The Fairport URA awards grants to income-eligible seniors and homeowners with disabilities for essential and/or safety-related home improvements or repairs.

Home Loan Programs

The Residential Loan Program provides loans to income eligible homeowners for needed repairs and improvements. The objectives of the program are to improve the housing conditions of families, revitalize neighborhoods, reduce operating costs and energy consumption, correct code violations and improve accessibility for the handicapped and elderly.

Success Stories

The long-vacant 62,000 square-foot former can factory and 42,000 square-foot industrial building that dominated the north side of the village were impediments to the revitalization of Fairport.  

The Cannery

The long-vacant 62,000 square-foot former can factory and 42,000 square-foot industrial building that dominated the north side of the village were impediments to the revitalization of Fairport.  

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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. 

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. 

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A car parked outside of a brewery with the Iron Smoke logo

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.

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Developed through Urban Renewal programs in the 1970’s, the 120,000 square foot Fairport Landing shopping center had served as a key component of the Village’s commercial corridor. Due to shifting retail trends and lack of investment, the property was experiencing significant vacancy.

Fairport Landing

Developed through Urban Renewal programs in the 1970’s, the 120,000 square foot Fairport Landing shopping center had served as a key component of the Village’s commercial corridor. Due to shifting retail trends and lack of investment, the property was experiencing significant vacancy.

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FURA Documents

To view FURA documents, forms, policies, and more visit our document library.

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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