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Many Hancock Partner projects are still in the conceptual stages. Some projects are further along in development. The following are a few projects in later stages. We convey progress reports and other updates on a regular basis in The Hancock Herald.
THE TOWN SQUARE PROJECT
The Hancock Partners, LLC., in cooperation with the Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and local government are advancing their longtime plans for the Great American Block. Hancock Partners developed a preliminary design and funding plan for the proposed Town Square. However, an Environmental Review of the property found underground contamination. Based on this review the Partners could not proceed with the purchase until such a time when the contamination had been mitigated or removed. We remain committed to bring a Town Square to the people of Hancock.
THE "HONEST" EDDIE MURPHY PROJECT
The
Partners, in conjunction with Delaware County Stop DWI,
sponsored Old Time Baseball at
Fireman's Park. The Roxbury Nine played the Hancock Athletics. Eddie Murphy was born in Hancock and played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. He appeared in 3 World Series and was a member of the infamous 1919 Chicago "Black" Sox). His nickname, "Honest" came from the fact that he was not involved in the Series fixing scandal. In 1918 his batting average trailed Babe Ruth's by only 3 points. When Babe Ruth broke into the majors as a pitcher, the first man he ever faced was Eddie Murphy.
THE
"SPRING FESTIVAL "
The Harvest & Spring Festivals, begun in 2005, have proved very successful and have grown in size and popularity each year. Merchants and vendors are given an ideal venue in which to reach the surrounding population as well as visiting tourists. The Partners coordinate and fund all aspects of the festivals.
THE "MAIN STREET PROJECT "
The Main Street Project was envisioned by The Hancock Partners as a beginning to the revitalization process of downtown Hancock. The Partners, through a Grant obtained from New York State, have distributed, through matching grants, over $200,000 to downtown businesses to help them renovate and rejuvenate store fronts, while retaining the traditional and historic character of the architecture. The following are a few of the recipients of Main Street Grants acquired through Hancock Partners, LLC.: ●
Marino's Outdoor Hancock Partners is currently in the process of securing additional funding to revitalize other sections of the village. In addition to renovating existing store fronts, the Partners have been instrumental in helping new businesses become established in the downtown area, thereby creating new jobs and additional patrons for other existing businesses.
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THE PARK & HIKING TRAIL PROJECT
The establishment of a public park, possibly in conjunction with hiking trails within the community has been the suggestion heard most often by the Partners. We are currently negotiating with several potential property owners. Timing on this project depends completely on current landowner willingness to participate in the advancement of the community and our ability to find adequate funding in a timely manner. The Village of Hancock and Hancock Partners have applied for a Transportation Enhancement Program Grant for "The Hancock Fitness Trail and Scenic Overlook" in June of 2007. The scenic Trail would connect the two branches of the Delaware (upgrading current sidewalks and adding more). A scenic overlook would be located at the termination of Old Bridge St.
Scenic hiking trails and an Interpretative
Center would be
incorporated into the proposed
Visitor Reception Center/ Museum & Information Center
which is in the early development stage. This Center
will complement the ongoing marketing theme developed by Hancock
Partners, “Gateway To The
Upper Delaware”.
THE COMMUNITY SIGNAGE PROJECT
A central theme for the community was suggested by the company that conducted our preliminary marketing study, Shepstone Associates. Along with other outside marketing people and the Partners Board of Directors, the theme of "Gateway To The Upper Delaware" was selected. This will provide a "tie in" with state and federal programs which will use the same slogan. It will also provide a marketing "tie in" for local business. The Partners have installed signs throughout the village with incorporating this common theme. Completion of the project was in July 2005. We have run a contest to select the best signage and theme and a winner has been selected. The back lighted sign pictured on the left above, with the Mayor Karcher, Town Supervisor Rowe, and the Partners Board of Directors, was dedicated Memorial Day weekend of 2005. Bill Gross and assistant, Ben, are shown installing one of 4 more signs at the western access to the village.
_______________::________________ THE
HANCOCK
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Village of Hancock, in conjunction with the Hancock Partners Inc., has joined forces to fund the creation of an Economic and Community Development Plan for the Village of Hancock. The Plan will focus on strengthening the integrity of Hancock's neighborhoods; stimulating reinvestment in the historic Downtown business district; improving the image of gateways leading into the Village; and identifying programs and policies needed to stimulate new investment within our community. The creation of the Economic and Community Development Plan will include a strong public participation process and is an opportunity for the entire community to come together to create a vision for our future that guides public improvements in a manner that attracts private investment and enhances our quality of life.
THE DUG ROAD LIGHTING PROJECT
We have been successful in initiating street lights being installed along the "Dug" road between Hancock and Cadosia. As many of you will recall, the road originally had street lights, but were removed some time ago due to the maintenance cost.
The Partners held their first activity on June 18, 2004 as the Family Foundation Singers and Dancers performed at Hancock Central School. Additional events & entertainment have become annual events. Due to the overwhelming success, similar concerts, festivals and events are planned for the coming seasons. |