Clayton seeks proposals for ex-Frink site

CLAYTON — The Clayton Local Development Corp. has much planned for the 8.4-acre Frink property this summer. Larry W. Aubertine, chairman of the corporation, said it will issue a request for proposals for its project March 22 and hopes to hear back from developers as soon as June.

He said the CLDC board will review the project proposals and hire a developer this summer to transform the riverfront property into a mixed-use site with commercial and residential properties, hotels, condos and marinas.

The cost of the project will be determined soon.

"We will know more once we get the proposals this summer," he said.

Last month, the state Department of Environmental Conservation declared the cleanup project complete and gave the town of Clayton and the development corporation its final approval to start developing the property. The partners acquired the property in 2005 and finished a $2.5 million site excavation in 2008.

While waiting for DEC's final approval, the partners have built a 1,100-foot brick trail along the St. Lawrence River at the Frink site and plan to improve the walkway this year with a $316,625 state Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant.

Clayton plans to spend a total of $633,251 to extend the river walk and install benches, light fixtures, viewing decks and bridges along the trail.

The local development corporation also applied for a federal Boating Infrastructure Grant that would cover up to 75 percent of the cost of a proposed $1 million project to install 50 boat slips and a shower facility at the Frink site this summer. The boating grants have not been awarded yet.

Also, Mr. Aubertine said, the corporation plans to revamp the village's historic downtown district by applying for a $500,000 New York State Main Street grant.

The program would reimburse up to 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects, such as facade renovations and interior rehabilitation work, for buildings in the downtown business district around Riverside Drive and James Street. The funds also may be used for streetscape enhancement.

The program is funded by the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corp. to revitalize historic downtown areas, mixed-use neighborhoods, commercial districts and village centers.

Applications are due April 23 and the grants will be awarded in September.