DRI and NY Forward Update

The Town of Jay Town Board voted to hire G&G Municipal Consulting to assist with our application and community engagement for the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs. If awarded, these state programs could infuse either $10 million (DRI) or $5 million (NY Forward) directly into our revitalization efforts in Au Sable Forks.

Jay Grasso from G&G joined our monthly Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting this week to introduce himself and review the initiatives we have undertaken over the last several years. He noted that the Town of Jay is significantly ahead of many communities his firm works with, thanks to our thorough preliminary planning. Credit goes to our dedicated EDC, which includes local residents, the North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the Essex County IDA, the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), and the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB). Thank you to everyone whose hard work brought us to this exciting milestone.

 

2026 Midterm Elections Schedule

With the 2026 Midterm Elections approaching, the Essex County Board of Elections has released the official schedule for Early Voting and Election Day. Early voting allows all registered Essex County voters the flexibility to cast their ballot in person ahead of Election Day at either of the two designated county polling sites.

Early Voting Locations:

  • Lake Placid: Lake Placid Beach House, 31 Parkside Drive, Lake Placid
  • Lewis: Essex County Public Safety Building, 702 Stowersville Road, Lewis

Early Voting Dates and Hours (October 24th to November 1st):

  • Saturdays and Sundays (October 24, October 25, October 31, November 1): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Mondays and Wednesdays (October 26, October 28): 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (October 27, October 29, October 30): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

General Election Day takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with polls open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. On Election Day itself, Town of Jay voters must cast their ballot at their regular polling place at the Community Center in Au Sable Forks. For additional details or questions, contact the Essex County Board of Elections at 518-873-3474.

 

Adirondack Harvest Festival This Saturday in Westport

Head over to the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport tomorrow, Saturday, September 19th, for the annual Adirondack Harvest Festival! Hosted by Adirondack Harvest and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County, this popular family-friendly event runs from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and celebrates the rich agricultural heritage and local food scene of our region.

Festival Highlights:

  • Farmers Market and Food Trucks: Shop fresh local farm products and enjoy delicious meals from regional food vendors.
  • Family and Kids Activities: Enjoy a petting zoo, wagon and pony rides, and hands-on children’s activities throughout the afternoon.
  • Music and Workshops: Take in live music, sample local libations, and attend educational workshops focused on local agriculture and sustainability.

For full schedule details and directions, visit: adirondackharvest.com/festival

 

I hope you have a great weekend,

Matt