ORISKANY — The former Waterbury Felt Mill site is the focus of a revitalization plan, and officials are seeking the public’s input during the Oriskany Farmers Market, from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Village officials, along with representatives from Mohawk Valley EDGE and LaBella Associates, are seeking public comments and visions on the site’s future. More information about the revitalization, as well as an opportunity to provide comments, will be available during the farmers market.

The public is invited to stop by the booth anytime during the market to weigh in on how the site should be reimagined.

MVEDGE received $300,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop remediation plans for brownfields across Oneida County. A brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. The term typically describes areas of land that were once used for commercial or industrial purposes, such as factories and warehouses.  

The former Waterbury Felt Mill site at 107 River St. was selected by MVEDGE as one of the sites to focus on in Oneida County. The EPA grant provides funding to assess and develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community engagement related to the Waterbury Felt Mill site. Revitalizing the Waterbury Felt site can attract new industries, eliminate blight, and create new spaces for people to live, work and play in downtown Oriskany.

Representatives from the project team will be available to answer questions and gather feedback on options for future development of the site.