(ENDICOTT, NY) Broome County leaders announced today that $10,000 in funding has been approved for a project in Little Italy Endicott through the County’s Small Community Fund. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and members of the Broome County Legislature joined Little Italy Board Members Wednesday to announce the award.
The Small Community Fund is for local municipalities, non-profits, and local economic development entities that are working on projects to assist in carrying out the Broome County Comprehensive Plan. The total fund is $150,000.
“I’m thrilled to be making this announcement today,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “The Little Italy Endicott Heritage Center and Museum is an organization that is preserving the history of Broome County and we are excited see them continuing to serve the community in new ways.”
“Helping our local communities is what this funding is all about,” said Broome County Legislative Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds. “The Legislature was proud to support the funding to the Little Italy Endicott Heritage Center for these much-needed improvements and we look forward to the benefits and opportunities they will bring the community."
“With many outstanding Italian community events in Endicott, this funding will go a long way toward maintaining the culture and traditions that we all cherish,” said Broome County Legislator Matthew J. Pasquale. “Not only that, but it will allow residents the chance to learn more about their heritage and help preserve our way of life right here in Endicott’s Little Italy.”
The kitchen project at the Little Italy Endicott Heritage Center and Museum will provide cooking classes and kitchen and venue rentals to the community. The organization is working with local restaurants and chefs to put plans together for the community cooking classes that will be held in the new kitchen. Not only that, but this project will help promote the community’s heritage.
"Thanks to the support from Broome County, elected officials and community members that aided in the completion of our long-awaited kitchen at the Little Italy Endicott Heritage Center. 2020 marks the 10-year anniversary for the Heritage Center, and when the project is complete we will be offering cooking classes, ethnic dinners and wine making classes. Food is one of the best ways we can showcase our Italian Heritage and connect with people, so were very excited to offer this new space to the community," said Michael Romeo, the Board President.
The $10,000 has helped with construction and installation of purchased equipment like refrigeration equipment, kitchen small wares and dining furniture.
The funding was approved by the Board of Acquisition and Contract in May.
In 2018 through the Small Community Fund, Broome County provided funding for the demolition of a smokestack in the Village of Deposit to make way for their new community park, upgrade Jackson Park in the Town of Binghamton, purchase equipment for the Eastern Broome Emergency Service, support the extension of natural gas to the hamlet of Maine and other projects. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $50,000, with the average grant being approximately $16,000. Broome County will soon announce application information for the 2020 Small Community Fund.
