New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez visited the village and witnessed the improvements already made, and to engage with members of the community about what plans the village has for the future. “What’s exciting about Gowanda is that they have a number of different initiatives in the area of economic development. They have done a lot of the planning work to think about and envision what they want to see in their community,” Rodriguez said.

Carol Sheibley, a village trustee, read a poem at the historic Hollywood Theater to welcome a special guest. “Welcome to Gowanda, our village by name. Your visit today is bringing us fame,” Sheibley said. “We are willing to listen and willing to talk, and part of the plan is to walk the walk.”

After introductions, Rodriguez and members of the audience in attendance departed the Hollywood Theater on a walking tour around the village.

Rodriguez highlighted how Gowanda received a designation through the state, called the Brownfield Opportunity Areas. “I’m really glad that we were able to make that designation to make Gowanda eligible for the tax credits that are necessary to do the remediation around that,” Rodriguez said.

Robert J. Rodriguez, Secretary of State, visited the village of Gowanda on Tuesday afternoon. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

From village trustees to staff members, and a quick visit from Mayor Dave Smith, approximately two dozen people were in attendance for the Secretary of State’s visit.

“It’s really critical when you see alignment. When you see trustees from the council, and you see the mayor come, and you see the community organization come together, and the plans that have been formed, that doesn’t happen by itself,” Rodriguez said.

“Their cooperation and collaboration — to even get the Brownfield Opportunity Area designation — shows that the community is in it for the long haul. They have been thinking about how they can move their transition forward, and it’s exciting for us to be part of the first step in them being able to achieve their vision.”

The village presented Rodriguez with a Section 6 Master Plan of six sites the village has targeted for improvements if it receives funding to assist in doing so. Among the sites were the Carpenter Building, a Gateway to Creekside Park, Main Street Alley, the Hollywood Theater/North Water Street lot, the AVM Gowanda site, and the Palmer Street site. The plan included renderings of potential upgrades.

The historic Hollywood Theater was the first stop on the tour, followed by a tour of the former bank building next door. Rodriguez heard the village’s hopes for the building next to the theater to be transformed into a business to support the arts in the village.

NY Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, left, listens as Mark Burr, Hollywood Theater President of the Board of Directors, describes plans for renovating the former bank building next to the theater. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

“When you look at the Hollywood Theater, you have probably one of the prettiest theaters around without any more work being done,” Rodriguez said. “… Creating an arts and culture hub — utilizing the building next door and potentially the ballroom on the other side — you really have an opportunity for a community anchor.”

Rodriguez cited the Auburn Public Theater as one of his favorite locations statewide, which incorporated a similar vision in its community. “I think you have something like that, that can happen here,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a great starting point. I think it’s going to be something … that can be an anchor for the work and the transformation that’s happening here.”

Rodriguez concluded his walking tour back under the marquee of the Hollywood Theater which was lit up to welcome him to Gowanda. After speaking with members of the community, Rodriguez departed to drive around the village to witness the rest of what Gowanda has to offer, just before rain began to heavily fall.

“I think it’s been a really helpful visit to really understand what’s happening in Gowanda – and help them think about what opportunities exist with state resources to be able to realize this vision,” Rodriguez said. “It’s nice to see that the community has really come together to put together a vision that hopefully we can help support.”

NY Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez smiles as he listens to a welcome speech at the historic Hollywood Theater in Gowanda. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.