If the historic Lehman Block at the corner of Routes 20 and 10 in the Village of Sharon Springs was maybe a surprise winner in the NY Forward sweepstakes, it’s because of one word:
Location, location, location.
“I think we all recognized that building as one that could have a high impact because it’s so visible,” said Mayor Denise Kelly, who served as co-chair of the NY Local Panning Committee, which began its work, ironically, a year ago today.
Project “winners” for the Villages of Sharon Springs, and Dolgeville, in Herkimer and Fulton Counties, both $2.5 million grant recipients—and the Village of Cooperstown in Otsego County, a $4.5 million recipient, were quietly unveiled last Tuesday.
The Lehman Block, 102 Main Street, was awarded $240,000 for renovation and restoration work.
Other Sharon Springs, winners were: Chalybeate Park, $1 million; Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, $541,000; $169,000 for free Spa District public Wi-Fi, and $300,000 for a Small Business Fund.
“I think it’s a good selection of projects that really looks at the village holistically,” Mayor Kelly said.
Today, the Lehman Block houses Adelphi Paper Hangings, producers of wood block vintage wallpaper, but it was named after violin maker and professional violinist and orchestra leader Eugene Lehman, who died in 1974.
Mr. Lehman also operated a hardware store at the site and it’s been home to many other businesses over the years, including the Rockville Café.
The award will be used to restore the 7,500 square-foot building’s storefront, upgrade the foundation, replace windows and doors, insulate it and replace the shingle siding.
It’s the only private project funded—though the Small Business Fund will be open to applications from small businesses as “bridge” funding for things like “building renovations, business assistance, public art, and soft costs.”’
Projects submitted to the state but not funded also included: Main Street Streetscape, the Smith Empie Smith Building and the Pavilion Cottages.

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The Village of Cooperstown’s NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 million, include:
Develop Willow Brook Residential Housing, 13 units in a mix of apartments and townhouses, $1,300,000.
Create a Community Art Space at 53 Pioneer Street, $640,000.
Improve Pedestrian Conditions on Pioneer Alley, $530,000.
Redesign and Improve Pedestrian Conditions on Hoffman Lane as a gateway to Lakefront Park, $743,000.
Build Sidewalks on Grove Street, $310,000.
Improve Access and Circulation on Fowler Way, $625,000.
Improve Wayfinding Along Upper Main Street, $52,000.
Small Project Fund, $300,000.
The Village of Dolgeville NY Forward Projects, totaling $2.25 million, include:
Transform Center Park with a partially enclosed pavilion, public restrooms, and splash park, $1,770,000.
Create Fitness Center at 31-33 South Main Street, $135,000.
Renovate Former Food Basket at 14 Baker Street, establishing a deli and small market, $117,000.
Establish a Small Project Fund, $228,000.