A new development group is taking the lead in rebuilding Ovid’s downtown after a January fire devastated the village center.
The Town of Ovid has officially launched a Local Development Corporation (LDC), a nonprofit focused on driving economic growth across the area. Its first priority: helping the community recover from the fire that destroyed the Big-M grocery store and other businesses.
Town Supervisor Joe Borst said the blaze, combined with the earlier closure of the Willard campus, was a turning point. “This was a catalyst that led to us form the LDC to re-vitalize and re-build the economy,” he said.
New board takes shape
The LDC’s board includes seven local members: David Hughes, John Keeler, Bruce Murray, Larry Nikula, Ellen Smith, Jodie Vanselow, and Gary Xavier. Borst and Ovid Village Mayor Aaron Roisen will also serve as ex officio members.
In New York, LDCs are public-chartered nonprofits that can issue bonds, make grants and loans, buy land, and form partnerships—all tools traditional town governments don’t always have at their disposal.
“We realized we needed a dedicated entity to focus on economic development,” Roisen said. “I look forward to supporting the efforts of the LDC”.
Gathering input, eyeing grocery replacement
One of the LDC’s first steps will be community outreach. Leaders say they want to hear from residents and property owners about what’s needed—starting with a grocery store to replace the Big-M.
The village is also looking to breathe life into vacant storefronts and underused properties along Main Street. The LDC plans to work closely with landowners to find solutions that work for both sides.
The group meets twice a month—on the first and third Wednesdays—at the Ovid Fire House. Meetings are open to the public, and minutes are posted at townofovidny.gov .
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