Progress is Happening in Malone
By: Shelia Mader
Malone Town Clerk Karen Wagner provided an update this week on several grants received by the Town of Malone and the progress made on projects supported by those funds. Wagner clarified that the former bank building downtown is not currently a town project. While the town did administer a downtown revitalization grant following Hurricane Michael, any current work or future plans for apartments in that building are being handled independently by the property owner and are not affiliated with the town.
The downtown revitalization grant was applied for by the Town of Malone on behalf of eligible business owners who were operating at the time of Hurricane Michael. Business owners completed the required paperwork, and the town coordinated the application process and submission. Funds were then allocated directly to those businesses for specific repairs. At the former grocery store, grant funds were used for significant repairs including roof work on the west side of the building, replacement of roof trim and gutters, repairs to damaged ceilings, exterior wall panel replacement, insulation work, and major reconstruction of the restrooms. Despite the improvements, the grocery store remains closed, as the grant did not cover all necessary repairs, and additional work is still needed, including repairs to cooling equipment.
At Malone’s fire department, Wagner said progress is nearing a key milestone. The town expects to conduct a walk-through of the fire station within the next two weeks, signaling that the project is close to completion. In addition, the town has officially completed and closed out the maintenance storage building project, with a final walk-through conducted this week.
Improvements at Johnny Williams Park have also been completed under a park grant, which included the installation of the splash pad, repairs to park restrooms, and other upgrades. That grant is now in the process of being formally closed out. Looking ahead, the town plans to apply for a second Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) grant to continue improving the park. Proposed plans include purchasing adjacent property to create much-needed parking, as there is currently little to no parking available near the downtown park.
Wagner also shared plans for a potential new green space in town. Using funds from the same CDBG-NR grant, the town hopes to develop a small “pocket park” on property located on 9th Avenue, across from the fire department. If approved, the project would add another public space for residents while continuing Malone’s broader revitalization efforts.
