Albany, N.Y. — New York State Senator Patricia Fahy (D, WFP—Albany) and Assemblymember Gabriella Romero (D, WFP) today announced two $100,000 state grants they secured for the Village of Voorheesville to support the renovation of the historic Frank Bloomingdale Straw, Hay, and Grain Store on Main Street in Voorheesville. 

The once-thriving Bloomingdale store - owned by the first Mayor of Voorheesville, Frank Bloomingdale, for 40 years - has been vacant since 2024. With this grant, the Village will begin an abatement and structural stabilization project. This will allow for adaptive reuse of this 19th-century building, creating an opportunity for economic growth in Voorheesville while preserving its history. The structure is an integral part of the Voorheesville Historic Business District, and now it can be repurposed for decades of future use in the community. 

Senator Patricia Fahy: 

"I'm thrilled to have been able to secure $100,000 in addition to Assemblymember Gabriella Romero's $100,000 grant to finally renovate and upgrade a cornerstone of the Voorheesville community: Frank Bloomingdale's Straw, Hay, and Grain Store on Main Street. Since the late 1800s, the Bloomingdale family's store has been a prominent feature on Voorheesville's Main Street, and restoring it to its former glory will strengthen the Village's historical character, whilst potentially providing a brand-new space for history, community gathering, and more. I want to thank Voorheesville Mayor Straut's work on this project, and I look forward to seeing the day when the Bloomingdale's Straw, Hay, and Grain Store can once again open its storied doors."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero:

“I was proud to secure $100,000 funding for the Village of Voorheesville - for a total of $200,000 in partnership with Senator Fahy - not only to support local economic growth but also to preserve a piece of history right in my Assembly district. The rich history woven into the fabric of the Voorheesville community adds greatly to its charm. It is so exciting to see our historic spaces be simultaneously preserved and forged into something new to revitalize the downtown area, and I’m honored to be able to provide support for the Village to help bring the community’s visions to life.”

Village of Voorheesville Mayor Richard Straut:

“The Village of Voorheesville is grateful for the support of Senator Fahy and Assemblymember Romero toward this project that both bolsters economic development and preserves a key part of Voorheesville’s history. The grant will go a long way toward preservation and adaptive reuse of the building that housed the hay and grain business of Frank Bloomingdale.”

New Scotland Town Supervisor Doug LaGrange:

“The history of the Town of New Scotland and the Village of Voorheesville is very important to us all. To be able to preserve and restore buildings like this is so important in remembering where we have been and how we came to where we are today!”

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