Fulton Public Library, Trail and LorBird, Fulton’s New Restaurant Subjects of Latest DRI Advisory Committee Meeting

FULTON – The City of Fulton’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Advisory Committee met Sept. 19 at City Hall and heard updates on three DRI projects, including the Fulton Public Library, the continuation of the Pathfinder Canal Towpath Trail, and a presentation from Laurie and Will O’Brien, owners and operators of LorBird, the new restaurant in Fulton that will open as soon as this month.

LorBird is located at the old GJP Pizzeria and formerly Dandee Donuts on 481. It is owned and will be operated by Laurie and Will O’Brien—owners and operators of Port City Café & Bakery and the Red Sun in Oswego. The DRI includes a $137,000 award for the 2,500 square-foot vacant building.  Work on the renovations began in 2023 and since taking ownership, they have renovated the interior and exterior of the building.

Plans include a full-service bar and restaurant with indoor seating capacity of 64 patrons and additional seating of up to 50 guests on the outdoor patio, which will be located behind the building. Parking will be available on site as well as along Pratt Street. The restaurant will offer craft cocktails and a seasonal menu with a focus on innovative chicken dishes as well as steak and other food options.  Next steps in the project include flooring and resurfacing the parking lot which has since begun since their presentation to the committee.

C&S Companies attended the meeting and provided an update on both the extension of the Pathfinder Canal Towpath Trail along the river on the east side and the Fulton Public Library.

Pathfinder Canal Towpath/Multi-Use Walking Trail

The DRI includes a $820,000 award to extend Pathfinder Canal Towpath Trail along the east side of the Oswego River from the Broadway Bridge to Oswego Falls Park. Design plans call for the trail to continue from the riverside at the Library by the canal to travel up to street level on South First Street through the creation of a meandering, handicap accessible ramp along the riverbank and cross East Broadway.  It will then continue along the river’s edge behind Huhtamaki, and finish at Oswego Falls Park.

The next steps include selecting lighting and other decisions in conjunction with other municipal projects. The estimated project completion is November 2026.

Fulton Public Library

The DRI includes a $311,000 award to undertake improvements to the historic Fulton Public Library to create new outdoor public spaces and improve safety with a connection to the trail system. The project will be completed in phases. Phase 1 will focus on the chimney, fixing the drainage on the right side of the building, and building an emergency ramp with a small landing. Phase 2 will include the lower “stage” area, terraced seating, and connection to the trail.  The next steps include reviewing cost data. The estimated project competition is 2027.

The DRI Advisory committee, comprised of local and regional stakeholders, was appointed by the Common Council. The Committee’s purpose is to keep the public updated and engaged with what is happening with the DRI, and help to gather information and advise the council on previously awarded DRI projects. For a complete list of DRI projects, visit https://fultonny.org/dri-initiative-page/. To reach the DRI Committee to provide feedback or ask questions on any project, please contact [email protected]. To view past minute meetings, visit: https://fultonny.org/dri-advisory-committee/

In total, there were 16 projects awarded–a combination of municipal, non profit, and private projects with grants totalling $9.7 million. The city was initially awarded the DRI in 2019 for its vision and for project synergy but each project is contracted separately with New York State. The Fulton DRI Strategic Investment Plan can be found here: ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Fulton DRI_Strategic_Investment_Plan2021.pdf

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