Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York is chipping in another $1 million to help a couple turn a historic castle-like Syracuse church into a conference and event venue, social lounge and job training center.

Renee Serface and her husband, Justin, have been renovating the old church at 113 S. Main Ave., Ridgefield, for more than two years. The couple plan to reopen the downtown spot as The Neighborhood ...