NEW YORK — Western New York received $6 million for local revitalization efforts.
It is part of New York State’s Restore New York Communities Initiative which totals $64.1 million for 43 projects across the state, announced Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. The money will fund removing blight, revitalizing communities, and creating new residential and economic opportunities.
For Western New York, here is how the funds break down.
- City of Dunkirk - $1.5 million: For redeveloping the Woolworth’s building into a mixed residential and commercial use building. The ground floor will hold tourism-driving businesses and the building will house short-term rental apartments. The plan aims to build a golf simulator sports bar in the facility.
- Erie County - $1 million: For building the new Evergreen Health facility on Kensington Ave and targeting Buffalo’s medically underserved community. The plan will create a three-story building and expand primary, behavioral, and specialty health care services along with a pharmacy.
- City of Lockport - $500,000: For the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of 7 Ontario St. The plan focuses on building first-floor commercial space for food vendors along with outdoor seating. The second floor aims to feature residential units.
- Niagara County - $1.5 million: For improvements to the One Niagara building including investing in windows and six vacant floors. The improvements aim to spur the next phase of development for food, entertainment, lodging, and hospitality.
- Town of Wheatfield - $1.5 million: For the removal of two buildings from the Wheatfield Business Park. The removal of the buildings along Niagara Falls Blvd aims to create over 20 acres of possible development space next to the Niagara Falls International Airport.
“Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities brings new energy and investments that support local and regional growth,” said Governor Hochul. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces.”
The projects are aimed to help local governments stimulate new commercial investments, according to the Governor’s Office. The goal is to increase the local tax base by revitalizing the community, increasing local housing, and bringing properties back to use.