Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced nearly $40 million awarded to 75 municipalities through Round 4 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative. Restore NY supports municipal revitalization efforts across the state, helping to reinvigorate downtowns and generate economic opportunity in communities from Western New York to Long Island.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese projects will help bring new vitality and opportunities for growth to communities across New York by transforming blighted properties and making key infrastructure investments,\u201d Governor Cuomo said in a press release last week. <\/p>\n
He added, \u201cWith this funding, we are helping to build stronger regional economies and are laying the foundation for a more prosperous New York for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among those awards, is $4,234,750 in support of 11 projects in the Southern Tier as follows: City of Binghamton \u2013 Big Lots Plaza demolition \u2013 $534,000; City of Elmira \u2013 Lake Street building rehabilitation \u2013 $500,000; City of Ithaca \u2013 Seneca Corn Street buildings rehabilitation \u2013 $500,000; Village of Owego \u2013 Gateway Project \u2013 $500,000; Town of Southport \u2013 Point Redevelopment \u2013 $500,000; Village of Whitney Point \u2013 Wilcox Building revitalization \u2013 $500,000; City of Corning \u2013 Blodgett Site redevelopment \u2013 $480,150; Village of Endicott \u2013 Rehabilitate former school buildings \u2013 $440,000; City of Norwich \u2013 Silver Street rehabilitation \u2013 $120,000; Village of Newark Valley \u2013 Ladder factory demolition \u2013 $100,000; and the Village of Johnson City \u2013 Johnson City District Revitalization Initiative \u2013 $60,000.<\/p>\n
Upon word that the funding was received, Newark Valley\u2019s Mayor Tornatore reacted, stating, \u201cOur Village office team and Trustees work towards a better tomorrow for our Village residents. This empty building is a danger and a visual depressant to our Clinton Street and Rewey Avenue area.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Gateway Project in Owego is a proposed project on Front Street in Owego by Nelson Development Group. The company, owned by Bruce Nelson, would construct an infill Gateway building that the Cracker Barrel once occupied on Front Street.<\/p>\n
If awarded several grants, applied for through Economic Development, the project will move forward. LeeAnn Tinney, Economic Development director for Tioga County, stated that if awarded, the start date for the project could be as early as July 2017. <\/p>\n
The Restore NY Grant is only one of two grants applied for, however, with the other being a Housing Community Renewal grant that was also applied for, and that grant will be reviewed in the spring.<\/p>\n
The $2.7 million project will construct a 13,600 square foot building with three floors at the Gateway location. The first floor will have retail space and public bathrooms, a Riverwalk overlook, and then apartments on the two floors above this. The rooftop will contain a roof access with a small sitting area. <\/p>\n
Governor Cuomo enacted the Restore New York Communities Initiative in the FY16 State Budget and designated Empire State Development to implement the program. Round 4 launched in June 2016. Cities, towns and villages were all eligible to apply for support for projects that include demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned and surplus properties.<\/p>\n