Glens Falls will receive $750,000 from the state for the demolition of 49 and 51-57 South St., a project that will be followed by the construction of a 10,000-square-foot Farmers Market Food Hub that is part of the downtown revitalization going on in the city.
Funds will also assist with the environmental remediation and rehabilitation of two adjacent buildings in preparation for proposed adaptive mixed-use developments.
The funds are part of more than $11 million that was awarded in March to 10 Capital Region municipalities through Round 5 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative.
“This $750,000 fund will permit further work along South Street and will supplement the DRI award,” said EDC Warren County President Ed Bartholomew said.
Last year, the city was awarded a #10 million DRI award that will be applied to various projects to revitalize the downtown area.
“A thank you is extended for the continued advocacy by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Sen. Betty Little and Empire State Development Corp. for Glens Falls’ effort to-date.”
Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts by awarding funding for projects that will reinvigorate downtowns and generate new economic opportunity in communities from Western New York to Long Island. Nearly $81 million was awarded to 71 municipalities statewide.
“I am very pleased Glens Falls is being awarded this funding. Eyesore buildings detract from the positives in a community, deter investments and, in some cases, actually create public hazards as properties further deteriorate,” said Little. “This funding is big boost of capital. I was glad to support it as part of last year’s budget along with Gov. Cuomo and many of my colleagues. This will make a real impact and I’m hopeful serve as a catalyst for growth.”
“Downtown communities are vital to keeping our economies thriving and to attracting businesses and families to put down their roots in New York,” Cuomo said. “The Restore New York Communities Initiative recognizes communities teeming with potential and invests in their transformation and their future, and turns them into neighborhoods New Yorkers are proud to call home.”
“Traveling across the State, I see the many buildings in communities that have great possibilities to be restored with the charm they once had,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “With this Restore New York funding, we’re committed to ensuring that our localities have the resources they need to pursue new development projects and transform abandoned properties. The Restore New York initiative continues to work with local leaders and stakeholders to unleash the full potential of economic development opportunities across the state.”
Round 5 of the Restore New York Communities Initiative was enacted in the FY 2017 State Budget, and Empire State Development was designated to implement the program. 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. Projects located in economically distressed communities were emphasized and encouraged.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said Restore New York “partners with municipalities to back projects that can have a transformative impact on neighborhoods and downtowns throughout the state. With our support, cities and towns are tearing down vacant, blighted buildings and rehabilitating outdated structures to help revitalize their community and generate new economic opportunities.”