Empire State Development meetings

Veteran-Owned Lodge-Style Hotel Adds Townhouse Rental Units to Complement Existing Lodging, Camping and Dining Options Photos Available Here Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the grand opening of the new Carriage House at the Woods Inn, a veteran-owned and operated hotel and campground located on the shores of Fourth Lake in the Town of Inlet, Hamilton County. The Carriage House offers four townhouse rental units, a handicapped-accessible unit and a wellness center in a renovated turn-of-the-century barn. The project was recommended for funding during Round VI of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative, and furthers the North Country REDC's goal of increasing and improving lodging across the North Country to support tourism. ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "The Woods Inn has been welcoming visitors to the Adirondacks for more than a century, and the new accommodations will encourage even more families to come and experience the North Country's beauty and history." In developing the Carriage House Suites, The Woods Inn converted a former barn into one handicapped-accessible suite, complete with a kitchenette and two queen-sized beds, and four, two-story, two-bedroom townhouse rental units. The townhouse units, ranging from 900 square feet to 1,200 square feet, include kitchens and dining areas. The units feature traditional Adirondack furnishings and light pine woodwork, in a modern setting with amenities including high-speed Internet and propane fireplaces. A first-floor wellness center and adjoining lounge provide space for clinical and spa treatments, or can offer temporary overflow accommodations. The Woods Inn owners Charlie and Nancy Frey said, "Our decision to invest in the Carriage House Suites goes far beyond adding more accommodations to The Woods Inn boutique real estate portfolio. We firmly believe in something much simpler: the businesses, towns, counties, and Empire State Development’s vision for the future of tourism in the greater Adirondack region. We believe the family vacation is ever-evolving and wish to continue providing a beautiful Adirondack resort where families can dine in the Overlook Restaurant, listen to live music in the Laughing Loon Tavern, and sleep in one of our diverse accommodation options which now include the Carriage House Suites." The Woods Inn invested $870,000 to renovate, outfit and equip the townhouses. As part of this expansion, they have committed to creating three new jobs and retaining 16 full-time positions at the Inn. ESD has committed to providing a performance-based capital grant of up to $174,000. This funding was recommended as a priority project by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) during Round VI of the Regional Council initiative. The project was also supported by a loan provided through the Development Authority of the North Country. NCREDC Co-Chairs James McKenna, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism CEO, and Dr. Ty Stone, Jefferson Community College President, said, "We’re excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Carriage House Suites at The Woods Inn. Increasing lodging options in the North Country has been a Council priority, and the new units provide accessible and townhouse-style options for visitors looking to plan a trip and experience the beauty of the Adirondacks." The Woods Inn is also in the process of establishing a retail center on the adjacent property as part of this project. Once completed, The Inlet Outlet will serve as a marketplace and community trading post for residents from the town and neighboring communities with a special focus on regional foods, crafts and artisans. Senator Jim Tedisco said, "The new Carriage House Suites at Woods Inn in Inlet will offer visitors to the Adirondacks a new option, so they can stay overnight in beautiful Hamilton County and help grow tourism in the 49th Senate District. I want to thank the Governor and Empire State Development for approving a state grant to make this important economic development project possible which will create and retain 19 jobs in Hamilton County." Assembly Member Robert Smullen said, "By transforming a storage barn into the Carriage House Suites, the Freys are creating another unique lodging opportunity at The Woods Inn, located in the heart of the Adirondacks. I wish them continued success as they celebrate the opening of the Suites and thank Empire State Development for supporting this investment in the North Country." Hamilton County Board of Supervisors Chairman William Farber said, "The Woods Inn has been a vital partner to Hamilton County in our efforts to enhance lodging capacity within the area. Today’s announcement is great news, as the Carriage House Suites complement our efforts to pursue lodging opportunities in the North Country. I thank ESD and the North Country REDC for supporting this project." Inlet Town Supervisor John Frey said, "The Woods Inn has played a very important role in the history and heritage of Inlet, and the addition of the Carriage House Suites will ensure that more families have a place to stay and enjoy all our community has to offer for generations to come." The Woods Inn began as Hess Camp, built in 1894 by Fred Hess, who owned several other successful hotels in the area. Philo Wood, who managed two of the hotels, purchased Hess Camp around 1900 and renamed it The Wood Hotel. Wood tripled the number of rooms while adding cottages and platforms for tents. The Wood Hotel closed in the 1980s, but the property was purchased in the early 2000s, renovated and in 2004 reopened as The Woods Inn. Since current owners Charlie and Nancy Frey purchased the property in 2014, they have performed several upgrades and additions, including a new Lakeside cafe platform tent similar to the Inn’s popular Guide tents, a rebuilt Lakeview cottage that had been damaged by fire, and the addition of a permanent event pavilion. The Carriage House, built to 1914, was originally a storage barn and has played various roles in its more than 100-year history. When it was first constructed, the first floor operated as a fast food and ice cream stand, with a repair shop in the back. In the 1920s, the second floor served as a casino and dance hall with a bar, table games, a dance floor and bandstand, plus five rustic, finished rooms that provided accommodations for the music acts it hosted. About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact:  Adam Ostrowski (ESD) | [email protected] | (518) 292-5148 | (800) 260-7313 Andy Frey (The Woods Inn) | [email protected] | (315) 375-WOOD (9663)

Station Renderings Available Here Releases New Analysis Showing Belmont Redevelopment Will Generate $725 Million in Annual Economic Output and Nearly $50 Million in New Public Revenue Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the transformational $1.26 billion Belmont Park Redevelopment Project will benefit from a full-time Long Island Rail Road train station, the first full-time LIRR station in nearly 50 years, helping mitigate traffic concerns and providing a new amenity to the Elmont community. In addition, Governor Cuomo released an analysis of the project's economic impact, which found the new arena, hotel and retail village will generate nearly $50 million in new public revenue per year and produce $725 million in annual economic output. "The Belmont project will help drive the region's economy forward while building the Islanders a state-of-the-art facility at home on Long Island, creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic output along the way," Governor Cuomo said. "Now with the addition of the first full-time LIRR train station in almost 50 years, we will provide millions of visitors and fans a fast and affordable way to get there and continue New York's nation-leading investments in 21st century transportation infrastructure." "This new Long Island Rail Road train station in Elmont will transform the area, make commuting easier, and help to reduce traffic," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Belmont Redevelopment project, buoyed by a new full-time LIRR station, is expected to have a significant economic impact and projected to generate nearly $50 million in annual public revenue. This station will enhance quality of life for New Yorkers and revitalize the community, strengthening the overall economy of Long Island." Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky said, "Today we celebrate with our loyal fans and we thank Governor Cuomo, the elected officials, and the community for their ongoing support. Next Stop: Belmont!" Read the full press release here. 

Submissions Under Review by ESD; Up to 20 Part 1 Respondents Will be Invited to Proceed to Part 2 Winning Design Proposal to be Awarded $100,000, Second Place to be Awarded $50,000 and Third Place to be Awarded $25,000 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Part 1 submission period for the Buffalo Skyway Corridor Competition closed on Friday, and Empire State Development received over 100 submissions from various areas of New York and across the United States, and even some international entries from Canada, Italy, India and China. The competition challenges individuals or teams representing the nation's top urban designers, economists, planners and architects to reimagine the corridor, helping to define a clear vision for the City of Buffalo's waterfront, inform the direction for investment in placemaking and economic development opportunities.  "We've received responses from across the country and beyond for creative ideas that re-imagine the Skyway corridor and propose innovative ways to benefit the Buffalo community," Governor Cuomo said.  "A new vision for the Skyway corridor will be the latest step forward in the continued revitalization and resurgence of Buffalo, and we're looking forward to reviewing the proposals that can make it a reality." "Our innovative Skyway design competition will help to build upon the remarkable transformation of Buffalo's waterfront," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "With more visitors making their way to our waterfront, we need to reimagine the future and harness new ideas for the transportation needs of today and tomorrow. These initial submissions are a great start for this important initiative." Read the full press release here. 

As a Result of Solidarity Trip Last Week, Partnerships to Focus on UAV/Drones, Transportation, Energy, Cybersecurity, Financial Technology and Health Care Technology and Research 17 Israeli Entities Will Work with Six New York State Agencies and Other Partners to Bolster Innovation and Economic Ties Between the Two States Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a wide ranging series of economic development partnerships between New York State and Israel that are the result of the Governor's recent trip to Israel. The administration and several major New York health care institutions have signed a series of agreements with Israeli entities in the UAV/drones, transportation, energy, cybersecurity, financial technology and health care industries. "Our economy is stronger than it's ever been and our message during this trip was simple: New York is open for business," Governor Cuomo said. "On our solidarity trip, we focused on key areas that present real opportunities for collaboration with Israeli companies because when Israeli startups choose New York, there is tremendous potential for growth for both economies. I am confident the initiatives announced today will build on the current partnerships that exist between businesses in New York and Israel, and bring our people even closer together." "We have worked to ensure New York maintains a strong relationship with Israel, and these latest initiatives will further our shared economic progress," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The collaboration between our agencies will foster innovative ideas to grow key segments of our economy, ensuring an even brighter future for the people of New York and Israel." Read the full press release here.