Empire State Development Blog
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We feature stories of innovative businesses that are making New York their home, plus offer updates on economic activity and development from around the state.
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Press Release
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 4:00pm
New York Power Authority Transmission System Enables Access to High-Speed Internet for More Than 2,000 Residents and Businesses in the Village of Sherburne and Town of Nichols
View Video of ConnectALL and Sherburne's Progress Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced completion of New York's first ever municipal broadband network as a major milestone for the state's ConnectALL program. The network is the first phase of the ConnectALL 21st Century Municipal Infrastructure pilot program, which began in May using fiber optic infrastructure on the New York Power Authority's existing transmission system and is ahead of schedule due to NYPA and the Village of Sherburne and Town of Nichols optimizing implementation plans.
"Broadband connectivity has become as vital a service as electricity and water and New York State is determined to make sure that no citizen is without access," Governor Hochul said. "The collaboration among our federal, state and non-profit partners has been critical to the ConnectALL program's rapid progress and deployment and we are looking ahead to expanding the program even further in the new year."
The $10 million, four-municipality pilot project has completed construction enabling reliable, high-speed internet access to more than 2,000 previously unserved or underserved households and business customers. In addition to the completed network in the Village of Sherburne, Chenango County, construction is rapidly progressing in the Town of Nichols, Tioga County. The pilot program, which kicked off in May, is part of the $1 billion ConnectALL initiative, announced in Governor Hochul's 2022 State of the State address—the largest public investment in broadband in the state's history that aims to transform New York's digital infrastructure and expand broadband access, affordability and equity statewide using public and private investments.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 2:30pm
Eight Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance Streetscapes and Public Gathering Places, Expand Arts and Cultural Activity and Increase Housing and Business Opportunities
Project Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced eight transformational projects in the Town of Riverhead as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The awards will enhance streetscapes and public spaces, expand arts and cultural activity, and increasing housing and business opportunities.
"We are committed to revitalizing Long Island, and these investments will create a more walkable, vibrant downtown that will benefit generations of New Yorkers who call Riverhead home," Governor Hochul said. "These projects will enhance public spaces and create more affordable housing opportunities, and my administration will continue to prioritize transformational projects that will strengthen communities across New York."
The Town of Riverhead sits at the junction of the North and South Forks on the East End of Long Island; its location at the mouth of the Peconic River provides access to beaches and other natural resources. Unlike communities further west, the Town is largely rural and agricultural and has become one of the state's burgeoning wine-growing regions. Riverhead's DRI awards will knit existing and new investments together to create a safe, pedestrian-friendly community with better connectivity within the downtown area and between the downtown and the riverfront.
The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the Long Island economy and create more opportunities. The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.
The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as enhancing streetscapes and public gathering spaces, expanding arts and cultural activity, and increasing housing and business opportunities. The $9.7 million State investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private sector investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 2:15pm
Eleven Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance the Village's Walkability and Connectivity and Expand Business and Housing Opportunities to Create a Vibrant and Diverse Downtown
Project Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 11 transformational projects for the Village of Amityville as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award. The awards will enhance connectivity, walkability, transit access and beautification and expand small businesses and housing opportunities to promote growth of the downtown as a transit-oriented center.
"These transformational projects in the Village of Amityville will provide residents and visitors the vibrant, safe downtown they deserve," Governor Hochul said. "By connecting the unique waterfront, revitalizing transportation options, and enhancing commercial and residential streets, we can ensure Amityville is a must visit destination on Long Island for years to come."
The Village of Amityville sits at the nexus of several major Long Island transportation corridors. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Area's proximity to New York City, coupled with its convenient access to major transportation corridors and regional airports, provides a key asset when attracting new businesses and residents to the downtown. The Village is poised to make its compact, walkable downtown, centered on the Long Island Railroad train station, one of the premier destinations on Long Island, defined by its unique waterfront culture and historic charm. Amityville has built momentum for its revitalization through several projects, including pedestrian and bike lanes and mixed-use and residential transit-oriented developments.
The DRI investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities on Long Island. The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.
The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as—Enhancing Connectivity, Walkability, Transit Access and Beautification; and Expanding Small Business and Housing Opportunities to promote the growth of the downtown as a transit-oriented center of vibrancy and activity. The $9.7 million State investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 2:00pm
64 Projects Awarded $81.7 Million to Reinvigorate Downtowns and Generate Economic Opportunity
Three Communities — Albany, Endicott and Utica — Awarded $19.7 Million for Special Projects That Will Transform Highly-Visible Blighted Property to Stimulate Community and Economic Growth
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $102 million awarded to 64 projects through the Restore New York Communities Initiative. Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts across the state, helping to remove blight, reinvigorate downtowns, and generate economic opportunity in communities statewide. The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments revitalize their communities and encourage commercial investment, improve the local housing stock, put properties back on the tax rolls and increase the local tax base.
"These Restore New York grants will help to reimagine downtowns across our state and transform vacant, blighted, and underutilized buildings into vibrant community anchors," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to $102 million of state investment, we are breathing new life into communities from Hudson to North Hempstead, jumpstarting new economic activity, and ensuring that New York State continues to be a place where people come to live, work, and raise their families."
More than $19 million has been awarded to three municipalities in this round for special projects. The City of Albany will receive $9.75 million for the Central Warehouse project, the Village of Endicott in Broome County will receive $6 million to renovate the former IBM building, and the City of Utica in Oneida County will receive $4 million to rehabilitate the Mayro Building. Special projects are awarded to municipalities where a highly visible and blighted property causes severe economic injury and has a depressing effect on the overall economic development potential of the community.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Restore NY invigorates our urban centers and is a vital tool in the economic development tool kit for rebuilding communities that need it most. This funding will help local governments find solutions to blighted buildings so they can move forward towards a more vibrant future."
Read the full press release here.
Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 11:00am
With Video Conferencing To: Empire State Development – Albany Office, 625 Broadway – 8th Floor Conference Room, Albany, New York 12245
And: USA Niagara Development Corporation Offices, 222 First Street – 7th Floor Conference Room, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
This meeting is open to the public.
Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below.
Due to building procedures, those wishing to attend at any of these locations must RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022.
RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected]
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.
Press Release
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 5:23pm
Six Downtown Revitalization Projects Will Enhance Walkability, Transit Use and Waterfront Access; Improve Public Places for Performing Arts and Cultural Activities; and Expand Community Services
Renderings of Projects Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced six transformational projects in the Village of Ossining as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award. The awards will leverage the community's walkability and rich historic, cultural, and natural resources.
"My administration will continue to prioritize transformational projects through targeted investments that will strengthen communities across New York," Governor Hochul said. "These projects will create a more walkable, vibrant downtown Ossining, while expanding community services and spurring economic development that will benefit generations of New Yorkers who call Ossining home."
The Village of Ossining possesses several significant assets to build upon—the Hudson River waterfront, a historic Main Street, ethnic and cultural diversity through a large Latino and African-American population and a Metro-North train station. Ossining's Revitalization is focused on a series of synergistic projects to enhance public spaces, improve cultural and community assets and build the infrastructure to support existing businesses and leverage new growth and development far beyond the downtown area. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities within the Mid-Hudson Region. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award (DRI) is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.
The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as — enhancing walkability, transit use and waterfront access; Improve public spaces for performing arts and cultural activities; and expanding community services. The $9.7 million State investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private sector investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 3:53pm
Project To Support Advancements in Biomedical Research
State Investment of $30 Million Enhances Growing Life Sciences Industry on Long Island
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's $57 million Neuroscience Research Complex on Long Island. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory will undertake construction of a new, seven-acre development including three state-of the-art research buildings that will be located on Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's campus at the border of Suffolk and Nassau counties. The 36,437-square-foot Neuroscience Research Complex will further Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's scientific advancement in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases, brain-body physiology, quantitative biology, and neuro-artificial intelligence. Today's groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction for the Neuroscience Research Complex, estimated to be complete by December 2025. Empire State Development is supporting this project with a $30 million capital grant as part of the Transformative Investment Program funding allocated to Long Island.
"With these strategic investments, we are solidifying this region's standing as a powerhouse for the life sciences industry and building the next great innovation hub right here on Long Island," Governor Hochul said. "Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's work lies at the cutting edge of biomedical research and, thanks to a significant State investment, this new facility will allow it to achieve new and exciting breakthroughs in neuroscience. Here in New York State, we are committed to growing the jobs and businesses of the future and ensuring that our state remains competitive in the 21st century economy."
"The Empire State is committed to making Long Island the nation's premier hub for life sciences innovation," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "Today's groundbreaking of the Neuroscience Research Complex will support medical research that will lead to life-changing medicine and treatments that will improve the lives of New Yorkers on Long Island and across the State."
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's research is crucial in the effort to drive innovation and discovery in biomedical research. Scientists at the Neuroscience Research Complex will focus on medical research for the betterment of human health, including cognition and mapping the wiring diagram of the human brain. This innovative technology will have a profound impact on both developmental neurological disorders such as autism and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additional phases of the development project will include a dedicated Neuro-AI building, space for meetings and educational programs, and a pancreatic cancer therapeutics testing facility.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "ESD is proud to support this exciting new complex, which will advance cutting-edge research that will both advance the regional and statewide life sciences industry but, more importantly, improve the daily lives of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. By strategically investing in our best assets, such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, we are helping to map a healthier and more hopeful future for New York."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 3:38pm
Ten Downtown Revitalization Projects Will Enhance Walkability and Connectivity to the Waterfront and Public Places, Increase Arts and Cultural Amenities and Expand Business and Housing Opportunities
Renderings of Projects Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 10 transformational projects in the Village of Haverstraw as part of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The projects will enhance Haverstraw's rich historic, cultural and natural resources while improving its walkability. Renderings of the projects are available here.
"Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, we are making communities across our state more accessible and vibrant places to live and visit," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will support locally-led initiatives to reinvigorate Haverstraw's downtown, improving recreation, housing and business opportunities throughout the village to help the community flourish for generations to come."
The Village of Haverstraw seeks to re-energize its downtown by further integrating ethnicities and cultures, developing workforce and market-rate housing, inducing growth of existing and new businesses, connecting downtown to the waterfront and fostering collaborative efforts between the private sector, government and local non-profit organizations. Haverstraw's Downtown Revitalization Initiative award will enable the village to continue revitalizing its downtown in a balanced way that supports the existing residents, enhancing their quality of life while making the village more attractive for visitors and new residents. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities within the Mid-Hudson Region. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.
The specific projects to be funded through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as enhancing walkability and connectivity to the waterfront and public places; increasing arts and cultural amenities; and expanding business and housing opportunities. The $9.7 million state investment in these projects through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will leverage additional public and private sector investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 12:35pm
Groundbreaking on $373 Million Initial Phase of Redevelopment at Brooklyn Developmental Center Now Underway, Will Create Nearly 600 Affordable Homes
Multi-Phase Community Development Part of the State's Vital Brooklyn Initiative To Address Economic Disparities in East New York
Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction has begun for the transformative $1.2 billion redevelopment of the former 27-acre Brooklyn Developmental Center property in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood. The initial $373 million phase will create 576 affordable homes, a new 15,000-square-foot outpatient medical clinic, and 7,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Once completed, the entire development, known as Alafia, will ultimately create more than 2,400 affordable homes in a walkable neighborhood with recreational spaces and access to community resources that promote health and wellness. Alafia is part of the State's Vital Brooklyn Initiative that is addressing chronic social, economic, and health disparities in Brooklyn's high-need communities.
"We are not just building housing for the people of East New York, we're investing in a community so that generations of New Yorkers can flourish and thrive," Governor Hochul said. "By creating 2,400 new quality homes and expanding access to social services and health care, Alafia will make this neighborhood a more affordable, more inclusive and healthier place to live. This truly transformative investment will put us on the path toward mending the societal cracks in the system to ensure all New Yorkers have a chance to prosper."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Friday, December 16, 2022 - 2:34pm
Eleven Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance Its Cultural and Economic Vibrancy, and Provide Health, Wellness and Business Opportunities
Renderings of Projects Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced eleven transformational projects in Chinatown as part of its $20 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award. In Round 5 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Regional Economic Development Councils had the opportunity to award two communities $10 million each or one community $20 million. The New York City Regional Economic Development Council chose to award Chinatown a $20 million award in recognition of the specific and acute effects of the pandemic on Chinatown's businesses and the wider Asian diaspora in New York City. With these revitalization projects, this historic community can thrive again and open its unique corridors, restaurants, businesses, parks and cultural institutions, becoming, once again, a place to visit and celebrate the ethnic diversity of the Chinatown community in the Lower East Side.
"This announcement marks a historic moment for Chinatown's community," Governor Hochul said. "These critical investments will transform the neighborhood and create a more vibrant and inviting destination for locals and visitors alike, while enriching the neighborhood by improving foot traffic, economic and cultural activity."
Chinatown is an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Manhattan that contains the largest Chinese population in an urban area outside of China, as well as residents of Latin America, Italian and Eastern European Jewish descent and other backgrounds. The community prides itself on its diversity and broad array of cultural attractions, experiences and services The Chinatown Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Strategic Investment Plan is focused on improving the quality of life and economic vibrancy for residents and visitors and building on its history as a cultural destination. Through the DRI, Chinatown is creating welcoming landmarks, streetscapes and public spaces to draw visitors and encourage more foot traffic, and economic and cultural activity. Additionally, the awards will establish a community health and wellness center, provide childcare and a family support center, a culinary arts center and a cultural welcome center.
The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the downstate economy and create more opportunities within New York City. The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.
The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as—improved streetscape connectivity and public gathering spaces; increased health, wellness and business opportunities; and enhanced cultural destinations and amenities. The $20 million State DRI investment in these projects will leverage additional public and private sector investment as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
Read the full press release here.