Empire State Development Blog

Center Will Enhance Visitor Experience and Showcase Buffalo’s Proud African American History Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor’s (MSAAHC’s) new headquarters and visitor center.  The MSAAHC is a nationally and internationally recognized Buffalo neighborhood that serves as the focal point for residents and visitors to learn about Buffalo’s rich African American history and its significant impact on local, national, and international history. Establishing a home for the not-for-profit MSAAHC Commission in the Corridor at 136 Broadway—a key objective of the Corridor’s Strategic Plan completed in 2022—will make it easy for people to navigate the various historic sites in the corridor and participate in a variety of events and activities. “The new visitors center and headquarters provides a convenient, comprehensive gateway for guests and residents to experience the wide variety of sites and activities in the African American Heritage Corridor,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is a proud partner in the collaborative effort to elevate this treasured heritage destination in Buffalo, and we encourage visitors to reflect on, learn from, and honor the past as they tour and enjoy all the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor has to offer.” New York State provided a $2.3 million grant for acquisition of the 20,433 square foot mixed-use building, which contains two commercial storefronts, three upper floor apartments and an adjoining parking lot. The building will include offices and workspace for Commission staff, a visitor center, public restrooms, and a small pop-up gift shop. The apartments and a commercial tenant will remain in the building to provide on-going revenue toward building upkeep and Commission operations. The parking lot will serve the headquarters and will also facilitate hosting events and activities of the corridor’s anchor institutions and Corridor-wide events, including a weekly farmers’ market, food truck events, small concerts, and fundraising activities. A mural highlighting Black history is also planned to be commissioned on the east side wall of the building, which faces Michigan Avenue. Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission’s (MSAAHCC) Executive Director Terry Alford said, “Buffalo has fought hard to hold on to and preserve its Black historical sites. Walking in the steps of those who traveled the Underground Railroad, rallied for freedom in the African American churches, and played their hearts out at the Colored Musicians Club is an experience that is critical to telling the full story of Buffalo. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for supporting us in making sure everyone has the opportunity to experience our unique historic and cultural sites.” The MSAAHC includes four historic anchor institutions—the Michigan Street Baptist Church, the J. Edward Nash House Museum, the Colored Musicians Club, and the WUFO Black History Collective—that tell the stories of a neighborhood that became the heart of the African American experience in Buffalo. It’s an American story of advocacy, freedom, and creativity. The time periods celebrated by assets in the Heritage Corridor include the Abolitionist movement, the Civil Rights movement, and several cultural and artistic renaissance periods. Its festivals, cultural events and artistic programming draw residents, national and international tourists, scholars and artists, writers, storytellers, poets, dancers, and actors to a thriving, community of historic urban scale. Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, Chair of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission Board, said, “There’s more to come!  We ask the community to watch the growth as we continue to develop a heritage experience for Buffalo residents and national visitors.”  Governor Hochul recently announced nearly $10 million in investments and grant awards as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of the East Buffalo community. The announcement, which follows the $50 million targeted investment announced in June 2022,  includes expansion of the homeowner improvement program, additional mental health services, and development of a memorial for victims of the white supremacist terror attack at Tops Supermarket.  In addition, also in June 2020, the Governor announced a “Regional Revitalization Partnership” with local philanthropic organizations and municipalities in East Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester.  Under this partnership, a combined $30 million ($24 million New York State and $6 million philanthropic/municipal) will be invested over the next five years in the MSAAHC to support capital improvements to realize components of the Corridor Strategic Plan and to facilitate ongoing operations of the Commission to advance its mission. Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Under Terry Alford's leadership, the MSAAHCC has played a key role in amplifying African American voices, milestones, and landmarks within our city's history, and this new headquarters and visitor center will deservedly elevate that mission in perpetuity. I’m thrilled to see this important space open its doors to our community, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Commission on its meaningful work.” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Congratulations to the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission on its new home. This is the culmination of a vision that I had twenty years ago with establishing the Corridor as a state heritage area for African American cultural tourism. Our history is our nation’s shared history - from arts and culture to advocating for human rights. It’s taken awhile to get here, but you can begin to see the fruit of everyone’s labor with a number of construction projects underway at anchor institutions. The Corridor Commission’s new home will allow for better internal coordination, along with a well-deserved and proper home base for staff, tours and visitors. Thank you to all of our philanthropic partners, especially Governor Hochul and Empire State Development, for acknowledging its significance and making this all possible.” Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “The Michigan Avenue corridor is home to several historic institutions – like the Michigan Street Baptist Church, Nash House, the Colored Musicians Club and WUFO. The new visitors center and headquarters for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor will help bring information about these institutions together under one roof. This will be an important stop for tourists - local, national, and international - when visiting the city of Buffalo. The new visitor center is just one of the many positive developments taking place in East Buffalo and throughout our City. I want to thank the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission for all their hard work. I would also like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support and investment in our community.” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Erie County is proud to support the historic institutions that make up Buffalo’s African American Heritage Corridor and I thank Governor Hochul and NYS for this investment, which will serve as a vibrant hub for the community and a starting point for anyone interested in learning more about our area’s rich African American history.” Congressman Brian Higgins said, “The Michigan Street Corridor played an important role in Buffalo and American history.  This new visitor center is the latest in the Buffalo-Niagara region’s continuing effort to grow tourism and the economy by sharing the stories that are uniquely ours.” About the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission’s focus is to integrate the African American cultural significance and impact on Buffalo and American history through public engagement and community education that encourage cultural appreciation, preservation, and community development. Learn More: www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org 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 the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” 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: Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 Jennifer Parker | [email protected] | (716) 866-4916

Beginning on June 6, State Representatives Will Stop in Utica, Troy, Buffalo, and Rochester to Highlight State Programs and Services to Help Small Businesses Succeed Part of Governor's Ongoing Commitment to Supporting New York's Small Business Community Businesses Can Register to Attend Here    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new small business outreach effort, led by the New York State Department of Labor, to help connect entrepreneurs to no-cost supports and services. As part of the Governor's continued commitment to these vital economic contributors, representatives from the New York State Department of Labor, Departments of State and Tax and Finance, the Workers' Compensation Board, and Empire State Development will traverse the state to provide important information to small business owners on licensing, regulations, taxes, grants, training, and more. "Small businesses are the core of New York's economy - creating local jobs, reenergizing neighborhoods, and bringing communities together," Governor Hochul said. "We are excited to bring no-cost resources directly to small businesses across the state to ensure they get the support they deserve." New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Our small businesses are the heartbeat of communities and play a vital role in our economy. The New York State Department of Labor offers a variety of no-cost resources that can help small businesses remain competitive in the global market. I encourage entrepreneurs to attend one of these sessions to learn more about how New York State can help you be successful."  The tour features stops in Utica, Troy, Rochester, and Buffalo, and is part of New York State's effort to advance, support, and strengthen smaller operations that continue to have a significant economic impact in their local communities.   Read the full press release here.

Funding Used to Expand Leases to Start-Up and Historically Disadvantaged Local Farmers Highlights Broader Efforts to Utilize Provide Support to Diverse Small Businesses throughout New York State Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Chester Agricultural Center, located in the Town of Chester, Orange County, has received more than $1.3 million in support to expand operations at its 200-acre farm, which leases land in subsections to local farm operators. Many of the leases are awarded to people of color, women, LGBTQ+ and Latinx, which are historically underserved segments within the farming industry. Chester Agricultural Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, received a $1.08 million loan through the Capital Project Loan Fund as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. ESD also awarded the center an additional $300,000 capital grant. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Chester Agricultural Center is a prime example of how Empire State Development is supporting diverse small businesses throughout New York State. Chester Agricultural Center is promoting greater fairness and equity for farmworkers by providing affordable long-term leases to beginning-level farmers and working to create an equitable and inclusive regional food system." Chester Agricultural Center Executive Director Lucinda Poindexter said, "This funding from Empire State Development is transformational, allowing us to fulfill our mission to provide affordable farmland to underserved farmers, to build pathways for farmworkers to farm ownership and to build a new model of agribusiness in the region." Chester Agricultural Center will build a new $2.7 million wash-and-pack and cold storage facility to serve its two largest farm operators, allowing the existing wash-and-pack facility to be used more efficiently and equitably by leaseholders. Most importantly, it will allow the Center to meet rising demand for leases and put additional acreage into production. Currently only about 60% of the 200 acres has been leased, given the restrictions caused by the existing wash-and-pack facility, which is aging and overcrowded. This new structure will allow the Center to lease the remaining 40% of the land to mostly first-time or historically disadvantaged farmers. The Center's new 17,000 square foot facility will comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act, and allow the group to achieve Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. This state-of-the-art facility will also allow the Center to improve energy efficiency, product quality controls, and operational productivity amongst the individual farm operators. Senator James G. Skoufis said, "Chester Agricultural Center is a key link in Orange County's and the Hudson Valley's farm workforce. The work they do not only to support new farms and farmers entering the industry, but to return sustainable agricultural practices to our black dirt region and stand strong against the pressures of overdevelopment, is an inspiring model for the future of farming in New York. I applaud this critical funding by Empire State Development to help ensure Chester Ag's long-term position as a springboard for up-and-coming agricultural professionals and practices." Assemblymember Brian M. Maher said, "I am excited to see the Chester Agricultural Center will receive a $1.3 million investment. This will open up more opportunities to start agribusinesses for a variety of new farmers. Agriculture is a heritage industry always on the cutting edge of innovation, and I am glad it is thriving in Orange County. I look forward to the positive impact the project will have on our region." Orange County Executive Stephen M. Neuhaus said, "Agriculture remains one of Orange County’s largest industries and this funding will greatly assist the Chester Agricultural Center. It preserves key open space and produces food locally which is important for our health and economy. We need to take continued steps in New York to making farming more affordable and sustainable for future generations." Chester Town Supervisor Robert Valentine said, "Investment in our farms is a part of preservation that is sometimes overlooked, and investment in our farms is an investment in our community. In Chester, we support and encourage the heritage of farming, and applaud the efforts of the Chester Agricultural Center, ESD and New York State." Empire State Development created nine programs to manage more than $500 million in federal funding to support the resurgence of small businesses across New York State through SSBCI. SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, including socially and economically disadvantaged individual (SEDI) owned businesses and very small businesses (VSB), to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them opportunity to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. With this funding, ESD developed a suite of capital access and equity programs to help New York State small businesses recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them the opportunity to succeed. To learn more about the available SSBCI programs visit esd.ny.gov/ssbci. About Empire State Development Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency. 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 the 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: Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Project Supported by $4.1 Million in State Grants New Center Will Offer Visitors Information on Cemetery's History and Support Preservation Efforts Renderings Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking of the Green-Wood Cemetery's $34 million Education and Welcome Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Founded in 1838, the Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the earliest rural cemeteries in the United States and is the final resting place for many notable figures and a popular destination for visitors from around the world. To promote the Cemetery's history to the broader public, the Green-Wood Historic Fund will construct a 22,000-square-foot Education and Welcome Center to enhance the visitor experience with information about the Cemetery's history, architecture, and natural environment. Construction of the new facility is supported by $4.1 million in funding from New York State, including $2 million from the New York State Council on the Arts, $1.5 million from Empire State Development, and $600,000 from the State legislature.  "The Green-Wood Cemetery is a unique urban oasis and a treasure trove of historical significance," Governor Hochul said. "The new Education and Welcome Center will help to unlock that treasure for visitors and further reinforce Green-Wood's role as an iconic New York cultural institution. The preservation of this landmark is crucial to our understanding of the past, our appreciation of the present, and our vision for the future."  The Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark that spans 478 acres and was designed as a park-like landscape, offering visitors a tranquil and picturesque environment to pay their respects. Visitors can enjoy the Cemetery's serene natural landscape and learn of its 570,000 permanent residents, including Leonard Bernstein, Boss Tweed, Charles Ebbets, Susan McKinney Steward, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lola Montez, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Horace Greeley, Civil War generals, baseball legends, politicians, artists, entertainers, and inventors.  The new Education and Welcome Center will serve as the first stop for visitors to discover and explore Green-Wood. The ADA-compliant, LEED, Gold-certified building will be designed as an L-shape, surrounding two sides of the historic Weir Greenhouse with expansive views towards the Cemetery and the Richard Upjohn Main Entrance Arch. The Center will house exhibition galleries for Green-Wood's extensive art and archival collections; classroom and programming space; Green-Wood's new Center for Research; staff offices; and meeting and event space for local community organizations.    The new Center will serve as a hub for education and community engagement, enabling visitors to learn about The Green-Wood Cemetery's significance in the region's cultural and natural history. Through interactive displays, exhibitions, and engaging programs, the Center will provide visitors with a dynamic and immersive experience that will inspire a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary site.  New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Mara Manus said, "This new Education and Welcome center will uplift the incredible history of Green-Wood Cemetery and chart an exciting path for its future through the expansion of arts programming for visitors from across the country and around the world. NYSCA is proud to provide $2 million in support of this vital project, that will greatly enhance Green-Wood as a cultural treasure for us to gather, find inspiration, reflect, and learn."  Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Green-Wood Cemetery is core to the history and identity of Brooklyn, and we honor its legacy with the groundbreaking of the new Education and Welcome Center. With an immersive experience that will breathe life into the stories of the past, the Center will inspire visitors and attest to Green-Wood's enduring importance, both now and for generations to come."  Read the full press release here.