Empire State Development news and press releases

Small businesses form a substantial portion of the New York State economy. This report is issued in response to section 134 of the Economic Development Law that Empire State Development compile an annual report on the state of small businesses.This annual report highlights the state of small businesses in New York State during 2018.  2018 Annual Report on the State of Small Businesses

View a property list here and a property location map here USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) Board of Directors met today and unanimously approved the acquisition of 32 individual properties totaling approximately 11 acres of land in downtown Niagara Falls.  The purchase of these properties is made possible through a strategic land acquisition program that is part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion Phase II.  USAN will acquire the properties from several limited liability corporations under primary ownership of local businessman Joseph Anderson for the fair market value of $25.75 million.  “These properties represent a tremendous opportunity to attract future investment to downtown Niagara Falls, will complement  the recent significant state investments made to upgrade the adjoining Niagara Falls State Park and will help continue our efforts to open access and create connectivity to the city’s waterfront,” said USAN President Christopher J. Schoepflin, who also serves as Senior Vice President of Empire State Development. “We will work to secure new mixed-use development that is compatible with our state parks and open space resources, while expanding on the base of resources necessary to facilitate an expansion of visitor stays and spending in unique and authentic ways.” The properties consist of 18 vacant commercial/former residential lots, four parking lots, four properties containing commercial/mixed use buildings, two operating lodging properties (the Quality Inn & Suites at the Falls at 240 First Street and the Rodeway Inn at 492 Main Street), and four parcels containing buildings/structures related to now-closed tourism/attractions (Smokin’ Joes Native Center and the Niagara Falls Adventure Park). After closing, USAN will hold, insure and progressively dispose of the properties competitively. Holding costs would be limited to insurance costs, security and periodic grass cutting services. The properties are located near properties previously acquired by USAN, including 101 and 305 Buffalo Avenue, the historic Hotel Niagara property, and 101 Old Falls Street, which contains the USAN-owned Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. They are also located near Niagara Falls State Park, as well as several hotels and attractions in the USAN Development District. In conjunction with the City of Niagara Falls and the University at Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI), USAN will develop a Strategic Land Disposition Plan for the acquired properties that will advance USAN’s downtown/tourism mission and the policies of the city’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, particularly as depicted in USAN’s Illustrative Master Plan.  Preliminarily it is anticipated that under this plan, smaller, more reuse-ready properties (e.g., mixed-use properties on Third Street) would likely be competitively solicited for reuse/sale in the near term, while vacant property and sites requiring razing of structures would be disposed over a longer-term period. In the immediate term, based upon the outcome of the hotel operations analyses, it is also anticipated that the two operating lodging facilities would continue to be run through an interim operations contract, pending any long-term decisions on the redevelopment of these properties. USAN previously acquired property at 305 and 101 Buffalo Avenue through the Strategic Land Acquisition Program.  In July 2018, USAN issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to determine interest from qualified parties to redevelop 305 Buffalo Avenue.  The RFEI is available on the New York State Contract Reporter website here (please note you must register for a free account to view RFEI) and proposals are due on Friday, September 7, 2018.  USAN will use responses and recommendations generated by this RFEI process to inform a planned Request for Proposals (RFP) process.  About USA Niagara Development Corporation USAN, a subsidiary of Empire State Development, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls.  For more information, visit www.usaniagara.com.     Contact: Pamm Lent | pamm.lent@esd.ny.gov | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313 Laura Magee | laura.magee@esd.ny.gov | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313

Projects Leverage Regional Strengths and Provide Inclusive Access to Waterfront Support Continued Growth of Western New York Tourism Industry - More Than 18.5 Million Visitors in 2017 Video of Buffalo's Waterfront Resurgence Can Be Viewed Here Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced three new projects to expand Buffalo's waterfront and build on the region's community and economic growth in order to attract more visitors and offer new recreational and cultural opportunities for residents. Approximately $24 million will improve water access, highlight Western New York's rich history, and support the continued growth of the area's tourism sector, which generated more than $3 billion in direct visitor spending in 2017. The projects and investments include: North Aud Block: a $10 million investment to complete this historic street grid and set the site for future development of the North Aud Block; 1825 Packet Boat: a $4 million commitment to construct a new facility to build a replica 1825 packet boat at Canalside; and Buffalo Blueway: a $10 million investment to create a network of public access points along the waterways of Buffalo. "The success of Buffalo's waterfront is evident year-round, with hundreds of thousands of visitors experiencing Canalside and enjoying local restaurants and businesses in the surrounding area," Governor Cuomo said. "These new projects will leverage Buffalo's natural beauty, tap into the rich culture and history the region has to offer, and expand opportunities for residents and visitors to access the Historic Erie Canal for generations to come." Read the full press release here.