Second Batch of Approved ESD Awards Includes Over $18 Million to Support 12 Shovel-Ready Projects 

Full List of Round XIV Awardees Can Be Found Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that more than $18 million has been awarded to support 12 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XIV included core capital grant and Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from ESD, and was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Through the Regional Council process, we are investing in shovel ready projects that align with each region's strategic plan. Collectively, these awardees will create jobs, support new community investments, and generate sustainable economic growth in New York State." 

ESD Board Chair Kevin Law said, "These strategic investments demonstrate our commitment to community-driven economic development across New York. The Sensaras expansion in Suffolk County highlights the economic momentum we're building on Long Island, creating new manufacturing jobs and strengthening our regional innovation economy. This funding delivers targeted support for shovel-ready projects that will continue to drive Long Island's growth while creating economic opportunity throughout the state."

This second round of ESD projects was recommended by each Regional Council because of the project's readiness and alignment with each region's strategic plan. Highlights include:

• YWCA of Schenectady – Early Learning Center (Capital Region) – $1.2 Million ESD grant: The existing Early Learning Center will relocate and expand into a section of the former St. Clare’s Hospital campus, nearly doubling the number of childcare slots available. Schenectady is a childcare desert, meeting only 21% of the estimated need. Childcare services will be utilized primarily by working families, many of whom are low-income, enabling families to return or continue working. This is part of a larger revitalization project at the former hospital, which includes the rehabilitation of a vacant building on a 10+ acre site, adding over 200 residential workforce apartments, and breathing new life into one of the city's largest buildings. Total Project Cost: $6 Million
   
• Little Lukes Childcare, LLC (Central New York) – $400,000 ESD Grant: This project includes the redevelopment of a vacant property in Camillus, Onondaga County into a childcare center. Operating year-round, the program will offer full-time care for children aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years, up until they enter kindergarten. Their inclusion-based classroom model integrates children of varying developmental and physical abilities. Total Project Cost: $1.2 Million
   
• Cobblestone Community Wellness Center (Finger Lakes) – $1.8 Million ESD grant: The Cobblestone Arts Center is a not-for-profit in Farmington, Ontario County, that brings visual and performing arts to rural communities with a special focus on programming for people with disabilities. Cobblestone will construct a new inclusive Wellness Center catering to the needs of the disabled population but making it accessible to the entire community ensuring people of all abilities feel welcome. This expansion will allow Cobblestone to serve up to 100 additional people with disabilities. The Wellness Center will house a gym, a pool, a track, workout space, a library, meeting rooms for senior citizens, mental health services, acupuncture, massage therapy, and a childcare center. The new center will include a daycare with space for up to 100 children, prioritizing children with special needs and those from low-income families. Total Project Cost: $12 Million
   
• Sensaras, LLC Expansion (Long Island) – $500,000 Excelsior Jobs Program tax credit: Established in 2013, Sensaras is a state-of-the-art design and manufacturing company of ultrasonic liquid level sensor systems used in Navy submarines and in the semiconductor industry. The company has outgrown its existing 6,000 square-foot facility in Bohemia, Suffolk County, that houses its existing workforce. Sensaras will invest $5.5 million to acquire a new 16,000 square-foot building to expand manufacturing operations. The company will also add new machinery and equipment to produce a new line of cannisters for use in the semiconductor industry, which is currently outsourced. In addition, as part of this project they will create 20 new jobs over the next five years, nearly doubling its existing workforce. Total Project Cost: $5.5 Million
   
• Abendroth Green, LLC – Port Chester Community Center (Mid-Hudson) – $1.5 Million ESD grant: As part of the larger Port Chester North Main Street project, a new six-story, mixed-use development will be built, featuring housing, commercial space, community space and parking. The project's location near mass transit and a walkable downtown will promote sustainable living and support local businesses. The community center will be run by Human Development Services of Westchester, a social service organization providing quality behavioral health, rehabilitative, health, residential, and community stabilization services which will be offered to residents and others who seek services. Total Project Cost: $19.5 Million
   
• The Community Builders, Inc. – The Beacon – East Harlem Multi Service Center (New York City) – $3.359 Million ESD Grant: The East Harlem Multi-Service Center will get an update and expansion as part of a larger collaborative project between The Community Builders and Ascendant Neighborhood Development. Renovations will include a deep energy retrofit with variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling systems, solar panels, and flood resiliency strategies. The center will support nonprofit operators offering critical services, including housing assistance, homelessness prevention, benefits access, childcare, education, and workforce development. The Beacon will also create capacity for up to several nonprofit tenants, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the East Harlem community. Total Project Cost: $46.4 Million
   
• The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society – Reinstein Center Reactivation (Western New York) – $890,000 ESD Grant: The Buffalo History Museum will renovate and expand the footprint of The Reinstein Center, a 1920 building located near the existing 1901 Pan-American Exposition structure. This historical landmark building is currently not in use. Revitalization will significantly expand the capacity to deliver meaningful programs at the Museum and enable the return of engaging, hands-on educational activities while still allowing the main portion of the museum to be open to visitors. Total Project Cost: $4.5 Million.

Senator Sean Ryan said, "By funding these projects, New York is investing in economic growth and community amenities throughout our state. I am thrilled that this round of funding includes a grant to support the restoration of the Reinstein Center, a worthy project that will allow the Buffalo History Museum to expand its engaging educational programming."

Assembly Member Al Stirpe said, "As Assembly Chair of Economic Development, I would like to express my thanks to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and all those involved on the Regional Economic Development Council for their dedication to fostering locally driven prosperity. This second round of projects released today encourages comprehensive support for the community as well as catering to our state’s growing appetite for business. These resources represent ripple effects that will be felt in every corner of the state, including childcare and learning center investments, business expansion, and community development. Through these initiatives, New York residents will expect to see an improved quality of life alongside a flourishing climate for economic growth."

The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the REDC Initiative, more than $8.2 billion has been awarded to more than 10,400 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plan.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils 

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
 

Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313