With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Streetscape Projects, Olean Officially Completes All Nine of its Downtown Revitalization Initiative Projects
South Union Street Gateway Corridor and Walkable Olean Phase III East State Street Projects Improve Safety, Accessibility for Pedestrians, Cyclists
Before and After Photos of Olean’s DRI Projects are Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the City of Olean’s final Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects. The South Union Street Gateway Corridor and Walkable Olean Phase III East State Street Streetscape Improvement projects mark the conclusion of all nine public and private projects funded under the State’s highly successful DRI program. These projects further the State and City’s goal of preserving the rich local history while continuing to support the financial, business, transportation and entertainment sectors the city has become known for.
“The completion of Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative shows how targeted investments and community-driven collaboration can transform a downtown,” Governor Hochul said. “By completing these projects, the city has built a downtown that is vibrant, accessible and full of possibility, setting an example for other communities across New York State.”
The East State Street and South Union Street projects included a combination of traffic calming measures, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, and streetscape beautification through new street trees and other plantings.
On East State Street, additional crosswalks were installed and bump-outs added at all crossings; a landscaped median was installed adjacent to the Olean Municipal Building and a traffic circle was constructed at Barry Street; and a new pedestrian and bicycle path was built, connecting downtown and Lincoln Park with the Allegany River Valley Trail, Bradner Stadium and War Veteran’s Park.
On South Union Street, a traffic circle was installed at Green Street; bump-outs added at all street crossings; and the pedestrian and bicycle path extended from Lincoln Park to Franchot Park, expanding connections between neighborhoods, shopping and recreation areas.
These projects build upon the streetscape improvements and traffic calming measures previously completed by the city along North Union Street, which included replacing traffic lanes with bike lanes and rain gardens, installing traffic circles and a landscaped median, adding and improving crosswalks, installing wayfinding signage and adding new seating areas including at two outdoor gas firepits along North Union Street. Collectively, the projects mark significant progress towards achieving the city’s “Walkable Olean” plan to transform the city into a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly community.
The City of Olean was named the Western New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the second round in 2017. Other DRI winners in the region include Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, North Tonawanda, Dunkirk, Tonawanda and Cattaraugus.