Empire State Development public notices
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Press Release
Friday, October 6, 2023 - 12:22pm
Follows Historic $100 Billion Investment from Micron to Create 50,000 Jobs in Central New York – The Largest Manufacturing Project in State History
Builds on Governor’s Successful Business Attraction Efforts to Bring Leading Manufacturing Businesses and Thousands of Good-Paying Manufacturing Jobs to New York
Governor Signed Landmark Green CHIPS Legislation to Boost Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing in New York and Create 21st Century Jobs
Governor Also Issued a Proclamation Declaring October Manufacturing Month; Read Proclamation Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated National Manufacturing Month by unveiling New York’s nation-leading manufacturing job growth numbers, which show that New York State has added more than 13,300 new manufacturing jobs since 2021 – leading the nation in manufacturing jobs brought back from overseas. The data (available here) points to the continued resurgence of New York’s manufacturing sector, following a decades-long decline in manufacturing, and reflects the Governor’s continued support for the manufacturing sector to attract leading businesses and create good-paying jobs in New York State. It also follows several major actions from Governor Hochul to bring leading manufacturing businesses to New York.
In addition, Governor Hochul signed a proclamation declaring October Manufacturing Month in New York State as part of her continued commitment to the industry. A link to the Governor’s proclamation is available here.
“New York’s manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major renaissance, and we’ve got the jobs, the businesses, and the investment to prove it,” Governor Hochul said. “After decades of decline across the manufacturing industry, my administration is turning the sector around with historic actions to bring leading businesses to our state, encourage green and sustainable business practices, and prepare the workforce for the manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. Manufacturing is at the core of our state’s history and identity, and this Manufacturing Month, I am reaffirming my commitment to building up this sector to attract the best businesses and provide good-paying, middle class jobs in New York State.”
Manufacturing is a major driver of the New York’s economy. Roughly 420,000 New Yorkers work in manufacturing and the sector contributed more than $83 billion to New York’s gross domestic product in 2022. The state has one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing industries in the nation with more than 10,300 jobs, $2 billion in exports, and 72 semiconductor facilities across the state. New York is also home to a vibrant agribusiness sector, ranking first in the nation for yogurt production and among the top states in the country for its number of cideries, breweries, distilleries, and wineries. With 13,379 new manufacturing jobs since 2021, New York also leads the nation in reshoring manufacturing jobs back from facilities overseas.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said,“ Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our economy, a part of our state's legacy and vital to our future. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are creating an ecosystem where manufacturing can thrive. Through incentive programs such as the nation-leading Green CHIPS or by investing in the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, New York State is building on its proud manufacturing heritage and creating a better future for all New Yorkers.”
Read the full press release here.
Board Meeting
Friday, October 6, 2023 - 9:30am
With Video Conferencing to:
Empire State Development - Long Island Regional Office, 115 Broadhollow Road – Suite 250, Melville, New York 11747
and
Empire State Development - Albany Office, 625 Broadway – Room 812, Albany, New York 12245
The meeting is open to the public.
The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Please Note:
Due to building procedures, members of the public wishing to attend in-person at any location should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will posted online.
Press Release
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 12:44pm
75,000 Square-Foot Facility Houses Cutting-Edge Engineering and Healthcare Education Programs
$27 Million in State Funds Supports Future Workforce in Science and Healthcare
Photo of Ribbon Cutting Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the completion of Hofstra University’s $75 million energy-efficient Science and Innovation Center in Uniondale, Long Island. The new, 75,000-square-foot Center is a shared facility for the Hofstra/Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies and the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science. With this state-of-the-art facility, Hofstra University will provide students with a dynamic STEM education that will shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals. Empire State Development supported this project with a $25 million capital grant as part of the Transformative Investment Program funding allocated to Long Island and $2 million from the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.
“With the launch of Hofstra's Science and Innovation Center, we're not just creating a state-of-the-art facility, we're nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is committed to investing in the education and jobs of the future and ensuring that we prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century.”
Hofstra University's Science and Innovation Center is a union-built, modern facility that fosters dynamic learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Center offers students immersive, hands-on experiences across STEM fields through features like a full medical and surgical simulation wing, clinical skills and patient care labs, and two simulated operating room spaces. The facility also houses expansive labs for computer architecture, robotics, bioengineering, virtual reality applications, and more. Students have access to advanced tools in spaces including a large makerspace, big data lab, and tissue culture facility to acquire research and innovation skills. This innovative facility will accelerate student success while also energizing workforce development in the region.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Hofstra Science and Innovation Center marks a pivotal moment in academia, where we are not just opening doors but building bridges to a brighter future by empowering students with real-world skills. The Center will have a profound impact as graduates emerge as highly capable leaders across STEM fields, ready to meet the evolving demands of our dynamic world with their fresh perspectives. By investing in hands-on, cross-disciplinary learning, we are ensuring the innovators solving tomorrow's greatest challenges begin their journey here."
Read the full press release here.
Board Meeting
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 11:00am
New York Transportation Development Corporation Directors Meeting
Empire State Development , 633 Third Avenue New York – NYC Office 37th Floor Conference Room
Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
This meeting is open to the public.
Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below.
Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted on-line.
Press Release
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 9:00pm
Blueflite Wins GENIUS NY $1 Million Grand Prize; Four Other Finalists Receive $500,000 Investments as Part of $3 Million Awarded to Innovative Companies that Will Now Operate in Syracuse
Investment Complements "CNY Rising" – The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Photo of Grand Prize Winner Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul announced Blueflite as the $1 million grand prize winner of round seven of the GENIUS NY accelerator. Founded in 2018, the company offers a drone-based logistics platform. It’s patented, unique, and all-electrical drone design has vertical take-off and landing capabilities, advanced maneuverability, and is built to meet the rigorous demands of commercial operations. The GENIUS NY program is the world’s largest business accelerator program focused on uncrewed aerial systems, robotics and IoT. The year-long program, which is administered by CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden in Syracuse, awarded five finalist teams a total of $3 million at Pitch Finals at its Innovation Night event in downtown Syracuse, including the $1 million grand prize and four $500,000 investments. The accelerator also offers incubator space, company resources, programming and mentoring to finalists. Participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year. To date, New York State has made $21 million in direct investment in 37 GENIUS NY teams over the program’s seven rounds.
“From Micron to supporting innovative entrepreneurs, my administration remains committed to making key investments that are helping to boost and revitalize Central New York,” Governor Hochul said. “As a result, the GENIUS NY competition continues to attract innovative entrepreneurs from around the world who are laser-focused on expanding the ever-evolving aerial system industry in the region, ensuring that New York State remains at the forefront of this vital field, bringing quality jobs and economic growth to the region.”
The five finalist teams pitched their businesses to a panel of judges and the audience during the Pitch Finals at Innovation Night. Following the pitches, all five competitors were awarded one of five investments, with Blueflite winning the grand prize.
Blueflite Co-Founders Frank Noppel and James McClearen said, “Blueflite is thrilled to have won the prestigious GENIUS NY $1M prize, organized by CenterState CEO. We see this as a remarkable achievement and testament to our capabilities, and we are enthusiastic to begin an exciting journey strengthening our presence in the State of New York. The support from GENIUS NY has been invaluable, and we look forward to drive innovation and excellence in the drone industry, benefiting not only our company but also the communities we serve.”
The other four teams received a prize of $500,000: Aloft, GreenJets, Voltela, and VOTIX, which was also named as fan favorite at tonight’s event.
Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $100 million in follow-on funding and have created more than 80 new jobs in New York State. The advancement of the GENIUS NY program builds on the progress of CNY Rising, the region’s award-winning strategic plan to revitalize communities and grow the economy.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said, "The GENIUS NY program is fueling the incredible growth of the uncrewed aerial systems industry in Central New York. Congratulations to all of these forward-thinking innovators who are bringing their exceptional entrepreneurial ideas to the region and are ready to take advantage of New York State's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 2:13pm
Global Building Products Manufacturer Built Facility on 75 acres in the Town of Bath: Will Create More Than 60 New Jobs
Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that leading engineered wood building products manufacturer LP Building Solutions (LP) today official marked the grand opening of new, engineered wood siding prefinishing facility located on 75 acres in the Town of Bath, Steuben County. The company will produce its LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® product at the state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot facility located at the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency’s Business Park site off of State Route 54. The company is receiving its exterior home siding product at the new facility via rail from its production mills. The material will then be painted, packaged, and distributed via LP’s existing network throughout the Northeast and beyond. As a result of the project, LP plans to create approximately 60 new jobs in the Southern Tier region over the next several years. To date, there are 35 employees working on-site.
“LP chose to expand into the Southern Tier thanks to the top-tier talent and industry assets that are invaluable to the region’s success,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “This project highlights how our strategic incentives to foster forward-thinking companies are helping to strengthen the economy and create good-paying jobs, both in Steuben County and across New York State.”
ESD is assisting this project with up to $1 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments. New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG), the Steuben County IDA, and B&H Railroad are also providing assistance for the project.
LP Executive Vice President, Siding General Manager Jason Ringblom said, “LP’s prefinished home siding product, ExpertFinish, has seen strong growth since its 2020 launch. By expanding into the Northeast, we can better serve the popular new home construction and repair and remodel markets in the region. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Steuben County and its highly skilled workforce to the LP family. We look forward to the mutual benefits this collaboration will undoubtedly bring.”
Founded in 1972, LP Building Solutions is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. As a leader in high-performance building solutions, the company manufactures engineered wood building products that meet the needs of builders, remodelers, and homeowners worldwide. The company operates 23 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, Chile, and Brazil and employees approximately 4,300 people.
Senator Thomas F. O’Mara, said, “The arrival of LP Building Solutions is an outstanding addition to the regional economy and fantastic news for workers and local taxpayers. It's the culmination of a lot of hard work by local and state leaders to secure an investment that promises good jobs, exciting economic opportunities, and important community development."
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, said, "This investment is the result of an outstanding team effort by local and state leaders and it's great to be able to welcome the new LP Building Solutions facility to the town of Bath and Steuben County. These high-quality manufacturing jobs and valuable economic opportunities could not arrive at a more important time and will help strengthen the economy locally and across the region. It's fantastic news."
Town of Bath Supervisor Ronald Smith, said, “We are pleased to see the transformation of the former IDA Business Park into the new LP facility and are excited to see the rail line in Bath being used once again. The company is a welcome addition to the community, and we thank Louisiana-Pacific Corporation for its investment in Bath.”
Trish Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E, said, “It’s important to NYSEG and RG&E to support job growth in the Southern Tier, so our $400,000 grant to LP Building Solutions aligns with our strategic goals Strengthening the economy of Upstate New York is a chief objective of our Capital Investment Incentive Program, and we were happy to work with Empire State Development to provide these funds.”
Jeff Bauman, Vice President of B&H Rail Corporation, said, “This is an exciting time for LP, Steuben County, and the Town of Bath NY. The B&H Railroad is proud to have been a part of the team responsible for the decision by LP to locate in Steuben County. The opening of the LP plant in Bath NY is the result of a team of dedicated individuals across the County, State and Railroad working together to grow Steuben County. Congratulations to LP, Jamie Johnson, and the entire Steuben County IDA team for this success.”
Steuben County IDA Executive Director James C. Johnson, said, “We are pleased to be celebrating LP’s grand opening and want to thank the company and their project team for the confidence in our community and the hard work to make this possible. We would also like to recognize the various partners who were involved with making this investment happen; the efforts of our partners are a true example of Steuben County’s commitment to grow our economy. The IDA looks forward to supporting LP as the company grows and provides job opportunities for the residents of our area.”
For additional Information about LP, visit: https://lpcorp.com/.
Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. More information is available here.
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 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:
Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 2:38pm
Nearly $1 Million from the U.S. Small Business Administration to Boost State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Funding
STEP Empowers Small Businesses for Global Success
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced Round 11 of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) with nearly $1 million in federal funding provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). STEP connects New York businesses to exporting opportunities abroad through grants for qualifying small and medium-sized businesses. These grants can help increase the number of small businesses that begin to export; increase the value of exports for small businesses that currently export; and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. STEP at ESD is administered by Global NY, the agency’s international division. For more information on STEP and to apply for funding, click here.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Fortifying the foundation of small business exporters and enhancing their global competitiveness is integral to Global NY's strategic framework for small businesses. ESD is committed to broadening opportunities for New York State's small enterprises, facilitating their growth, and strengthening their competitive position on the world stage.”
STEP grants empower New York entrepreneurs to succeed globally by offsetting the costs of export activities like foreign trade missions, international marketing campaigns, overseas trade show exhibitions, training workshops, and other engagements. These reimbursement-based grants are available to New York companies that have been in business for at least one year, meet SBA size standards, have sufficient resources to bear trade costs, offer a product or service for export with at least 51% U.S. content, and align with STEP's standards and mission. By alleviating financial burdens, STEP enables small businesses to expand their global reach and competitiveness.
ESD will receive $900,000 from SBA to assist New York State businesses with:
Participation in programmed foreign trade missions
Subscription to services provided by the Department of Commerce
Trade show exhibition (international and qualified domestic trade shows)
Participation in export training workshops
Qualified foreign market sales trips
Website Content/Foreign Language Translation
Development of International Marketing Campaign(s)
Compliance Testing
Consultancy Services
Export Credit Insurance Premium Reimbursement
About Global NY
Global NY, a division of Empire State Development, offers financial and technical assistance that can offset the costs of exporting for New York businesses and organizations looking to connect to the rest of the world. Available support includes grants and loans to help qualifying small and medium-sized businesses looking to start or increase their global exports and non-profit organizations that provide export assistance and trade education to New York State companies. For more information, please visit www.esd.ny.gov/global-ny-export-assistance.
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 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:
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692
Press Release
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 3:27pm
Outlines State’s Goals and Priorities for $664 Million Allocation for Broadband Deployment
Link to Plan Here
Empire State Development’s (ESD) ConnectALL Office today released its five-year action plan, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and lays out a broad framework for the implementation of New York’s allocation of $664 million from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The plan, required under the federal program, describes how to most effectively invest New York’s allocation in ways that will attract private investment and reach unserved and underserved locations with a mix of fiber optic and wireless internet technologies.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Investments in ensuring New York has affordable, equitable and reliable broadband throughout the entire state is vital to our economic success. This five-year plan outlines how to best capitalize on the federal funding New York State has been allocated and allows us to continue our efforts to bridge the gap for unserved and underserved areas across the state.”
This comprehensive plan aligns with Governor Hochul’s commitment to affordable, reliable, accessible broadband for all residents across the state by prioritizing BEAD funding for ESD’s ConnectALL Deployment and Rural Broadband Program which will provide grants to internet service providers to bring service to unserved locations in the state and addresses how to complement these grants with other investments to increase consumer choice and promote broadband adoption.
Additionally, the plan presents initial results from the ConnectALL Office’s digital equity survey of New York residents, which surveyed more than 5,700 people across every region of the state, was conducted from May to July 2023 and was the first ever comprehensive assessment of the digital divide in New York, encompassing both infrastructure and non-infrastructure barriers to broadband adoption. Findings from the survey reveal that New Yorkers in urban and rural areas face many of the same challenges in getting online:
Both rural and urban respondents of the survey have difficulty paying for the internet each month in addition to their monthly expenses; 44% of urban respondents indicated difficulty paying, and 41% of rural respondents indicated difficulty paying.
The survey demonstrated that accessibility of internet-enabled devices is close to equal among respondents from urban and rural geographies; 9.5% of urban respondents and 10.4% of rural respondents said that they did not have access to internet-enabled devices they needed at home.
Regardless of their background, New Yorkers are concerned about their safety and security online. On average, nearly 90% of respondents reported feeling either somewhat concerned or very concerned about their online safety.
ESD’s ConnectALL Office will address these challenges through a Digital Equity Grant Program and will present the full results of the study and the details of that program in a Digital Equity Plan, which it will make available for public comment this Fall.
The BEAD 5 Year Action Plan also notes that the cost of building new fiber infrastructure to the 114,377 unserved addresses identified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would be $1.9 billion. ESD’s ConnectALL Office is now working on a detailed proposal to NTIA, which will be put out for public comment in the Fall and will describe how to most effectively invest the $664 million to attract private investment and reach those locations with a mix of fiber optic and wireless technologies.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | 518-414-1087
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | 800-260-7313
Press Release
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 5:03pm
Oculi Receives $1 Million in Investment; Five Additional Companies Secure Follow-on Investments
Applications Now Being Accepted for Round 7 of the Optics, Photonics, and Imaging Competition until January 8, 2024
NYS Investment Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" – the Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Photo and Video of Luminate NY Competitors Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Oculi as the winner of Round Six of the Luminate NY optics, photonics, and imaging startup accelerator competition. Baltimore, Maryland-based Oculi received the "Company of the Year" Award at Luminate Finals 2023, which was held live at Innovation Square in downtown Rochester, and online. The company will receive $1 million in investment from New York State through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Oculi will use the follow-on funding to move its headquarters to Rochester, and to scale operations for mass production, expanding sales, and for developing advanced versions of its products. Luminate NY, which is administered by NextCorps, is the world's largest business accelerator for emerging companies that have technologies enabled by optics, photonics, and imaging. The Finals event marks the completion of the sixth year of the cohort-based program, which now has over 50 companies in its portfolio. As required by the award, all winners of the competition will commit to establishing operations in the region for at least the next 18 months.
“Thanks to Luminate NY, our state will continue to lead the nation on cutting-edge technological research,” Governor Hochul said. "The winners of the competition’s sixth round represent some of world’s most innovative businesses that are bringing transformative products in optics, photonics and the imaging supply chain to market. I congratulate this year’s winners, and remain committed to supporting the fast-growing, high-tech businesses and industries that will move New York forward.”
Oculi is redefining computer and machine vision with the world’s first smart programmable vision sensor, the Oculi SPU™ (Sensing and Processing Unit). It combines the efficiency of biology—more specifically the human eye—and the speed of machines to make computer vision faster and more efficient. By embedding intelligence in the sensor at the pixel level, the innovative chip has the power to transform smart devices across homes, offices, and vehicles. Oculi’s SPU is ideal for visual intelligence at the edge, such as gesture tracking, facial recognition, and low latency eye tracking.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 4:55pm
Project Features 28 Affordable Housing Units and Free Head Start Child Education Program
One Of 11 Projects For Buffalo's $10 Million Broadway-Fillmore Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award, See Renderings Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction for 950 Broadway LLC in East Buffalo. The $13.5 million project, by Cedarland Development LLC, will renovate and convert a 50,000 square foot, vacant and underutilized building in East Buffalo into a mixed-use development, featuring 28 affordable housing units, a free Head Start child education program and a proposed indoor urban farm. The building has been unused for 18 years, with portions of the building being vacant for decades prior. Once complete, the renovated 950 Broadway will bring new life to the former retail store-turned-office building near one of the most visible intersections in East Buffalo. Governor Hochul previously announced 950 Broadway LLC was chosen with 10 other transformational projects in Buffalo's Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood as part of a $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award.
“The groundbreaking for 950 Broadway today is a new beginning for this long vacant, prominent structure in East Buffalo,” Governor Hochul said. “Once a blight on the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, the historic building will now be a community anchor and catalyst for economic development. Homes will be made here, and we look forward to welcoming new neighbors to the Buffalo community.”
Located at the corner of Broadway and Fillmore, the former Eckhardt’s and Kobacker’s department store will contain 28 affordable apartments and a Head Start children’s education program run by the Community Action Organization. An indoor urban farm has been proposed for the building’s basement. Apartments in the building will include ten studio apartments,12 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units.
Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore was a DRI winner in Round 5. Located in East Buffalo and one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, the Broadway-Fillmore Neighborhood is the focus of Buffalo’s plan for a downtown investment. The Broadway-Fillmore Neighborhood, with a relatively dense stock of largely historic commercial buildings, set forth a vision of creating special urban places, key park spaces, retail-oriented streets, improved neighborhood connections, bike and pedestrian connections, streetscape improvements, and public realm improvements. Building on this momentum, Buffalo aims to encourage more redevelopment of vacant structures, provide better connections between anchors and amenities through greenspace, increase affordable housing opportunities, and enhance the streetscape.
To assist Cedarland, New York State is providing a loan valued at $900,000 and grant valued at $1.1 million from Empire State Development’s Better Buffalo Fund to support the commercial renovations and building’s stabilization. Additionally, the project was awarded a $427,150 grant for the buildout of the daycare facilities through the Department of State’s Round 5 Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is providing $2.1 million in construction and permanent financing toward the affordable housing portion of the project through its Small Building Participation Loan Program. The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) is providing a $7.8 million construction loan, as well as a $3.2 million SONYMA-insured permanent loan financed through its partnership with the New York State Common Retirement Fund. In addition to the developer’s contributions, over $2.9 million in Historic Tax Credit Equity and additional incentives from National Grid round out the project’s sources. The State of New York Mortgage Agency’s Insurance Fund is providing mortgage insurance on CPC’s permanent financing.
Read the full press release here.