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Public Notice

Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 5:00pm
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Press Release

Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 12:04pm
QNS published commentary by Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. on opportunities presented by a redevelopment of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center and the importance of community input. Text of the commentary is available below and can be viewed online here. Press release announcing the community engagement process can be viewed online here. OPPORTUNITY AND OPTIMISM IN EASTERN QUEENS Here in Queens, New York City’s largest borough, finding a place to build something new can be a challenge. But the crises of our day aren’t waiting for us to find the space we need to address them. Expanding our affordable housing stock, creating new recreational areas, and adding school seats in overcrowded districts require it, but space is at such a premium in The World’s Borough. For Queens to be the true live, work and play borough we know it can be for our families, we must embrace opportunities to think beyond the ordinary and be creative in our approach to community development. One potentially promising piece of the puzzle is the Creedmoor campus in Eastern Queens. Underutilized for decades, this 50+ acre site of state-owned land could be a game changer towards making progress on housing creation, school overcrowding, and open space. This land, on a superblock sandwiched between Union Turnpike and Hillside Avenue, is part of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, which has provided services to patients with mental illness for over a century. In the 1950s, Creedmoor housed upwards of 7,000 patients. But deinstitutionalization and medical advances led to a significant decrease in Creedmoor’s inpatient population, resulting in a dramatic reduction of the hospital’s active footprint on the site. While some portions of the campus have been sold off, over 50 acres — occupied by 20 decaying, mostly vacant buildings — remain in public hands. Where others may see blight and emptiness, we see the boundless potential to envision a bright future for this land and the communities it serves. The redevelopment of Creedmoor has the potential to be a driving force for comprehensive reinvestment across Eastern Queens, fueling vital initiatives such as economic development, job creation, mass transit improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. This land represents opportunities for affordable housing, new school construction, neighborhood retail, open spaces, performance venues, and much more. This can be a transformative opportunity for the entire community and can make a meaningful impact on the lives of its residents and businesses. The opportunities presented by the Creedmoor site are vast, but it is crucial that any redevelopment is driven by the input and participation of the community. The voices of residents from Bellerose, Queens Village and surrounding neighborhoods must be heard loud and clear by incorporating their ideas and addressing their concerns. In doing so, we can ensure that any potential plan for revitalizing the Creedmoor site is a true reflection of the community's needs and aspirations. This is why our respective offices have partnered to put together a series of community visioning workshops over the next few weeks, beginning this Thursday, February 2, at 7pm at PS/IS 208, to hear from Eastern Queens residents about what they want to see flower from this plot of promise. These workshops will provide an opportunity for residents of Eastern Queens to share their ideas and visions for the potential development of the Creedmoor site and turn it into a vibrant and thriving community for all. For information about future workshops, visit www.creedmoor.nyc. Creedmoor’s redevelopment can be a linchpin for strengthening Eastern Queens. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to forge a better Queens for ourselves and for future generations. Let’s make the most of it. Hope Knight is President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development. Donovan Richards Jr. is Queens Borough President. Contact: ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
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Press Release

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 - 2:10pm
CREEDMOOR REDEVELOPMENT INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE FIRST MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 Empire State Development (ESD) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. have announced the initiation of a community engagement process for the redevelopment of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus. For a century and a half, Creedmoor has had a significant presence in Eastern Queens. Now, over 50 acres of its campus will become the focus of a New York State-led community visioning and redevelopment effort. In partnership with Queens Borough President Richards, ESD will conduct a series of in-person and virtual workshops to gather input from residents and stakeholders in Eastern Queens to develop a forward-looking vision for the property. This Master Plan will serve as the foundation for future community-oriented and public realm development at the Creedmoor campus. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The redevelopment of Creedmoor presents a tremendous opportunity to breathe new life into Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with community-driven ideas. Through collaboration and partnership with the community and elected officials, ESD will facilitate a Master Plan process to ensure any potential development aligns with the needs and priorities of the local community. This is a path forward with community-driven ideas that offers incredible potential for members of the community to be involved and give bold ideas and thinking to grow Creedmoor to fit the community’s needs and desires.” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “Where some see decay and emptiness at Creedmoor, myself and others see limitless possibility and a tantalizing litany of potential investments — both on the Creedmoor campus itself and throughout Eastern Queens as a whole. The potential Creedmoor offers is vast, but the voices that must resonate loud and clear as the planning process begins are those of the families who live in the surrounding communities. I strongly encourage area residents to participate in our visioning workshops this month to ensure the Creedmoor master plan truly reflects the needs and concerns of Eastern Queens.” Beginning Thursday, February 2, 2023, a series of community visioning workshops will be held to hear from Eastern Queens residents. Community members are encouraged to attend workshops, take advantage of online engagement tools, and sign up for the email list to receive updates, which can be found here. Community input will ensure that the Master Plan reflects the needs and desires of the community. ESD and Queens Borough President Richards encourages residents in Bellerose, Queens Village, Hollis Hills, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Oakland Gardens, Bellerose Manor, and all the communities near Creedmoor to participate in this important initiative to help shape the future of the campus and transform it into an asset that will benefit Eastern Queens. The Creedmoor Community Master Plan will serve as the framework that guides how New York State will redevelop areas of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus in Eastern Queens. Through a comprehensive outreach and engagement process, ESD will work closely with residents, local organizations, civic groups, and elected officials to create a plan that realizes the development potential of the Creedmoor campus while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods. ESD would use the Master Plan as a basis for issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) for firms and community organizations to redevelop portions of the site in the coming years. Senator Leroy Comrie said, "I'm looking forward to a robust discussion about the future of Creedmoor from all concerned stakeholders and I hope that everyone that has ideas will attend and or share them with ESD as well as all interested parties. I believe that first and foremost there should be a complete restoration of all possible mental health beds and services at the site with some additional independent living facilities and housing for our seniors. I commend Borough President Richards for bringing the community together to begin this important dialogue." Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “The Empire State Development Corporation (ESD) has announced plans to create a master plan for Creedmoor. I hope the people in the community participate in this process by letting ESD know how they feel about the changes at Creedmoor and potential development.” Assembly Member Edward C. Braunstein said, "Any proposed redevelopment of the Creedmoor site should be community-driven, and I welcome the news of visioning workshops aimed at accomplishing just that. I strongly encourage Northeast Queens residents and civic leaders to sign up and share their perspectives to help ensure that the proposed redevelopment is reflective of the vision and needs of the local community. I look forward to working with Empire State Development, Borough President Richards and my colleagues in government to meet these important goals." Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions said, “For years, the land on the Creedmoor Psychiatric Campus has been neglected and underutilized. New York City currently faces a multifaceted mental health and homelessness crisis that will require conscientious planning and coordination between community partners and government at the local, state, and federal levels. Eastern Queens is also a transit desert with a dire need for investments and upgrades in its schools, transportation, and sewers, so we must ensure these issues are adequately addressed in the midst of future redevelopment. This announcement from Empire State Development and Queens Borough President Richards proves that our State is prioritizing the input of the Eastern Queens community. I will closely monitor the Creedmoor Master Plan and community workshops so that the voices of Eastern Queens residents are heard as we create a vision for the over 50 acres of land that reflects the distinct needs of the community, and serves as an asset for the growth and welfare of our neighbors.” About Empire State Development  Empire State Development (ESD) 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 jobs 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 Governor Kathy Hochul’s 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
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Press Release

Monday, January 30, 2023 - 2:34pm
Second Batch of Approved Awards Include 21 Shovel-Ready Projects Full List of Awardees Thus Far Can Be Found Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that over $22 million has been awarded to support 21 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding will support impactful projects that align with each region's strategic goals. "Together, the Regional Economic Development Councils are growing New York's economy by emphasizing the rich assets in every corner of our state and investing in projects that will create good, high-quality jobs," Governor Hochul said. "As we continue to make deep investments in New York communities, we remain committed to doing so in a way that expands opportunity, drives private investment, and bolsters our talented workforce." "By recommending shovel-ready projects that support each region's strategic plans, the Regional Economic Development Councils are improving communities now as well as for future generations," said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. "These projects showcase how the Regional Councils are laser focused on driving economic growth and prosperity across the State." The application for ESD Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Regional Councils continue be an important voice for communities across the state by recommending projects that will drive our economy forward. These awards will further transform local economies across the state by creating good jobs and generating new investments." Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Thursday, January 26, 2023 - 4:17pm
Company Will Create 500 Jobs Through a 5-year $68 Million Investment Plan in the Mid-Hudson Region and Build Environmentally and Economically Friendly Zinc-air Long Duration Energy Storage Systems Anchor Tenant in the New $100 Million iPark 87 Business Park Will Transform the Three-Decades-Vacant IBM Site into an Economic Growth Engine Expansion in New York Complements Governor Hochul's Bold Environmental Agenda for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Combating Climate Change Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Zinc8 Energy Solutions, USA, a leader in the long-duration energy storage industry, will relocate its $68 million manufacturing facility and U.S. headquarters to Kingston, Ulster County at the former Tech City, IBM Ulster campus, now known as iPark 87 business park. Zinc8 Energy Solutions develops innovative battery technology that uses zinc and air as fuel. Zinc8 has committed to creating up to 500 jobs, complementing New York State's national leadership in growing the green economy, spearheading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritization of combating climate change. The company's location to Ulster County supports Governor Hochul's newly announced framework for the State to achieve a nation-leading six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. "Creating good jobs that will lead to a greener, more sustainable New York for our children and grandchildren is not only beneficial to our economy, it's the right thing to do for our planet," Governor Hochul said. "Zinc8's cutting edge, clean energy storage technology is another tool that will allow us to achieve our bold climate agenda and continue to make New York State a leader in advancing the green economy." Zinc8 Energy Solutions (Zinc8) has submitted a Letter of Intent to be the anchor tenant and lease approximately 237,000 square feet of warehouse and outdoor space at iPark 87, which is owned by National Resources. Zinc8 will invest approximately $68 million over 5 years to automate and build out the site, making the region Zinc8's U.S. headquarters and a major hub of manufacturing operations, research and development. Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide up to $9 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to encourage and support the creation of 500 jobs. The new $100 million iPark 87 business park will serve as a mixed-use technology campus, transforming the former IBM site and positioning the former TechCity as an innovative center for economic growth after 30 years of stagnation. Part of iPark87's plan is to build a 600-unit net-zero carbon footprint sustainable residential community, powered 100 percent by renewal energy and constructed fully from sustainable building materials. The business park will also include several public amenities like pocket parks, bike and walking trails, and a wellness and arts center. Recognizing the goals of job creation, economic growth and sustainability for the campus and the surrounding region, ESD supported the business park's development with an $8 million grant through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Read the full press release here.  
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Board Meeting

Thursday, January 26, 2023 - 11:00am
With videoconferencing to: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, 36th Floor Conference Room, New York, NY 10017 This meeting is open to the public. Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below. Due to building procedures, those wishing to attend at any of these locations must RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. RSVP press line (800) 260 -7313; RSVP public line (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 Tuesday, January 24, 2023. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and posted online.
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Press Release

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 - 12:52pm
City of Long Beach and Village of Lindenhurst to Receive $4.5 Million Each New $100 Million NY Forward Program Builds on Momentum of the Successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to Support a More Equitable Downtown Recovery for New York's Smaller and Rural Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the City of Long Beach and the Village of Lindenhurst will each receive $4.5 million in funding as the Long Island region winners of the first round of NY Forward. Building on the momentum of the State's successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same "Plan-then-Act" strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York's smaller and rural communities. As part of NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the State's ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of a revitalization plan for their downtowns. "Our downtowns create a vital economic lifeline for so many of our smaller communities to thrive, flourish, and reach their full potential," Governor Hochul said. "As we continue to assist New York businesses recover from the pandemic, we are executing an equitable plan with NY Forward to uplift our business districts utilizing the successful blueprint of our Downtown Revitalization Initiative." NY Forward is a central component of the State's economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York's downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development. Like DRI, each NY Forward community will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implementable projects. The Department of State will provide enhanced technical assistance to better support smaller communities that may have less capacity as part of the NY Forward program and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community. Projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm. Read the full press release here.
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Press Release

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 - 12:47pm
Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize Huntington Station's Downtown Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Huntington Station will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For Downtown Revitalization Initiative Round 6, each of the State's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total state commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. "The Huntington Station community deserves a safe, walkable, and affordable downtown where residents can thrive," Governor Hochul said. "This strategic investment will revitalize the community, and I can't wait to get shovels in the ground to transform Huntington Station into a must-see destination for tourists and local visitors alike." The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) serves as a component of the State's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that offer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision. Read the full press release here.
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Board Meeting

Monday, January 23, 2023 - 2:00pm
With videoconferencing to: Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue – 36th Floor Conference Room, New York, New York 10017 This meeting is open to the public. Please Note: Those attending at either location must RSVP by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023. RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP Buffalo press line (716) 846-8239; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772 The public may listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda item in writing to [email protected] by 9:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2022. All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.
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Press Release

Monday, January 23, 2023 - 1:59pm
Village of Cape Vincent to Receive $4.5 Million; Villages of Lyons Falls & Waddington to Receive $2.25 Million Each New $100 Million NY Forward Program Builds on Momentum of the Successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to Support a More Equitable Downtown Recovery for New York's Smaller and Rural Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Cape Vincent will receive $4.5 million and the Villages of Lyons Falls and Waddington will each receive $2.25 million in funding as the North Country region winners of the first round of NY Forward. Building on the momentum of the State's successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same "Plan-then-Act" strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York's smaller and rural communities. As part of NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the state's ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of revitalization plans for their downtowns. "My administration is committed to making sure all of New York's communities thrive, and strategic investments like this will help smaller and rural communities reach their full potential," Governor Hochul said. "We are thrilled to see these funds go towards Cape Vincent, Lyons Falls and Waddington, and look forward to getting projects underway that will strengthen their downtowns." NY Forward is a central component of the State's economic development efforts, working together with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York's downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development. Read the full press release here.
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