‘Restore New York Communities Initiative’ Brings $20.55 Million to Finger Lakes Region

The Restore New York Communities Initiative (Restore NY) announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul brings $20.55 million in project funding to the Finger Lakes Region.

"Restore NY provides vital funding to help our municipal partners find creative ways to redevelop and transform neighborhoods into areas that uplift their communities after years of decay,” said Empire State Development President, Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Hope Knight.

Through Restore NY, the following municipalities are set to engage in revitalization projects to improve infrastructure, remediate blight conditions, develop housing, enhance commercial real estate, increase revenue and create jobs for local residents.

"These Restore New York grants will help to reimagine downtowns across our state and transform vacant, blighted and underutilized buildings into vibrant community anchors," Hochul said.

Following is a breakdown of the $20.55 million allocated to the Finger Lakes region:

Town of Lyons – ($6.59 million - Special Project Winner)

Resurgence of the Canal District: This project includes demolition, deconstruction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of properties totaling 67,124 total square feet to build 37 residential units that include 25 affordable housing units.

City of Batavia – ($1.85 million)

Carr’s Reborn: This project will renovate Carr's department store.

City of Canandaigua – ($2 million)

Factory 243 Phase 2: This project includes selective demolition and abatement of four structures of a former manufacturing complex, for residential apartments and commercial space.

City of Rochester – ($2 million)

Four Corners Aqueduct Downtown Initiative: This project includes renovation of the Gannett Building for a mix of residential and commercial uses.

Monroe County – ($3 million)

Triangle Building: This project includes renovation of the Sibley Triangle building for first floor commercial/retail and upper floor student residential units.

Town of Carlton – ($1 million)

Nesbitt Manor: This project will renovate Nesbitt Manor along Johnson Creek to provide event space and seven rooms for rent. The neighboring carriage house will be renovated as a full-service café, kitchen and patio space.

Town of Gates – ($2 million)

911 Brooks Ave. Demolition: Phase I of a multi-phased project. Phase I will remediate and demolish the vacant former hotel in preparation for future commercial development.

Village of Clyde – ($200,000)

Redevelopment of 17 Columbia Street: The project includes renovation of a two-story building for 850 Square feet of first floor commercial space and an upper floor residential unit.

Village of Fairport – ($1 million)

Cannery Phase II: The project includes the adaptive reuse of vacant industrial/warehouse property and renovation of a 42,775 square-foot property to add offices, restaurants, retail and flex spaces.

Village of Newark – ($950,000)

Former Newark Hospital Conversion Project: This project will transform approximately 9,000 square feet of the long-vacant, former Newark Hospital located at 112 West Miller Street in the village into a mixed-use building with eight residential units (some affordable) with commercial/office space on the ground floor.

Hochul seems hopeful that this new initiative will be money well spent for the sustainability and future of our region: “We are jumpstarting new economic activity and helping ensure that New York State continues to be a place where people come to live, work and raise their families,” she said.