Cattaraugus Awarded $9.7 Million for Downtown Revitalization Projects Through New York DRI
Funding will support historic restoration, downtown improvements, new housing, community spaces, and small business development in the Village of Cattaraugus
Governor Hochul announces 21 transformational projects in WNY as part of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward
ALBANY - Kathy Hochul recently announced awards for a total of 21 transformational projects for Western New York as part of two economic development programs - the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. Five projects were announced for the Village of Cattaraugus, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; 9 projects were announced for the Village of Westfield, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and 7 were announced for the Village of Angola, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.
“The DRI and NY Forward winners in Western New York are extraordinary communities with so much to offer in terms of resources, culture, and history,” Governor Hochul said. “These awards are part of our ongoing efforts to transform downtown areas across the state and I look forward to watching Western New York use these funds in a way that highlights the people and businesses that make up a vital part of our great state.”
DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.
The Village of Cattaraugus is a vibrant community tucked away on a steep incline and sheltered by surrounding hills, productive farmlands, and mature verdant forests. The original 19th-century brick heart of the Village, amazingly intact and a designated National Historic District, imbues a sense of history and character. Stores and businesses are locally owned, and the surrounding area abounds with hundreds of creative artists and artisans. The Village seeks to transform its historic red brick Main Street into a communal gathering place where its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and small-town character converge to foster economic growth and enhance quality of life.
The 5 Cattaraugus DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:
Create a Small Project Fund ($600,000): Create a matching grant program to provide funding for small projects such as interior and exterior building renovations, capital equipment, public art, and related soft costs for commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family buildings.
Redevelop 1 Mill Street into a Mix of Residential and Commercial Uses ($1,500,000): Redevelop the former railroad depot into a mix of uses to include new apartments, retail, and outdoor space that will expand housing and shopping choices, small business development opportunities and activity on a vacant property.
Restore and Expand the Crawford Hotel by Creating a New Boutique Hotel and Amenities ($4,200,000): Fully restore the Crawford Hotel and construct an addition to the building to house hotel rooms and related amenities such as a restaurant, bar, meeting rooms and event spaces, creating new jobs and attracting more visitors to the area.
Improve Downtown Accessibility through Enhancements to Streets and Alleyways ($1,770,000): Improve downtown accessibility and safety by making streetscape improvements on Main and Washington Streets and creating a fire lane along East Alley to support Main Street businesses.
Develop the One Main Street Community Event Space ($1,630,000): Transform a vacant lot into a vibrant community gateway and gathering space that will potentially house a hub for rail bikes, amphitheater, pavilion, farmers markets, and small shops.
Village of Cattaraugus Mayor Anthony Nagel said, “We would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State for their meaningful investment in rural communities like Cattaraugus through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Each of the awarded projects plays an important role on its own, but their true impact comes from how they work together. By complementing one another and building on the momentum already underway in Cattaraugus, they are helping to shape a more cohesive, connected, and vibrant downtown experience for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The full announcement, including project details for Westfield and Angola, is available at www.governor.ny.gov/news.