Several Fingerlakes communities will benefit from the over $50 million awarded to localities throughout New York State through the Restore New York Initiative.
50 projects across the Empire State will use the funding for a variety of projects aimed at reducing blight, reinvigorating communities, and creating new opportunities for residential and economic growth.
“Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities for housing or development is vital to make downtowns thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces. We are further unlocking the potential of these sites and communities across New York.”
Area awardees are as follows:
Cayuga
The Village of Cayuga will use $1 million to transform a 20,000 deteriorated office building at the Beacon Bay Marina into a waterfront lodging destination consisting of 10-15 one or two-bedroom suites and a rooftop event space. The Beacon Bay Marina redevelopment project also received funding as part of the joint DRI award awarded to the Villages of Cayuga, Union Springs, and Aurora.
Ontario
The City of Geneva has been awarded $1 million for the DeSales High School Revitalization Project. The project will renovate the Macedon St property into 17 market-rate residential units and four commercial offices. The existing gym will be retained so it can be leased to a local school.
Phelps has received $900,000 to restore the 1892-era Phelps Hotel on Main St. Vacant for roughly 40 years, the endeavor aims to make the building habitable again by installing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Eight residential units, a restaurant, and a basement speakeasy are expected to be created as part of the project.
Wayne
$480,000 has been awarded to Macedon to turn 103 Main St. Under the plan, the first floor will be turned into restaurant space while the walk-out basement will be used for storage; the upper floor will be turned into three apartments.
A full list of awardees can be found here.
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