United States Governor Tender

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced 10 transformational projects for Lockport as part of the 10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The strategic investments in Lockport encompass rehabilitation and redevelopment of several iconic buildings and historic areas including the Erie Canal FM Building Cornerstone CFCU Arena and Harrison place as well as small businesses and services supporting the local community. The investments are part of the Governors ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities for Western New York.Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Lockport will be able to secure significant upgrades in housing transit and community spaces along with new business opportunities. Governor Cuomo said. Western New York has seen unprecedented development in recent years and with these targeted investments we are empowering communities to make further improvements that benefit the residents and visitors.I was proud to represent the people of Lockport as a member of Congress and I know how important our Downtown Revitalization Initiative will be for the future of this unique Canal community said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul who made todays announcement. The 10 million in funding will allow Lockport to advance transformational projects which will improve quality of life for residents create jobs and help draw even more visitors to experience the history and heritage of the Erie Canal and Niagara County. This targeted state investment is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the economy of Western New York.Lockport was named a DRI Round 3 winner in October 2018. The City of Lockport is a unique canal community anchored by a growing progressive downtown district and a long-established tourism destination. The citys walkable 15-block central business district has several iconic buildings that are either vacant or underutilized and represent high-potential economic development opportunities especially for a blend of affordable and market-rate housing. Recent public investment has already driven private developer interest in downtown properties leading to significant improvements such as the renovation of the blighted 57 Canal Street property into a bustling epicenter that hosts numerous community events. The DRI award will unlock the downtowns full potential by enhancing corridors from residential neighborhoods into the heart of downtown with revitalized buildings attractive storefronts and residential options - providing a walkable livable and sustainable community in which residents and visitors alike can take pride.The specific projects to be funded through the DRI includeRehabilitate the Spalding Mill Building and Site Implement improvements to the Spalding Mill building and adjacent grounds to reactivate downtown Lockport with a tourist and community destination celebrating the history of the mill and the Erie Canal. The project will be a public-private partnership between Historic Lockport Mill Race and the City of Lockport and will include a new rooftop venue flexible outdoor event space a hillside amphitheater and ADA accessible improvements to the surrounding site laying the groundwork for access to future trail projects.Breathe New Life into the Historic Post Office Rehabilitate the underutilized Historic Post Office to create space for existing and emerging businesses drawing activity to the downtown area promoting future investment and preserving the singular character of Lockport. The project will include interior and exterior rehabilitation to accommodate a restaurant or event space a coffee shop a boutique shop and office space.Rehabilitate the FM Building as a Mixed-Use Development Transform the vacant historical Farmers Mechanics FM Building the tallest structure in downtown Lockport and the adjacent Mall Building into a mixed-use development with ground-floor commercial space and upper-story residential units. This will provide opportunities for residents to live work and play downtown and will serve as a symbol of Lockports revitalization. The project includes the replacement of electrical mechanical and plumbing systems conversion of the FM Buildings upper stories into market rate apartments renovation of the FM Buildings first floor for retail office or commercial use and repurposing of a portion of the Mall Building into covered parking.Expand Harrison Place as a Business Community Hub Continue the restoration of Harrison Place as a Western New York Innovation Hot Spot a hub for entrepreneurial development small business support and community through the addition of a food hall incubator the build-out of micro offices and the development of inviting shared spaces for community use.Install Streetscape Enhancements on Pine Street Create safer clearer and more attractive vehicular and pedestrian routes along Pine Street to enhance connectivity between Main Street and downtown destinations transforming the area into a collection of walkable and accessible neighborhoods. Proposed improvements include the reconfiguration of the intersection between Pine Street Lock Street and Gooding Street to accommodate defined vehicular lanes and a community greenspace installation of bump outs highly-visible crosswalks and ADA-accessible curb ramps installation of planters and banner poles along the Pine Street Bridge installation of benches bike racks and greenery along the Pine Street Corridor and use of porous concrete sidewalks.