New York State Senator Joseph Griffo announced that several communities within the 53rd Senate District will receive funding through the Restore New York Communities Initiative. The program, managed by Empire State Development, provides financial support to municipalities for revitalizing commercial and residential properties by redeveloping blighted structures.
The grants awarded in Senator Griffo’s district include $3.5 million for the City of Rome. This project aims to repair and modernize two vacant properties damaged by a tornado on July 16, 2024. The plan includes developing one building for mixed-use purposes with commercial and event spaces on the first floor and transforming the other into a significant industrial space in the Utica-Rome area.
The Village of Boonville will receive $1 million to reconstruct the Boone Building at Main Street, which was devastated by fire in 2020. The reconstruction plans involve creating three commercial spaces and ten residential units on the upper floors.
Additionally, the City of Oneida is set to receive $1 million for partially demolishing and rehabilitating two dilapidated structures on Madison Street while preserving their historic character. The redevelopment will feature live/work units and new parking facilities.
Senator Griffo expressed satisfaction with these developments: “I am pleased that the latest round of Restore New York grants will benefit communities in the Mohawk Valley and Central New York.” He emphasized economic development’s role in attracting investment, creating jobs, and fostering residential growth.
Empire State Development was acknowledged for supporting local governments’ strategies to eliminate blight and rehabilitate urban centers.
