$31 million to support 'transformational redevelopment' of Boulevard Mall in Amherst

Funding supports infrastructure work necessary to transform site into walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented town center with residential, retail, public gathering space; see renderings of recreated mall here

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday awarded $31 million to the Town of Amherst for infrastructure work for the Boulevard Mall redevelopment project to “breathe new life into the now-largely-empty Boulevard Mall in Amherst.

“This infrastructure work supported by New York state will pave the way for the mall to be recreated into a new walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented town center with a variety of residential and retail options, and will also include public gathering space.”

Hochul said, “Today marks a new day for the Boulevard Mall as we take the next step in transforming it into a vibrant, transit-oriented town center. Thanks to our investment, this exciting project is moving forward unlocking housing potential, creating jobs and fostering opportunity in Western New York. The redevelopment of the Boulevard Mall is just one of the many transformative projects helping to boost the local economy and solve our housing crisis, and I applaud Supervisor Kulpa and the Town of Amherst for having this vision to repurpose this underutilized commercial property to improve the quality of life for Western New Yorkers."

A press release explained, “The plan for the renewed Boulevard Mall is to bring a community feel back to the area, that includes an active public space utilizing a quality and environmentally sustainable design that provides key pedestrian amenities. The proposed redevelopment would create at least 1,500 residential units through a mix of affordable, market-rate, student and senior housing, and create new jobs and opportunity through the addition of restaurants, retail and open space.”

Empire State Development (ESD) recently approved a $31 million funding agreement for infrastructure work to make the site shovel ready to support future development. The scope of infrastructure work being funded includes design and construction of improvements to sanitary sewer infrastructure in the boulevard central district. Once complete, the sanitary sewer improvements will increase capacity within the existing sanitary sewer network in this section of town with the construction of a pump station and new sewer mains.

ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “This initiative brings us one step closer to realizing our collective vision of reinventing Boulevard Mall as an attractive community within the Town of Amherst. My experience working with the town’s leaders has shown me they are ready and willing to implement the creative ideas needed to make this property an exciting new hub for residential, retail and recreational activities.”

Boulevard Mall renderings courtesy of the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

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State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “This is a game-changing project for the Town of Amherst, and I am proud that New York state is investing in the infrastructure to make it possible. The Boulevard Mall redevelopment project will help address our region’s housing shortage while breathing new life into a community gathering space that will set the stage for Amherst's future."

Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa said, “This investment from New York state, thanks to Gov. Hochul and our partners in the Legislature, is going to change the Town of Amherst’s trajectory. Without proper infrastructure in place, the town’s existing assets suffer and meaningful development stalls. The town’s west Amherst infrastructure project would have been too large for us to complete alone but, thanks to Gov. Hochul, this essential wastewater treatment system can now be installed, allowing us to rectify drainage issues in the Williamsville, Snyder and Eggertsville neighborhoods and build the Boulevard Mall site to its full potential. We are dealing with a housing crisis in our region, but with proactive steps such as this, we can remedy the issue with this extensive infrastructure upgrade, which will allow the Town to introduce affordable housing units in the mall’s footprint while improving services for all residents, students and businesses located in project outline.”

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). Its mission is “to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the state and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York state.”

ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY" the state’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.