NT: Mayor Ortt announces $343,000 grant received for Carnegie Art Center

City of North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt announced earlier today the city was awarded a grant in the amount of $343,000 from the New York State Office of Community Renewal to make improvements at the Carnegie Art Center. The 2012 CFA round included funding in the form of the community renewal fund. The improvements will include having handicap-accessible access to the city building, and handicap bathroom facilities.

"This funding will allow this historic building to undergo much-needed renovations that will help it to better serve the public, especially those who are handicapped. These renovations will help move the Carnegie towards becoming a true events center. The goal is for this building to become yet another destination within North Tonawanda," Ortt said.

"I want to thank our state representatives for their commitment to the Carnegie and to North Tonawanda," he added.

"This building has served North Tonawanda for more than a century, as the first public library and now as an art center," said Carnegie Art Center Executive Director Mary Simpson. "Art is the essential foundation to cultural vibrancy and quality of life for everyone and, with the accessibility created through these funds, the Carnegie Art Center can welcome everyone. Art belongs to all of us."

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is an agency that currently utilizes the Carnegie Art Center.

"As art facilitator and coordinator of fine arts for Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, I appreciate so much having the opportunity to bring my special artists to such a welcoming building," Marcia A. Ross said. "I am so grateful to the City of North Tonawanda for recognizing that people of all abilities have access to a beautiful and historic building like the Carnegie Art Center.