Niagara County is planning on using U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development monies, administered by New York State Community Development Block Grant, for economic and community development. As a recipient of these funds, Niagara County is subject to all programmatic guidelines, including the requirement that the monies serve low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Niagara County leadership has identified projects that will meet the mandated criteria and improve the community.
Of the funding, $73,535 will be allocated to a streetscape project along Oliver and Webster Streets in the City of North Tonawanda. The project will include sidewalk repairs and tree plantings to make the corridors more pedestrian friendly.
Majority Leader Randy Bradt noted the importance of streetscape and sidewalk repairs along Webster and Oliver streets as part of phase one of the Oliver St. revitalization plan. He said, "We will literally be laying the groundwork for redevelopment. We cannot expect the private sector to invest in places we don't maintain; we need to be leading the way."
Legislator Rich Andres of North Tonawanda said, "The current area lacks any trees or pedestrian amenities and, since Webster Street is the main business and tourist corridor of the City, we need to make these repairs to assist in community development and foster private investment."
There will be an allocation of $150,000 dedicated to the county-owned Krull Park in Olcott for the construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restroom. Legislator John Syracuse said, "Krull Park is one of the busiest park venues in the county. This will provide amenities to an underserved area of the park and will include ADA-accessible facilities in an area commonly used for group picnics and other recreational activities."
Harrison Place, once Harrison Radiator's main plant, will be awarded $172,000 for exterior improvements, including pointing and masonry repair.
Legislature Chairman W. Keith McNall said, "This building was a significant part of Lockport's industrial history, making auto parts sold worldwide, and the reuse of this building is important to the city."
Legislator Will Collins said, "Harrison Place, in its new life, serves as a business incubator, with amenities for manufacturing operations and competitive lease rates, and is now home to numerous small businesses. This business incubator is an integral part of the plan to grow Lockport's economy."
