City of North Tonawanda awarded $1.5 million grant for Oliver Street green infrastructure improvement project

Submitted by the City of North Tonawanda Office of the Mayor

The City of North Tonawanda is proud to announce it has been awarded a $1.5 million in funding through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp.’s Green Resiliency Grant Program (GRG) for the Oliver Street green infrastructure improvement project.

This vital funding will help revitalize a key commercial corridor, a critical part of the city’s broader focus on neighborhood enhancements under Mayor Austin Tylec’s administration.

The $1.5 million Green Resiliency Grant will be leveraged with $1.5 million allocated through New York state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), specifically designated for Oliver Street’s walkability and streetscape improvements. Together, these grants bring a total of $3 million in public investment aimed at transforming Oliver Street and restoring vibrancy to this historic neighborhood. Construction on these enhancements is slated to begin spring 2025.

“Revitalizing Oliver Street is a key to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and make North Tonawanda a more attractive place for both businesses and visitors,” said Laura Wilson, director of community development. “This $3 million investment will address not only the infrastructure needs, but also environmental challenges, making Oliver Street a safer, greener, and more vibrant corridor. It’s the kind of project that lays the foundation for long-term growth and sustainability.”

The Oliver Street green infrastructure project will involve reducing pavement width, planting trees, creating green spaces, and improving stormwater systems through the installation of bio-retention units and rain gardens. These upgrades, along with extending the storm sewer to separate stormwater and sanitary systems, will not only improve the area’s aesthetic appeal and walkability, but also address longstanding environmental challenges like combined sewer overflows.

Beyond the immediate environmental and infrastructure improvements, the project will also reduce untreated stormwater entering local waterways, improving water quality in Tonawanda Creek and the Niagara River, and protecting the city’s water resources. The investment will help alleviate stormwater backups currently affecting up to 20% of North Tonawanda households, reinforcing the city’s resilience t future climate challenges.

The green infrastructure upgrades are closely aligned with the city’s downtown revitalization initiative strategic plan, which seeks to restore Oliver Street as a vibrant hub for new businesses, restaurants, and housing developments. The combined $3 million investment is expected to attract additional economic activity while laying the groundwork for further enhancements to this key corridor.

Tylec highlighted the impact of these infrastructure projects, stressing their importance for enhancing North Tonawanda’s neighborhoods and maintaining their vitality for residents and visitors alike.

“Oliver Street, with its rich history and potential as a vibrant commercial and residential area, is a priority for our administration,” he said. “We see it as a springboard for future growth, and we will keep pushing for further investments to maximize its potential. Our commitment to neighborhood progress places Oliver Street at the center of our initiatives. This is just the start, and we are dedicated to securing more funding and making strategic investments to benefit the entire community.”

The Green Resilience Grant Program supports projects that enhance environmental sustainability and community resilience. Through investments in green infrastructure, stormwater management, and climate adaptation, the program aims to reduce environmental impacts while fostering healthy, vibrant communities.