Eight Downtown Revitalization Projects Will Improve Walkability and Connectivity; Enhance Housing and Employment Opportunities; and Expand Community Services and Cultural Amenities

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced eight transformational projects in the Village of Endicott as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award. The Awards will attract businesses, create jobs and grow the workforce to expand the local innovation economy.

"My administration is committed to revitalizing New York's downtowns and ensuring businesses have the resources needed to thrive in their local communities," Governor Hochul said. "These projects will uplift the local economy of Endicott while expanding community services and cultural amenities that will bring the community together and spur economic development for generations to come."

The Village of Endicott is experiencing an influx of advanced manufacturing businesses, which has brought with it more people and jobs that can contribute to the downtown's vibrancy. The DRI area brings together four distinct areas of downtown—the Downtown Core; the Huron Campus; Little Italy; and the Western gateway. Endicott's DRI investments will strengthen connectivity between the downtown Core and surrounding neighborhoods and establish a strong sense of place to ensure that these areas function as an integrated downtown community.

The DRI investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities within the Southern Tier. The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.

The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as - improving streetscape walkability and connectivity; enhancing business and housing opportunities by redeveloping existing properties and vacant spaces; and expanding community services and cultural amenities. The $9.7 million State investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.

The projects include:

Improve Streetscape Walkability and Connectivity

Improving Downtown Connectivity - DRI Award: $3,156,000
Implement a multi-pronged initiative to better link areas of the Downtown through measures such as sidewalk and streetscape improvements, signage, landscaping and lighting.

Enhance Housing and Employment Opportunities by Redeveloping Existing Properties and Vacant Space

Redeveloping a Vacant 18-Acre Site - DRI Award: $3,120,000
Revitalize a long-vacant site as a warehouse distribution center, bringing jobs to Endicott and transforming the western gateway into the Village's Downtown core.

Renovating 32-36 Washington Avenue for Mixed Uses - DRI Award: $910,000
Implement interior renovations and facade upgrades to a large mixed-use building to create two upper-floor apartments, strengthen existing tenants and bring in new uses including a restaurant.

Implementing a Downtown Revitalization Fund - DRI Award: $600,000
Create a fund to help small businesses and property owners in the DRI Area make capital improvements. Eligible activities include facade improvements, interior upgrades, small business creation and expansion and green building elements.

Constructing a Workforce Housing Development - DRI Award: $402,000
Build a new, mixed-use development with workforce housing and ground floor retail on a parking lot at a key location along Washington Avenue.

Upgrading the Facade of 54 Washington Avenue - DRI Award: $100,000
Upgrade and improve the facade to support an ongoing interior renovation project, retaining the ground-floor business and upgrading spaces for upper-story office and residential uses.

Expand Community Services and Cultural Amenities

Revitalizing the Southern Tier Community Center - DRI Award: $1,141,000
Implement a series of building and site upgrades to help the Center better serve the Endicott community through improved interior spaces, lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint and capital improvements that will keep the building safe and vibrant for years to come.

Creating a New York Wine Tasting Facility - DRI Award: $271,000
Establish a new wine tasting business in a newly constructed building in Little Italy, bringing vitality to the neighborhood.

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "The Village of Endicott has reached a critical point with new advanced manufacturing businesses bringing more jobs and people to this community, and through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New York is helping to transform Endicott's downtown into a modern neighborhood that is suited for 21st century jobs and workers to live, work and visit. This $10 million award will redevelop vacant sites and upgrade outdated facilities with new businesses, housing and public gathering spaces that will bring downtown Endicott into the future and continue to bolster its advance manufacturing sector. Congratulations to the Village of Endicott and all of its residents."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "These eight DRI projects will strengthen Endicott's city center and connect distinct downtown neighborhoods so that together, they create a cohesive sense of place. While advanced manufacturing businesses are enlivening the local economy, the strategic reimagining of city streetscapes and buildings will grow the city even further as a core destination."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New York is injecting resources that build upon ongoing economic development strategies to spur the continued growth of cities, towns and villages. Endicott will greatly benefit from these eight awards that focus on improving the village's walkability, increasing housing opportunities to accommodate a fast-growing workforce, and expanding access to community services."

State Senator Fred Akshar said, "Once known as the Valley of Opportunity, the Endicott community has been on the cusp of a resurgence. These revitalization funds will help breathe new life and opportunity into Endicott for the people of this community."

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, "With funds awarded from last year's Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Endicott has put together an impressive 8-project plan to breathe new life into the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The timing is perfect for these investments as the Village has reached an important turning point. It's wonderful to see Endicott's vision for downtown finally coming to life after years of effort by so many dedicated partners. I'd like to once again thank the Governor for her commitment to revitalizing the Upstate economy."

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, "It's an exciting time in Endicott as innovation and advanced manufacturing are returning to this part of Broome County. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative award will help build on this progress by breathing new life into properties along Washington Avenue and the surrounding area. New housing, workforce development space, retail, and recreation will all play an important role in the ongoing redevelopment of Endicott. Thank you to Governor Hochul as well as all our local leaders for continuing to believe in Broome County!"

Mayor Linda Jackson, Village of Endicott said, "We have been working a long time to rejuvenate the Village through redevelopment, renovation and revitalization. The projects included in this award will support our goals to create jobs, support housing development, and make our village more inviting with new storefronts, lighting and streetscapes. This DRI grant will be a great 'shot in the arm' for our upcoming future! Thank you very much from all of us here in the Village of Endicott!"

Supervisor Richard Materese, Town of Union said, "This award will help the Village of Endicott emerge from the ashes of the once proud IBM legacy. It is our hope that new businesses will develop in Endicott, attracting more employees and visitors, igniting an economic upturn that would benefit the Town of Union as well."