State Gov. Kathy Hochul announces the city of Dunkirk will be receiving $10 million to revitalize its downtown in January 2023.
Nine projects have been chosen for funding in the city of Dunkirk through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative that was announced in January 2023.
On Monday, state Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the transformational projects for the city. “New York’s downtowns are the heartbeat of our state, and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs help us fulfill our commitment to uplifting communities in every region,” she said. “These projects in Western New York will help revitalize our beautiful downtowns and create more opportunities for New Yorkers to build thriving communities for future generations.”
The $9.7 million state investment in these projects through the initiative will leverage additional public and private investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
“The city would like to thank Governor Hochul, for this incredible announcement,” said Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz. The city of Dunkirk was profoundly grateful to be named the Western New York winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For generations, Dunkirk’s waterfront has been a source of pride and potential. Today, with this transformative investment, we will be able to harness the power of Lake Erie to create a vibrant destination that celebrates our unique heritage and diversity.”
Projects approved for funding include:
— The Dunkirk Macaroni Company Building to House Apartments and Medical Offices, $500,000. The plan converts an existing four-story building into a mix of uses, including offices and loft-style apartments.
— A Downtown Dunkirk Small Project Fund of $473,000 for projects that revitalize Downtown Dunkirk, through grants for building renovations, business assistance (commercial machinery and equipment), public art and soft costs (architecture and engineering).
— The Clarion Hotel Building and Grounds, $1 million. The effort renovates approximately 120 hotel rooms, conference area, dining room, lobby, building exterior, outdoor pavilion and grounds.
— Redevelop the Lake Shore National Bank Building to House Retail and Market-Rate Apartments, $900,000. Plans convert the former bank building at Central and Fourth streets into ground floor retail and four market-rate, loft-style apartments.
— Refurbish the Graf Building to House a Workforce Development Training Center, $2.2 million. The center would potentially include childcare, offices for program partners, a career counseling center, science labs, new classrooms and computer labs.
— Expand the City of Dunkirk Marina through New Docks, $2 million. Replace missing docks with new docks, upgrade marina utilities and install a security system.
— Construct Affordable Apartments and a Daycare Facility on Two Sites, $500,000, including an estimated 30 apartments and an approximately 6,700 square-foot daycare facility on East Fourth Street and an estimated 48 apartments on Washington Avenue.
— Enhance the Chadwick Bay Marina with Transient Boat Slips and Boater Amenities, $1 million — Provide a new dock with transient slips, improvements to existing docks, boater amenities and public access including a connector to the shoreline trail.
— Revive the Historic Adams Building to House Arts and Youth Programming, $1.1 million. Create multi use event space and lower-level youth center in partnership with Kids at Promise, and two luxury apartments to provide ongoing revenue for programming and building maintenance.
“DRI funding will encourage Dunkirk’s potential using a comprehensive approach identified through the community’s Strategic Investment Plan process,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said. “With the targeted projects announced today, this shoreline city is on the path toward boosting its local economy, transforming its historic business district and activating its Lake Erie waterfront and harbor.”