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John Risio, USA Niagara
(716) 284-2556 Katie Krawczyk, Empire State Development
(716) 856-8111
11/6/2008
USAN, CITY BREAK GROUND ON OLD FALLS STREET – WEST MALL INITIATIVE
Old Falls Street to be Complete by End of 2009
USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) and the City of Niagara Falls announced the official start of the $7.9 million Old Falls Street – West Mall Initiative during a groundbreaking ceremony held today. This project is expected to be finished by the end of 2009, marking the completion of the reconstruction of Old Falls Street in its entirety.
Empire State Development Upstate President Dennis M. Mullen said, “The West Mall Initiative is a tremendous example of a successful partnership—between the State, the City and key partners like National Grid—working towards the revitalization of Niagara Falls through redevelopment of valuable downtown property. This Initiative brings us one step closer to realizing our collective vision of restoring Falls Street back to its original standing as the center of downtown.”
USAN President Christopher Schoepflin said, “This project will restore one of the city’s great streets, creating an environment that generates new private investment, grows jobs and tax base and creates a special sense of place for residents and visitors alike.”
City of Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster stated, “We are pleased to have partnered once again with USA Niagara as well as with National Grid, to restore this historic link from the brink of the Falls into the heart of the City. We are also proud that the project embodies the best principles of the city’s green design initiatives, such as the use of native plants, techniques for better storm water management and use of local or long-lasting construction materials.”
The Old Falls Street West Mall Initiative includes the full-depth reconstruction of Old Falls Street between Prospect Street and First Street. Historically downtown Niagara Falls’ main commercial thoroughfare, Old Falls Street serves as a front door to the 1885 entrance of Niagara Falls State Park, a National Historic Landmark. This project aims to turn this area of the city into an active public space through a quality and environmentally sustainable design that provides key pedestrian amenities.
National Grid has supported the Old Falls Street West Mall Initiative through a $500,000 Urban Center/Commercial District Revitalization Program Grant. This grant will be used toward the $4.8 million full-depth reconstruction costs of the Old Falls Street – West Mall Initiative. National Grid’s grant program is designed to assist the larger urban centers in the company’s Upstate New York service area achieve revitalization goals, increase property tax bases and program efficient investment in central business districts and commercial corridors. It is part of a broader economic development program designed to help communities and businesses throughout the upstate region. Since 2003, National Grid has provided more than $8.8 million in direct economic development project funding throughout Western New York, including this grant.
In 2007, the Old Falls Street – West Mall Initiative was announced as part of New York State’s “City by City” economic development plan for Upstate New York. USAN, in partnership with the City of Niagara Falls, recently approved a $7.9 million funding agreement for the West Mall Initiative. The West Mall Initiative includes the restoration of the public right-of-way and re-introduction of vehicular access from First Street to Rainbow Boulevard during off-peak seasons. Other Initiative components include:
- full replacement and/or updating of utilities and services along the corridor, including services to facilitate outdoor vending, tree lighting and public events;
- incorporation of street amenities, seating and landscaping to encourage pedestrian-oriented access and create an environment that promotes the establishment of mixed-use development (hotel, retail, entertainment, etc.) on adjoining properties; and
- drive environmental stewardship efforts that carefully incorporate methods to facilitate environmental sustainability, including items such as aspects to promote natural storm water management, utilization of native plant species and use of sustainable materials in the construction of the street and amenities.
This Initiative follows the completion of the $3 million Old Falls Street – East Mall Reconstruction Project last August. Once completed, this would build upon public access along the Old Falls Street – East Mall from Third Street to First Street, restoring the historic Falls Street corridor.
USA Niagara Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development Corporation, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls.
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