ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Businesses on the east side of Buffalo are about to get a big boost thanks to the state.
The Empire State Development (ESD) announced they will allocate $2 million to businesses along Jefferson, Fillmore, and Bailey Avenues. The money will come from the East Side Commercial District Program.
“This funding will help to revive traditional main streets and commercial corridors in underserved neighborhoods through the preservation of historic buildings, funding of capital improvements and expansion of commercial opportunities in four East Side commercial corridors,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler.
Each district will receive $500,000, according to the state. The money will be used for businesses in need of exterior and interior repairs. Building owners who apply for the grant are required to contribute 15 percent of total project costs.
Information sessions will be held in November. Property owners Owners who are interested in receiving funds from the program are encouraged to attend one of the following meetings:
▪ Broadway Fillmore Commercial District - Thursday, Nov. 7. 6 p.m.
Coverage area: Buildings with a Fillmore Avenue address between Sycamore Street and Paderewski Drive, as well as buildings on corner lots. Buildings with a Broadway address between Memorial Drive and Reed Street, as well as buildings on corner lots.
Meeting Location: Jericho Road Community Health Center, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, N.Y. 14214
LPA: Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood Housing Services (BFNHS)
LPA Program Contact/RSVP: Brianna Byandagara, bbyandagara@780fillmore.org, 716-852-3130.
▪ MLK Park Commercial District - Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.
Coverage area: Properties and corner lots on Fillmore Avenue between East Ferry Street and North Parade Avenue.
Meeting Location: Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14208
LPA: Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood Housing Services (BFNHS)
LPA Contact/RSVP: Brianna Byandagara, bbyandagara@780fillmore.org, 716-852-3130.
▪ Kensington Bailey Commercial District - Monday, Nov. 25, 8-9 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.
Coverage area: Buildings with a Bailey Avenue address between LaSalle Avenue and Route 33, as well as buildings on corner lots.
Meeting Location: University District Community Development Association Office at 995 Kensington Ave., Buffalo N.Y. 14215
LPA: University District Community Development Association (UDCDA)
LPA Contact/RSVP: Essence Sweat, e.sweat@udcda.org, 716-832-1010, ext. 202.
*Note: UDCDA will be offering two meetings on Nov.25 with the same content at different times.
▪ Jefferson Avenue Commercial District – Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m.
Coverage area: Buildings with a Jefferson Avenue address between East Ferry Street and Dodge Street, as well as establishments on corner lots.
Meeting Location: Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center, 334 E. Utica St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14208
LPA: Citizens’ Alliance, Inc. in partnership with the Black Chamber of Commerce of WNY
LPA Contact/RSVP: Sydney Brown, sbrown7333@gmail.com, 716-597-0262.
