Buffalo Place has been was awarded $300,000 in Buffalo Main Streets Initiative funding via the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal’s Better Buffalo Fund grant program. Buffalo Place will make these funds available to properties for building renovation grants within the assigned area. Eligible properties are those that front on Main Street from 283 Main Street to 487 Main Street (between Swan and Mohawk Streets).
All property owners interested in applying for funds must attend an informational meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 13th at 2pm at the Buffalo Place office, located at 671 Main Street.
Properties may be eligible for matching grants for:
• Improvements to the appearance of buildings important to Downtown Buffalo,
• Projects that support building occupancy and active storefronts,
• Renovation of vacant buildings and upper floors so they can be occupied,
• Development of new residential units (especially for residents earning 90% of median income),
• Repairs to safeguard historic structures.
We anticipate significant demand for grant funds so will initiate an application process to identify projects. Projects will be selected that best meet the program goals of enhancing the development of a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, encouraging density and growth along transportation corridors, and revitalizing commercial corridors. Projects will be evaluated by an independent Advisory Committee of Downtown stakeholders. For those property owners that have previously taken part in our Main Street program grants, the process will be very similar.
The program is an excellent opportunity for properties to obtain funding for improvement projects. However, there are specific requirements set by New York State for determining project eligibility and for securing and paying contractors. We require a meeting before applying to make sure property representatives understand the requirements and don’t inadvertently become ineligible for grant reimbursement.
To RSVP to the meeting, please contact Angela Keppel at akeppel@buffaloplace.com or by phone at (716) 856-3150. If you are unable to attend the meeting on September 13th, please reach out to Angela to set up an alternative meeting time. If you have a project you’d like to discuss or would like to determine if a potential project would be eligible for funding, you can also reach out to Angela for assistance.
