The city's application for a $2.5 million grant to help spark redevelopment of Masse Gateway (part of the Harvester Center complex) has been reduced to $1.5 million in the final award.
The city received word today that the funds will be released to the City, according to The Batavian's news partner WBTA.
City Manager Jason Molino told WBTA that the RestoreNY funds were intended to begin demolition and reconstruction of Masse Place.
"It's our hope that this will be the beginning of opportunities to develop that former industrial site into some more commercial and light industrial locations for businesses and hopefully increase jobs in the area," Molino said.
UPDATE: City Council President Charlie Mallow issued this statement this afternoon:
After decades of political inaction and stonewalling, our city has finally taken the first step forward to rebuild its decaying center. This could not have been possible without our City Manager and his staff. Their hard work and determination has brought millions of dollars in grants, as well as financial stability to our community over the last two years. I also want to thank Mr. Mancuso for believing in and investing in our city. Batavia can only prosper when business people like Mr. Mancuso are willing to take a chance and invest their own hard earned money into our community. I would like to give a special thanks to Governor Patterson and his staff for taking the time to understand the needs of our city and ensuring that Batavia receives its share of federal and state dollars to help stimulate our local economy.
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okay, I am a little slow
okay, I am a little slow here. When is the project schedule to start? Cause I live over on Masse Pl.
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Yeah, I'm whacked. The
Yeah, I'm whacked. The previous two comments have been deleted, by me, because my fingers keep typing long after my brain shuts down for the evening.
Congrats on 32 years, George.
Congrats on 32 years, George. Nice story.
Amanda, I've not heard -- but maybe I've missed it -- a start date.
Howard, you are our cyber
Howard, you are our cyber buddy. Buddy.
Am I missing something again
Am I missing something again here? NY state is supposedly in a financial crisis yet theyre shelling out millions of dollars for projects. Oh btw state, federal, county, city and schools are supported by taxpayer dollars which means where ever these grants are coming from its still out of the taxpayer pockets. Anyway, there are many empty buildings around doesnt anyone think that if a business wanted to move in they would look into these all ready existing buildings?
This was discussed before. Who will move in when this is completed? Will all the money be used or will some get pocketed like it has in the past? I recall that the city mahall was moved to "bring business downtown" and its still a ghost town. On a Saturday afternoon there is an eerie quietness. Downtown Brockport on a Sunday afternoon is bustling with people. Its kind of late for great ideas to emerge. We have allready been buried alive. So boring here now I think I just may move out of state.