Restore NY grants awarded to Newark, City of Geneva

NEWARK, GENEVA, N.Y. (WROC) — This week, New York State awarded Restore NY grants across the Empire State.

According to the state’s website, Restore NY “provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties. The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures.”

Four total projects in News 8’s viewing area were awarded, including two in Monroe County. The other two are for projects in Geneva and Newark.

In the City of Geneva, the historic building at 435 Exchange Street, along with buildings on the nearby Castle Street, will be converted into a mixed-use building, with the help of a $1.5 million grant.

According to the state, the upper floors will become 15 housing units, and the seven ground-level spaces will be rehabbed to house businesses. The facade will be restored but will maintain the historic character.

In Newark, the massive space at 131 Harrison Street received a $1 million grant. The historic property will be fixed up, to create 101 housing units.

“I am excited about this grant,” Village of Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor said in a statement. “As a Pro-Housing community, we are looking forward to Coventry Commons and the additional housing it will bring to Newark. This project is important to the village’s downtown revitalization.”

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