Canton, Ogdensburg and Waddington won more than $6 million in state grants aimed at restoring vacant buildings and spurring development.

Gov. Kathy Hochul says $50 million has been awarded to 50 projects through the State's Restore New York Communities Initiative. 

“Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities for housing or development is vital to make downtowns thrive,” Gov. Hochul said. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces. We are further unlocking the potential of these sites and communities across New York."

Canton

The Village of Canton was awarded $749,997 to help bring event space to Gouverneur Street.

 This project will demolish 6,400 square feet of vacant buildings and reconstruct 4,500 square feet of commercial and event space at 15 Gouverneur Street. The objective is to create a welcoming, functional mixed-use space that restores the beauty and history of Canton’s downtown waterfront and increases economic activity and opportunities.

Waddington

In the Village of Waddington  $1 million was awarded.

The former St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 129 Lincoln Avenue is a 5,120-square-foot stone Georgian structure built in 1818. 

The now-vacant structure faces severe decay, threatening its place within the historic district. The Village plans to stabilize and rehabilitate the site, comprising the church, the adjoining brick rectory, and a rear wooden garage, to create a multi-use, non-sectarian recreational hub.

 This transformation will preserve its architectural heritage while drawing new residents, fostering community engagement and providing entertainment options, a release from the governor’s office said.

Ogdensburg

In Ogdensburg two grants will help the city's waterfront flourish.

A $3.5 million grant will pave the way for the reuse of 119 W. River Street, a long-abandoned former waterfront hotel property situated along the St. Lawrence River. 

“This transformative downtown initiative focuses on restoring two historic stone mill buildings to create a vibrant mixed-use destination, including 10 residential apartments. The redevelopment will breathe new life into a blighted area, enhance the local economy, and provide unique retail, residential, recreational, and dining opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” a release from the state said.

Additionally, a  $914,355: Small City Brewing Company will transform a vacant building at 110 Lake Street into a craft brewery, advancing the development of Ogdensburg’s Marina District – a Brownfield Opportunity Area.

 The project will include a manufacturing facility with a commercial grade five-barrel brewing system and the addition of a 400 square foot grain room. SCBC plans to wholesale to restaurants and bars and open a retail tasting room on-site with a commercial kitchen and event space.

Restore NY

Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts with funds to help remove and reduce blight, reinvigorate communities and generate new residential and economic opportunities statewide.

 The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments encourage new commercial investments through community revitalization, growing local housing, and putting properties back on the tax rolls to increase the local tax base.