Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that he helped secure Restore New York Communities Initiative funding to revitalize the downtown areas of Schenectady and Amsterdam.

 “For years, we’ve been working to revitalize these downtown areas in order to attract businesses and jobs to our communities,” said Santabarbara. “Now, with this funding secured, we can further reinvigorate Schenectady and Amsterdam and spur greater economic opportunities. I’ll keep working to identify funding sources that keep the momentum going in these two cities.”

 Through the Restore New York Communities Initiative, Assemblyman Santabarbara helped secured $2.3 million for the Wedgeway Kresge Renovation Project in the City of Schenectady. The project will involve the renovation of two historic, long-vacant and derelict buildings located at a prominent intersection, as well as the construction of a five-story, 10,000-square foot mixed-use space, including up to 80 new apartments and a first-floor retail space.  Furthermore, $2 million is earmarked for the Five Corners Demolition project in the City of Amsterdam, which is a highly visible eyesore located in one of the city’s busiest areas. The demolition and subsequent site development will prepare the area for redevelopment, with a focus on affordable housing and commercial real estate.

 The Restore New York Communities Initiative supports municipal revitalization efforts across the state, helping to remove blight, reinvigorate downtowns and attract economic opportunities to communities statewide. Administered by Empire State Development, this program helps local governments as they work to build up their communities, improve housing stock, put properties back on tax rolls and increase the local tax base.