Mayor Walsh Opens Applications for Main Street Improvement Programs
Published on November 01, 2023
With Funds from New York State and Onondaga County Department of Community Development, Mayor Walsh Opens Applications for Main Street Facade Improvement Programs
Over $3 million in funds available to support the redevelopment and improvement of mixed use, commercial, and historic properties in multiple corridors in Syracuse’s Southside and Southwest Neighborhoods
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh today announced a call for applications for two new Main Street Façade Improvement programs to support the redevelopment and improvement of mixed use, commercial, and historic properties in Syracuse’s South Salina Street, West Onondaga Street, and South Avenue business corridors. Using funding allocated from New York State and Onondaga County Department of Community Development, the Neighborhood and Business Development programs will provide grants to restore building facades, beautify and repair exteriors, and assist with other improvements.
“Spurring investment in our neighborhood business corridors is critical to the city’s ongoing economic growth,” said Mayor Walsh. “With passionate community engagement and a concentration of local, state and federal support already committed to these areas, the new Main Street programs build off the momentum to reactivate storefronts and foster growth in our neighborhood business corridors.”
"The Onondaga County Main Street Program has been a tremendous success," said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. "Partnering with commercial property owners we've leveraged over $29 million dollars on nearly 240 projects to breathe new life into critical business districts. We are pleased to be expanding this program into the City of Syracuse and know that this partnership will yield the same positive results we have seen throughout Onondaga County."
The South Salina Main Street Façade Improvement Program has $1.25 million available to those who own or are under contract to purchase an existing property located on the South Salina Corridor, with a target area spanning from East Adams Street and Senaca Turnpike. The funds are limited to façade work and exterior improvements of mixed-use buildings and commercial properties. Applications for the South Salina program will be accepted beginning Wednesday, November 1, and the deadline for submissions will be 5 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024.
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Main Street Façade Improvement Program has $1.8 million available to property and business owners located within the City’s Southwest Gateway area, with a maximum amount of $250,000 to be awarded per project. Funds can be used on activities including but not limited to building stabilization, structural repairs, façade work, and exterior/interior improvements. Applications for the DRI Southwest Gateway program will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been committed.
The Southwest Gateway Downtown Revitalization is anchored by the West Onondaga Street and South Avenue business corridors. The Southwest Gateway shares three city blocks with the Central Business District. A recent increase in investment has led to the redevelopment of many of these properties.
Details on the program and the application process can be found at syr.gov/departments/nbd. Applicants can be for-profit and nonprofit/501c3 or c4 organizations. Applications can be submitted electronically to business@syrgov.net or sent to: City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood & Business Development, 300 South State Street, Suite 700, Syracuse, NY 13202.
The submission deadline for the South Salina Main Street Facade Improvement Program has been updated to reflect an extension.