Latest news with #EmpireStateDevelopment
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Opening of new Alstom plant in Hornell puts city at center of worldwide rail industry
Hornell was at the epicenter of the global rail car industry on June 2 with the official opening of Alstom's state-of-the-art, 135,000 square foot car shell manufacturing plant on Shawmut Drive State, federal, county and city officials were on hand for a ribbon cutting for Plant 4 and the building's dedication to the late James Griffin, the pioneering long-time leader of the Hornell Industrial Development Agency. It was a day clearly set aside for celebrating. Alstom employees and managers, local and state officials and regional economic development leaders basked in the completion of Plant 4 under bright sunshine. "This is a proud day for Hornell and just the beginning of what we can accomplish when we work together," Hornell Mayor John Buckley said. Alstom Hornell Site Manager Victor Ionescu said he was "privileged" to be involved with the Plant 4 project since its inception, calling it a new milestone in the city's long connection to rail travel. 'Hornell has been a rail town for 170 years and we are very proud of that history. That history has been built with the cooperation and the partnership of everybody here today," Ionescu said. "We thank you for everything you have done to make this moment possible." Alstom spent $75 million and worked with 40 unique contractors to build and outfit the facility, one of the few advanced manufacturing facilities in the United States capable of producing stainless steel car body shells for passenger rail vehicles. Buckley said Plant 4 marks a "landmark investment" in the future of the city. He said the plant's completion helps place Hornell at the "epicenter" of the global rail car industry. "This facility represents not just steel and concrete, but opportunity, growth and a bright path forward for Alstom and the City of Hornell," Buckley said. "With the creation of an estimated 250 new jobs, Plant 4 is game changer for our community." Buckley said the high-quality new jobs "will support families, strengthen the workforce and drive new economic vitality throughout Hornell and the surrounding region." Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, praised Alstom's growth in New York state and its support for "good paying union jobs" in the Southern Tier. In a statement, Sen. Charles Schumer said, 'Today, Alstom solidifies the Southern Tier and New York state as the beating heart for its North American operations. I've long fought to support Alstom's growth in Steuben County and will continue to fight to ensure Hornell has the resources it needs to be one of the nation's main hubs for rolling stock manufacturing.' In 2021, Schumer secured a $3.4 million federal grant from the Economic Development Administration to the Hornell IDA to make improvements to the Shawmut Park site, paving the way for the expansion. Michael Keroullé, President, Alstom Americas, said it was a 'beautiful day' for the City of Hornell. Keroullé expressed his gratitude to leaders and officials at all levels of government for what he said was their "unwavering support and commitment" to rail manufacturing expansion in the Southern Tier. More: Alstom's $75M Hornell facility now operational. Why it marks new era in rail manufacturing And Keroullé said Plant 4 'reinforces (Alstom's) strong commitment to American manufacturing" and job creation. "Good jobs are the foundation for thriving communities," he added. In January 2021, Alstom was awarded an up-to $1.8 billion contract by Metra, the commuter rail system that serves the Chicago metropolitan area Plant 4 is expected to be a key component in building rail cars for Metra, as well as other company projects. Alstom provided tours of the facility following the formal inauguration of Plant 4. Email Neal Simon at nsimon@ To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell, Alstom celebrate opening of new Shawmut Park car shell plant
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Centennial Park feasibility study expected to be released this month
Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino says he expects to release a feasibility study on the proposed Centennial Park project later this month. He also said Monday that the study supports the project and 'its ability to be successful.' Restaino spoke to the Gazette after making an 'informal presentation' on the project to mayors from across New York at last week's New York Conference of Mayors meeting in Albany. The mayor said he is arranging to meet with the 'stakeholders who paid for the study' prior to publicly releasing its findings. 'One of the things we will do is meet with the stakeholders (representatives of Empire State Development and the National Grid Strategic Economic Development Program) who paid for the study and show it to them,' Restaino said. 'And then we'll release it to the public. This month everything is going to be out in the open.' Restaino did not discuss any specific findings of the study, indicating that it was still 'being completed.' But he did say that the findings of the study were 'supportive' of the Centennial Park proposal. Empire State Development (ESD) and the National Grid Strategic Economic Development Program are reimbursing the city up to $140,000 for the cost of the study which has been prepared by Sports Facilities Advisory LLC, a Florida-based sports facilities consulting company. An additional projected $5,000 to $6,000 in expenses for travel and travel-related costs is being covered by American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. The contract with Sports Facilities called for the preparation of a 'market analysis and feasibility study' of the Centennial Park plans which call for the construction of a 'multi-faceted, year-round event campus' that would include a 6,000 to 7,000-seat arena for sporting and entertainment events, a smaller multi-purpose facility and a splash pad that could be converted into an ice-skating rink during winter months. The project also calls for the construction of a parking ramp with exterior walls that could be used for rock climbing and a roof that could be used as a location for concerts or movie screenings. The estimated cost of the project is between $150 million to $160 million. The park would be constructed on up to 12 acres of South End property described as 907 Falls St. and an adjacent portion of the property along John Daly Memorial Parkway. That property had been owned by Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR), and an affiliated company, Blue Apple Properties. The city was awarded the property as a result of a successful eminent domain proceeding against NFR. Restaino said during his discussion of the project with other mayors the city leaders were focused on the Falls' use of eminent domain. Eminent domain refers to the right of 'a government or its representative to take private property for public use, as long as the land owner is fairly compensated.' The use of eminent domain has been enshrined in American law for more than 150 years since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kohl v. United States in 1875. 'Some (of the mayors) wanted more information on eminent domain so I did provide that,' Restaino said. 'I think they were happy to have a conversation and some of them had (expressed) a fear of the length of time to make eminent domain work. But in our case, it only took 21 months.' The mayor expressed disappointment that the city council, at its last meeting, tabled his request to begin the process of purchasing roughly 5 acres of the proposed Centennial Park project site. Restaino had asked for authorization to submit a $4.029 million offer to NFR and its affiliate, to purchase the property based on an independent appraisal of the land. Several council members objected to authorizing the offer without having a chance to first review the appraisal and the feasibility study. The mayor said council members could review the appraisal, but it would not be publicly released because it is part of the ongoing litigation with NFR. 'We're waiting to make (NFR) an offer,' Restaino said. 'We've put a number forward. It's more a question of if the council is going to approve going forward with it.' The purchase offer is based on the acquisition of only slightly more than half of the land the city originally sought in its eminent domain action. In January, the city began legal proceedings against NFR claiming that 5 acres of the contested South End property, already subject to the eminent domain action, was never legally transferred to NFR's ownership. The city is claiming that property formerly known as the 10th Street Park, at the intersection of 10th and Falls streets, was never properly deeded to NFR as part of a deal in 2003-2004 between the South End land owner and former Falls mayors Irene Elia and Vince Anello. Restaino has said the city's special counsel for the Centennial Park project has determined that NFR never completed the process of taking control of the land by gaining approval of the property transfer from the New York State Legislature. The city and NFR are currently contesting that claim in New York State Supreme Court.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NYS launches tourism campaign targeted at Canada
ALBANY, N.Y. (WWTI) – New York State has announced a pair of tourism campaigns, including one targeted towards Canada, to help drive up sagging tourism numbers. Governor Kathy Hochul's office announced on Wednesday the launch of I Love NY's new integrated summer tourism and travel campaign. This is highlighted by two new ads running through August across New York State, and in traditional drive markets including Canada. Check out great tourism locations across the state with Destination NY This features advertising across broadcast, streaming and social platforms, and showcases some of the attractions and activities available. The summer campaign also includes I Love NY's largest mobile marketing tour ever, and additional complementary travel industry efforts to promote visitation to the State's 11 different vacation regions. The multi-layered summer tourism campaign begins with two new ads featuring a new tagline – 'New York State: Everything You Love.' – reflecting the depth and breadth of the world-class attractions and memory-making activities available in communities throughout the state. The new ads can be viewed here and here. More information about planning a summer getaway in the state is available at Tourism is crucial to New York State, supporting jobs and local economies, and we have so many incredible attractions ready to welcome visitors, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. This summer, New York wants to extend a special invitation to travelers from across America and all around the world: this is the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to celebrate history, explore our incredible landscapes, and enjoy all that our incredible state has to offer. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight This news comes on the heels of a recent report from United States Senator Charles Schumer's office about a decrease of border crossings from Canada. A recent survey from North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66% of businesses are already experiencing a dip in Canadian bookings. Canada is the top source for international tourism in the United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New York announces approval to convert 5 Times Square into mixed-use development
The New York state government has revealed that the Empire State Development (ESD) Board of Directors has voted to approve a significant office-to-housing conversion project at 5 Times Square in New York City. This development will transform underused office space into a mixed-use complex, providing up to 1,250 new homes, including 313 permanently affordable units. The project's approval follows last year's government action to amend 60-year-old state laws, removing the 12 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) cap that had hindered residential development in the city since 1961. The 313 affordable homes are a direct result of the local governor's Affordable Housing from Commercial Conversions Tax Incentive programme ($467m). Since the legislative changes last April, approximately 10,000 new apartments have been completed or started construction through similar conversions in New York City. The governor's financial year 2026 budget further supports housing development, allocating $1bn to facilitate up to 120 million square feet of conversion space and the creation of up to 18,000 new homes. The amendment to the 42nd Street Development Project General Project Plan, approved by the ESD Board, will allow nearly one million square feet of office space at 5 Times Square to be repurposed, while preserving over 37,000ft² of retail space. The new homes will consist of 1,050 studios and 200 one-bedroom units, with all residents having equal access to building amenities. The project aims to address the building's 77% office vacancy rate by creating valuable housing and is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2027. The building's design supports a mixed-use approach, accommodating both residential and commercial uses. The conversion is projected to generate approximately 1,400 construction jobs and 830 permanent jobs, adhering to State MWBE and SDVOB policies with a 30% MWBE participation goal. Located between 41st and 42nd Streets on Seventh Avenue, the project is stated to benefit from transit connections, fostering sustainable urban living. This initiative represents a significant step in addressing New York's housing shortage. The original construction of 5 Times Square was at 33.35 FAR, nearly three times the previous residential cap. The lifting of the FAR cap, combined with the tax incentives, makes it possible to convert high-density office properties into residential spaces, increasing affordable housing in central locations, the government stated. New York governor Kathy Hochul said: 'We took bold action to unlock major office-to-housing conversions in New York City, and transforming 5 Times Square from underused offices into 1,250 new homes - including over 300 permanently affordable apartments - is a prime example of how we're getting it done.' New York City deputy mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión Jr said: '5 Times Square is a game-changer for Times Square and Midtown, paving the way for the future of urban growth. By converting underutilised office space into over a thousand new homes, including hundreds of affordable units, we're reimagining central business districts as vibrant, mixed-use communities that foster both residential life and economic opportunity.' "New York announces approval to convert 5 Times Square into mixed-use development" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Area municipalities receive grants to rehabilitate downtowns
The villages of Cooperstown, Franklin and Richfield Springs and the city of Norwich will receive state funding to help restore their downtowns. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a news release Thursday, May 22 that more than $50 million has been awarded to 50 projects through the state's Restore New York Communities Initiative. 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. The village of Cooperstown will receive $1 million for its project to demolish 217 Main St., the site of a former cheese factory, furniture store and baseball bat factory that has sat vacant for years. After demolition, a 50-unit, three-story apartment building will be constructed with accessible and affordable housing units, featuring energy efficiency and green building practices, with on-site parking and amenities. The village of Richfield Springs will receive $469,593 for its project to rehabilitate and renovate 241 Main St. into an inn with guest rooms, an event center and re-establishing the historic mineral spas. Outside renovations include securing the building's envelope by replacing the roof, repairing the chimney and steps, installing gutters, and updating the fire escape. Inside renovations include transforming the fourth floor into an apartment, renovating the third-floor bathrooms and laundry room, upgrading electrical and HVAC and repairing the plumbing. The village of Franklin will receive $1 million. Funds will support the rehabilitation of three adjoining, vacant, commercial/mixed-use properties at 438-444 Main St. in the heart of the village's historic district totaling 13,500 square feet. The vacant space will be redevelopment into five new commercial businesses and a new apartment. The businesses include a restaurant, café/art studio, arcade and lounge, retail shop and commercial office space. The city of Norwich will receive $1 million. This two-story, 12,400-square-foot former office building at 23 E. Main St. will be repurposed to meet community needs. The first floor will become a child care center for 46 children. The second floor will house Commerce Chenango offices with a reception area, boardroom and conference space. The site's emergency generator and location also position it for FEMA shelter designation. 'Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities for housing or development is vital to make downtowns thrive,' Hochul said in the release. '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."
