As part of Albany’s efforts to revitalize areas around New York, eight projects on the North Shore will distribute $10 million in state funding.
Around $2.3 million is granted to the College of Staten Island (CSI) Center for Innovation VR/AR lab at Lighthouse Point, and around $1 million for enhancements to the St. George Theatre.
“There is such a pent-up demand. People can just not wait to get out again.” – Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul while announcing the winners.
Borough President James Oddo organized the event in partnership with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and SIEDC (Staten Island Economic Development Corporation).
“Maybe right now, this project doesn’t seem as valuable as we know it can be. We will come out of this, and when we do, this will be more momentum for this corridor and for Staten Island.” – James Oddo.
The amounts the projects will receive are:
- $2,314,000 for CSI’s ARVR lab at Lighthouse Point
- $1,155,000 for enhancement to the Seamen’s Society
- $1,950,000 for the creation of entertainment space and a community event at Empire Outlets in St. George
- $1,250,000 for expansion to the Minthorne Street Commercial Center
- $1,058,000 for restoration of St. George Theatre
- $1,000,000 for small business recovery fund for property owners
Minthorne Street was also chosen earlier in May as one of the sites for the new Open Boulevards program that attempts to build on the success of its Open Streets drive.
Linda Baran, CEO and president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce mentioned that she thinks the funding will boost the area’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think this really a shot in the arm for the area. The more improvements we can see that will help improve existing businesses and attract new businesses to downtown is really a positive thing.” – Linda Baran.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Read other Articles
