Albion working to submit grants that could bring millions to downtown

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Village of Albion is working to apply for both a $10 million state grant through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and a $4.5 million grant through the NY Forward program that would help with building renovations for upper floor housing, façade improvements and other projects to spur economic, recreational and housing in the downtown area. This photo shows buildings at the south east and south west intersection of Bank and Main streets.

ALBION – The Village of Albion is working to submit applications that could bring millions of dollars in state funding to bolster the downtown and community.

Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said there could the $15 million in potential projects from private building owners and the village.

Jay Grasso, owner of G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, said Albion is a strong contender for the state programs bringing millions in funding to the downtown area. He spoke during a public meeting last week in the Village Hall.

Albion had $11 million in Restore NY projects for a grant application last year that was not approved. Grasso said those projects, plus new proposals, could be part of new applications for $10 million in funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative or $4.5 million through the NY Forward program.

Grasso met with property owners and village officials last week. Businesses, industry groups, cultural organizations, developers, non-profit organizations and property owners can submit a project for consideration.

Grasso said G & G will submit the application to the state for the two grants, which are both due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Potential projects could include new construction (residential, mixed use, hotel, etc.), renovation of existing buildings, facade improvements, renovation of new retail, office, co-working, commercial, industrial, recreational or cultural uses.

The state wants projects that will transform the downtown and support a vibrant and year-round economy.

“If you have a project or a building, dream big,” Grasso said.

Anchor projects that can be a catalyst for other development in the downtown area will be viewed favorable by the state, Grasso said.

He urged building owners and officials from the village and non-profits to reach out to G & G at contact@ggprocess.com to discuss potential projects, sharing a vision for the properties and cost estimates. He said he and his staff can discuss the projects by email, Zoom videoconferencing, a phone call or in person.

Nearby, Batavia has received the $10 million DRI and Medina was awarded the $4.5 million NY Forward grant last year.

Grasso said Albion is “ripe” to receive the funding through one of the programs.

Projects that stir economic activity, add upper-floor housing and show “skin in the game” with investment from the property owners will strengthen Albion’s overall application, Grasso said.

Some of the projects could also be smaller, with façade improvements, window restoration or fresh paint.

“There is no maximum or minimum for this program,” Grasso said.

This photo shows Main Street, north of the Bank Street intersection. Village officials would like to boost occupancy rates in the buildings, including the upper floors.