The City of Olean has completed its final projects under New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The South Union Street Gateway Corridor and Walkable Olean Phase III East State Street Streetscape Improvement projects are the last of nine public and private efforts funded through the DRI program.
Governor Hochul said, “The completion of Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative shows how targeted investments and community-driven collaboration can transform a downtown. By completing these projects, the city has built a downtown that is vibrant, accessible and full of possibility, setting an example for other communities across New York State.”
The recently finished East State Street and South Union Street projects included new crosswalks, bump-outs at crossings, landscaped medians, traffic circles, and a pedestrian and bicycle path connecting key areas such as Lincoln Park, the Allegany River Valley Trail, Bradner Stadium, War Veteran’s Park, and Franchot Park. These efforts expand on previous work along North Union Street that introduced bike lanes, rain gardens, improved crosswalks, wayfinding signage, seating areas, and outdoor gas firepits.
Olean was selected as the Western New York DRI winner in 2017. Other regional winners include Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, North Tonawanda, Dunkirk, Tonawanda and Cattaraugus.
Olean’s DRI Strategic Investment Plan aimed to enhance downtown for residents and visitors by making it more attractive for investment and economic growth. The plan focused on five goals: making downtown green and beautiful; lively and prosperous; livable and complete; creative and fun; as well as connected and walkable.
In addition to over $5.5 million spent on streetscape improvements in Olean through the DRI program:
– The historic Manny Hanny Building was redeveloped with a $2 million award to create apartments, art space, office space and commercial uses.
– The former Carnegie Library Building received $719,500 for renovations to both its exterior and interior.
– Oak Hill Park saw $500,000 in upgrades including new amenities like a dog park and performing arts stage.
– A permanent home for the African American Center for Cultural Development was established with $225,000.
– Two historic row buildings were renovated with $100,000 in funding.
– Twenty-nine small business improvement projects were supported by a matching grant fund totaling $644,250.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley stated: “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative has reimagined the city’s core as a dynamic destination where people want to live, work and gather. By completing every project funded through the DRI, Olean has turned local ideas into lasting progress… This achievement reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to making New York’s communities more affordable…”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight added: “Residents and visitors are seeing the benefits of the completed DRI projects in Olean… I thank and congratulate all our Olean partners for their smart planning… which is attracting new businesses…”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said: “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative exemplifies how strategic state investments can breathe new life into communities… By completing all nine projects… Olean has preserved its rich heritage while fostering economic growth… This success story is an example for communities statewide…”
City of Olean Mayor William Aiello remarked: “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative gave the city… an opportunity to think big… Oak Hill Park was rejuvenated; buildings were restored… roads were upgraded; …a permanent home for the African American Center for Cultural Development was fulfilled. I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul …and providing the necessary capital for the public projects…. Finally,… residents who served on the DRI Planning Committee,… mission they started in Fall 2017 is now complete.”
State Senator George Borrello commented: “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative has transformed the heart of our community,… creating a more walkable,… downtown that will enhance quality of life,… support small businesses,… attract new investment….”
Assemblymember Joe Sempolinski added: “I am so proud to represent the City of Olean…. Therefore,… renaissance of Olean’s downtown is not just of benefit to Olean but to the entire region…. I look forward to a bright future for Olean…”
Under this year’s enacted budget requirements set by Governor Hochul—municipalities must obtain a “Pro-Housing Community” designation to access discretionary state programs like DRI or NY Forward. Certified localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in state funding aimed at infrastructure needed for housing development. More than 350 municipalities statewide have become Pro-Housing certified so far.
Launched in 2016 by New York State’s Department of State with support from agencies including Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) , Empire State Development (ESD), and NYSERDA , the DRI program supports revitalizing downtowns across all ten regions of New York through strategic planning followed by immediate implementation. To date over $1.2 billion has been awarded through DRI or NY Forward programs benefiting 151 communities.
