Gov. Hochul: Applications open for $10 million for East Side business property owners

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Applications are now open for a new $10 million fund for East Side property owners in an effort to revitalize neighborhood business districts, Gov. Hochul announced during a press conference Friday.

The project must include a mixed-use or commercial property in order to be eligible. It must be on the East Side, preferably in an already established business district.

The "East Side Building Fund" comes from Empire State Development and local organizations.

"My administration is continuing its commitment to help East Buffalo's business property owners with the often-hard job of upgrading their buildings, which will in turn make our business districts more attractive, inviting and able to better serve Buffalo neighborhoods," Hochul said.

Projects including small renovations to existing buildings can receive grants of up to 90% of total project costs or $400,000 and will be provided by the non-profit organization Heart of the City Neighborhoods.

Projects with major restorations can receive up to 50% of total project costs or up to $2 million. Applicants must demonstrate that they own the buildings and that they are not publicly owned.

Applications are due on June 27. A public information meeting to learn about the fund will be held on May 21 at the Northland Workforce Training Center.

See the full presser in the video player above.