Christmas came early for several major development projects in Broome County and the Southern Tier.
New York state’s Regional Economic Development Council awarded over $453 million through various state agency programs on Dec. 23, funding transformative initiatives, economic development and housing projects across the state.
The Southern Tier was awarded $26.4 million that will support 27 projects in the region.
The biggest award in the area was over $6.2 million for Broome County, which aims to create a 10.67-acre residential development in Johnson City on a vacant property with no existing infrastructure to support housing development.
“Infrastructure components include site prep, demo, electric and other critical utilities, etc.,” reads the project description. “The future housing development will create 68 for-rent townhome units within 2 blocks of downtown. This project will further the goals of supplying quality housing to further the growth of industry in the Greater Binghamton area.”
The City of Binghamton, meanwhile, was awarded $500,000 to support the complete renovation of a three-story, 6,200 square foot mixed-use building at 121 Court Street, “building on its efforts to revitalize critical anchors and address vacancies.”
“The building’s rehabilitation will create jobs, commercial activity, and high-quality housing units for the area, attracting tenants who will add to the diversity as well as the economic and social growth of downtown Binghamton’s commercial district,” according to the project description.
“The property comprises a ground-floor commercial space and four residential units on the upper floors, which have remained vacant since the 1940s. The site’s proximity to many assets, including a 54-unit student housing complex, entertainment venues, and restaurants, makes it a strategic investment that will drive economic activity.”
According to the REDC, the building’s history and character will be preserved when possible throughout the construction process. A “thorough” interior restoration and exterior facade upgrades are planned. The new building will feature carbon-minimizing infrastructure, including high-efficiency electric appliances, water heaters, heat pumps, HVAC solutions, new insulation and LED lighting systems.
Here are the other projects awarded funding by the REDC in Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties.
Other Southern Tier REDC funding awards
What is the Regional Economic Development Council?
There are 10 Regional Councils, which are public-private partnerships made up of local experts, government, business stakeholders and non-governmental organizations. Members of the council collaborate to develop long-term investment and economic development plans. Each region competes for State resources based on their presented strategies.
The 2025 REDC Initiative Project will be supporting 381 projects statewide, with $313 million to help advance regional strategic plans and state priorities, $60 million in Regional Council Capital Fund and $100 million from the Pro-Housing Supply Fund.
To aid the progression of Pro-Housing Communities infrastructure upgrades, modernization of essential services will open opportunities for affordable and sustainable housing.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: New Binghamton, Johnson City housing projects net millions in funding
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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