National Grid grant helps pay for project along Oswego’s riverfront district

OSWEGO, N.Y. — National Grid says it provided funding for a project along Oswego’s riverfront district that will help 22 Crossroads, LLC offset the construction costs.

The utility provided a $133,000 Main Street Revitalization incentive to “transform a ‘dead zone’ into a vibrant area attraction,” National Grid said.

Crews recently renovated the former vacant lots at 147-159 West First St. into mixed-use facilities that include retail, commercial, and market-rate residential space.

“The City of Oswego appreciates the partnership and support of National Grid with our downtown revitalization efforts,” Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow said in a release. “The 22 Crossroads/Riverwalk is a key project in downtown Oswego, bringing economic activity and jobs to our core downtown area and we are grateful for the assistance from National Grid in helping to make this project a reality.”

The $7.5 million project is expected to attract commercial investments, improve housing stock, revitalize the downtown core, and create 38 new jobs.

“National Grid funding was key to helping us move forward with this project,” Ed Alberts, owner of 22 Crossroads/Riverwalk Oswego, said. He added that the project is part of an “ongoing collaboration to revitalize and improve the riverfront for future generations.”

Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid Central New York regional executive, added, “National Grid is dedicated to the redevelopment of business districts and commercial corridors in Central New York, and through our Main Street Revitalization Program, we are pleased to support locally owned businesses like 22 Crossroads that contribute to the economic growth of the region.”

About the program

Since its inception in 2003, National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization program has supported more than 300 projects and contributed more than $21 million in funding to help pay for the rehabilitation of vacant buildings in downtowns and in commercial mixed-use corridors across upstate New York.

The Main Street Revitalization program provides matching grants to businesses, developers, or nonprofits undertaking efforts to improve commercial corridors. The program is designed to help communities promote “smart growth” and private-sector investment in central business districts and commercial corridors to help their “competitive viability, attract investment and capitalize on their distinct development potential,” National Grid said.