State announces Fulton, Seneca Falls projects targeted for DRI funding

The state says Fulton will target 16 projects and Seneca Falls will focus on 13 projects with their $10 million awards in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The projects will enhance waterfront amenities, repurpose existing buildings to develop new residential and retail spaces, and support small businesses and industry, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

Fulton was named a Round 4 winner in August 2019. Seneca Falls was named a Round 4 winner in November 2019.

Some Fulton projects

The City of Fulton will use $1.5 million to renovate and re-purpose an abandoned building on the old Nestle site into a mixed-use development. Proposed uses include 55 to 65 residential units, office space, restaurant, and a Nestle museum.

In addition, Fulton will use $860,000 to build a new facility on the former Nestle site to attract and expand advanced startup manufacturing businesses.

Another $2 million of Fulton’s DRI award will bring additional medical services to the community through the expansion of Oswego Health’s Fulton campus.

The projects also include using $750,000 to establish a grant fund to help local businesses with building upgrades, permanent equipment purchases, and technical assistance.

The Huhtamaki manufacturing campus will use $420,000 in facility and infrastructure upgrades to maintain jobs, enhance streetscapes, and improve pedestrian safety.

Some Seneca Falls projects

Seneca Falls will use nearly $3.7 million for north canalside improvements, including People’s Park upgrades, such as new pathways and decks overlooking the canal; burying utility lines; and providing “better access” to the canal from downtown.

The community will also use $1 million of its award to establish the National Women’s Hall of Fame as a “destination.” The work will involve renovation of the iconic smokestack; installation of new permanent exhibits; construction of a code-compliant elevator and external stairwell for access and expansion to the second, third, and fourth floors for additional museum space.

In addition, Seneca Falls will use $912,000 for work at It’s A Wonderful Life Museum. The museum expansion will include structural stabilization of the building, façade renovation to reflect its historic appearance, “enhanced” accessibility, and improved signage. Expansion is the first phase of expected multi-phased improvement, per Cuomo’s office.

Another $600,000 will help establish a building-improvement fund to provide grant funding for downtown building owners to support interior and exterior building improvements.

The projects also include a renovation of the Gould Hotel’s first floor. The work will include lobby upgrades, conversion of the restaurant into a dual-purposed café & gastro-cocktail lounge, and relocation of the bar. The hotel will use $405,000 of the DRI award for the project.