(Welch’s Building Rendering, Westfield, NY)
MAYVILLE, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development is proud to announce that the County has been awarded a $1 million grant through the New York State Empire State Development (NYS ESD) County Infrastructure Grant Program. This funding will be used to advance two transformative housing and infrastructure projects that strengthen communities, expand housing opportunities, and support economic growth across Chautauqua County.
The grant funds will be allocated as follows:
- $200,000 will support infrastructure costs to relocate sewer infrastructure for the Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing housing development project in the City of Dunkirk. This project, being implemented by Regan Development, will create 78 new housing units and help address a critical need for modern, high-quality housing options along the Lake Erie waterfront.
- $800,000 will support infrastructure improvements for the Welch’s Building redevelopment project in the Village of Westfield, being implemented by Samuel Savarino. The funding will go toward electrical service upgrades, underground vault seal-offs, sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting improvements to facilitate the creation of 46 new housing units in the heart of Westfield’s downtown district.
These investments build upon Chautauqua County’s ongoing efforts to enhance public infrastructure, revitalize downtowns, and expand housing options that meet the needs of residents and employers alike. Both projects represent significant partnerships between the public and private sectors, leveraging state resources to spur long-term community and economic benefits.
“This investment is a win for our residents, our communities, and our future. Strengthening housing and infrastructure is critical to keeping Chautauqua County competitive and livable,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “These projects will not only create quality homes for our residents but also support local jobs and economic development. I’m proud of the partnerships that made this possible and grateful to New York State for recognizing the importance of investing in Chautauqua County’s growth.”
(Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing Rendering, Dunkirk, NY)
“This funding award gets two very important housing projects over the finish line, and enables the County to get one step closer to meeting the housing needs of the community,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO. “It is common knowledge that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of open job positions throughout the County; however, without a stock of clean, efficient, and modern housing, the process of attracting talent to fill these jobs is made even more challenging. I applaud the efforts of Rebecca Wurster, County Planning Coordinator, for her hard work in getting this done.”
The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development will oversee the implementation of the grant in coordination with project partners to ensure the effective and timely use of funds.
For more information about Chautauqua County’s housing initiatives, visit https://www.choosechq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Report-2024-Chautauqua-County-Housing-Needs-Assessment.pdf or contact the Department of Planning and Development at 716-661-8900.
About the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development - The Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development works to foster a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient county through coordinated land use, development, housing, and environmental planning. The Department provides technical assistance and strategic leadership to help municipalities and organizations implement projects that enhance community and economic vitality across Chautauqua County.
