"New York is investing in municipalities poised for
advancement and growth, and with this $10 million commitment to develop the
City of Olean's downtown, the community will have the resources it needs to
attract new businesses, improve outdoor recreation, and foster the creation of
new jobs," Governor Cuomo said. "This investment will add more
momentum to Western New York's resurgence, while laying the groundwork for a
stronger, more viable region for decades to come."
A team of consultants will work with a Local Planning
Committee (LPC) representing local businesses, non-profit organizations and
other stakeholders will prepare the plan. The LPC is chaired by Mayor William
Aiello and Jeff Belt, Co-Chair of the Western New York Regional Economic
Development Council. The LPC will identify projects that are key to overall
downtown revitalization, and recommend those projects to the State of New York
for possible funding.
The consulting team is in the process of collecting
information on potential projects and has released a Request for Project Information
form in order to learn more about projects and ideas for the downtown. Anyone
wishing to propose a potential project for the downtown is encouraged to attend
an information session on how to submit a proposal for consideration. The
information session will be held on Tuesday, December 5th from 4-5 pm in the
Police Training Room in the Municipal Building.
The first Public Open House for the DRI will be held the
following evening, December 6th, from 6-8 pm in the Cutco Theater at Jamestown
Community College. The Open House will provide an opportunity for the public to
learn about the DRI, and share their ideas for the downtown. Public input and
feedback will be important in identifying and evaluating proposed projects.
