Wellsville: 23 North project receives ceremonial send off - is it the boost the southside needs?

The public-private partnership team stands proudly in front 23 North, the former Burrous Building on Main Street in Wellsville.

The 23 North project on North Main Street in Wellsville (the former Burrous Building) received its long awaited for ceremonial send off Wednesday morning. Federal, state and local leaders were on hand along with private and nonprofit partners to officially kick off the revitalization effort. The project, which has received funding from a myriad of sources will be the future home to the Wellsville village offices on the street level and 16 units of senior housing on the upper floors.
To say the project has been controversial would be an understatement; however the partnership between the Alfred Housing Committee and Two Plus Four Construction appears determined to breath new life into a once forsaken block in the Wellsville business district.
Here are some images and comments from this mornings 'ground breaking' event:

L-R: Sue Kimmel, President of Two Plus Four Construction and
state senator Cathy Young

Sue Kimmel, president of Syracuse-based Two Plus Four Construction said this morning that "we have vision. We have some great leaders who helped keep the vision of what the village needs." This is the fifth project in the village of Wellsville that her company has been involved in.

Lee James, speaking for Congressman Tom Reed who could not attend, said "our downtowns are important for economic development." She presented a certificate from Reed which read, in part, "thank you for your collaborative efforts for bringing affordable housing to the Wellsville community."




Senator Cathy Young

Senator Cathy Young began her remarks with offering kudos to former mayor Judy Lynch and current mayor Randy Shayler. Young said "this is something that is really going to give a shot in the arm to Wellsville. We know that this building has been vacant for about twenty years, right, and over those 20 years this part of town has become, almost like a problem area." She added that "it was an eyesore and there was nothing going on in there (the building). This is going to revitalize, I believe, our downtown." Senator Young also shared a fun historical reference saying the building was constructed in 1872 and was the "first fire-proof block in the village..." of Wellsville.


L-R: Senator Cathy Young and Wellsville mayor Randy Shayler

Wellsville mayor Randy Shaler said 'this project started in 2012 under the direction of former mayor July Lynch." In a humorous moment, Shayler said " I think, Judy, you were in office for...what, 15-20 minutes...and the back of the building..." gave way? He said she (Lynch) led the (village) board. He credited the help from state and federal officials for the advancement of the initiative. He also remembered a call from former Alfred Housing Executive Director Bob Sobeck who said "I got a guy..." That guy, was Lenny Skrill, the upstate Development Director for Housing and Community renewal. Shayler continued to say that "the history is, I believe, we have a totally revitalized end of Main Street that has sat dormant for quite some period of time." Shayler said nearby development, to include the Fassett Greenspace and Stillwater restaurant, may have roots with 23 North. Additionally, the mayor said the owners of two buildings across the street have expressed excitement about development. Shayler saved a lions share of the praise for Senator Young.

Lenny Skrill (pictured at left), Upstate Director of Development, noted he has been coming to Wellsville and Allegany County for some thirty years. He spoke confidently and proudly and the many hands who have contributed to this project. He said there has been no more passionate supporter of this effort than Sen. Cathy Young.

Allison Green is the Executive Director of Alfred Housing. She said the partnership with Two Plus Four Construction is the fifth project in the village. She said this effort will revitalize "this end of Main Street." She also gave significant credit to her predecessor Bob Sobeck, saying "23 North meant a lot to him."
The revamped building is expected to cut the ribbon as soon as October 2019.
In side notes...former mayor Judy Lynch said she "was so excited" about today." While the town of Wellsville has not yet committed to moving in to the new space, town supervisor Shad Alsworth said the town is "actively discussing it."