Dunkirk is in the mix of more than $64.1 million that has been awarded to 43 projects through the State’s Restore New York Communities Initiative.

This week, $1.5 million was announced for the redevelopment of the Woolworth’s Building at 310-312 Central Ave. It is proposed to be a mixed-use building featuring a tourism driving business on the ground floor and four short term rental apartments.

The finished project would create Gopher’s simulated golf sports bar that will attract people to the downtown area of focus for Dunkirk’s DRI projects.

“Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities brings new energy and investments that support local and regional growth,” said state Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces. We are further unlocking the potential of these sites and communities across New York.”

Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts with funds to help remove and reduce blight, reinvigorate communities and generate new residential and economic opportunities statewide. The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments encourage new commercial investments through community revitalization, growing local housing, and putting properties back on the tax rolls to increase the local tax base.

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is building for the future by supporting projects that advance statewide priorities like increasing housing and revitalizing communities,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said. “Through the Restore New York Communities Initiative, we are working together with municipalities to remove blight and generate new investments to promote sustainable economic growth.”