OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino Pictured from left are Dunkirk Development Director Rebecca Yanus, Empire State Development Project Manager Cheryl Krazmien, Attorney Ron Szot and Assemblyman Andy Goodell at the public hearing for funding for Athenex.

The feedback was all good at a public hearing held on grant funding for the pharmaceutical facility proposed for Dunkirk.

Empire State Development has proposed awarding Athenex with up to $200 million to complete the project, which has a planned completion date of December 2019 and full operation date of June 2021.

The grant has cleared the ESD approval process and was put up for public comment Thursday at Dunkirk City Hall. From there it will be reviewed by ESD if needed and then go to the Public Authorities Control Board for final approval, according to ESD Project Manager Cheryl Krazmien.

When it came time for that public comment period, city and state officials were on hand to voice their support and the support they have heard from their constituents.

“As mayor, I can tell you it is probably the biggest announcement as far as economic development that has been made here in Northern Chautauqua County that I’m aware of. There has been a lot of excitement in the city over this and our development department is receiving many calls from potential developers looking to develop here in the city of Dunkirk as well as neighboring areas. Again, I’m in support of the project and the community is very supportive and very in favor of the project. I would like to thank our state officials who participated in bringing this here to Dunkirk,” Mayor Willie Rosas said.

Planning and Development Director Rebecca Yanus echoed the mayor, saying her department is in support and preparing for this huge development in the city’s back yard.

Deputy Director for Development E.J. Hayes also voiced his support, but as a neighbor.

“I’m speaking as a private citizen today. I live just a few hundred yards from where this project is going to be located and I just want to express my sincere support for this project and the job creation it brings to the city,” he said.

State Assemblyman Andy Goodell said he hasn’t heard a single negative comment about the Athenex project.

“I know this hearing is to receive the comments from the general public and in general I represent the public in this district. Not only personally do I support the project, but I worked very closely with Senator (Catharine) Young to ensure that in last year’s budget there was $200 million for this project, which is the funds that we are talking about giving out here today as part of this grant process. In addition, to supporting it personally and with Senator Young on the floor of the legislature, my office has received a tremendous number of comments in support of the project,” he said. That is particularly noteworthy because often when you have a major capital project, you hear all the negative comments who don’t want it in their backyard. It’s particularly noteworthy that one of the neighbors is here supporting it. I have not received any negative comments personally or to my office for this project and I think everybody in Northern Chautauqua County recognizes this project will be a tremendous economic shot in the arm for the local economy.”