Submitted Photo This photo, posted on the Chautauqua County IDA’s Facebook page, shows work taking place in the rear of the White Inn.

A number of proposed projects in northern Chautauqua County are moving ahead.

During a recent meeting of the county Industrial Development Agency, Mark Geise, director and chief executive officer, discussed a number of initiatives that were previously approved by the IDA.

WHITE INN

For the White Inn in Fredonia, Geise said the finances are all approved through the Restore New York grant, so the remodeling can move forward. “Work is really going to go into high gear here at the White Inn. There was already some work being undertaken there, just in terms of shoring things up, preventing the weather from causing anymore damage. Now they’re going to get in there,” he said.

The White Inn has been vacant since 2017. It was purchased by Steve St. George and Devin Jones who said they intend to return the building to its former glory as an iconic hotel, bar, banquet site and restaurant.

The work is expected to cost more than $4 million.

HIDEAWAY BAY

For the former Hideaway Bay property in Silver Creek, Geise said the developers have completed the land purchase and are expected to close on its loan very soon. Once it closes, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place. It could happen in late May or June.

FORMER SILVER

CREEK SCHOOL

The former Silver Creek High School, which is located at 60 Main St., has remained vacant for decades and has severely deteriorated. Region Nine Housing Corp. had planned on turning it into affordable housing for seniors, but last month backed out of the $24 million project.

Geise said at the county IDA meeting that they’re working with a local development agency for the project. The state had previously earmarked $1 million for the property and that money is still available.

Geise is concerned the building is too far gone to be used. “I’m doubtful that it would be a restoration of that old school. I think it’s more likely that it will be a demo, maybe saving some of the facade or something,” he said.

FREDONIA WATER

Geise said he received a phone call a few weeks ago asking if the county could help with a water study. “They’re looking at options moving forward for their drinking water,” he said.

Geise noted how a lot of studies have been done in the past and they’re looking to take all the studies so far and creating a cost-benefit analysis. “What make the most sense moving forward? Is it joining the (North County) water district, is it a line directly from Dunkirk, or do they keep their current system,” he said.

Geise said through the Partnership of Economic Development, the county is contributing $14,400. More funds may be requested in the future.

Last week, the village board voted 3-2 to move forward with a comprehensive water study done by LaBella and Associates, which will cost $144,000. The village will use its American Rescue Plan Act funds. The city of Dunkirk has also discussed contributing to the study.

SHOVEL-READY SITES

The Chautauqua County Legislature has already allocated $4.8 million for a large “shovel-ready site” for industrial development in the western portion of the county.

Geise said they are working on several state and federal grant funds as well, which could push the project upwards of $11 million. “If we hit on all these, we’ll be in good shape and we can do the whole project. If we don’t, then we’ll see where we’re at,” he said.

Geise said previously that the county gets requests all the time from large companies looking for industrial ready sites. The county’s three industrial sites are mostly full and have more than 20 businesses in them.

The county IDA Board of Directors did approve a resolution so the IDA can accept funding from the county to go towards the development of the industrial site.