Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 21 transformational projects for Western New York — including nine in Westfield — as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward.

“The DRI and NY Forward winners in Western New York are extraordinary communities with so much to offer in terms of resources, culture and history,” Governor Hochul said. “These awards are part of our ongoing efforts to transform downtown areas across the state and I look forward to watching Western New York use these funds in a way that highlights the people and businesses that make up a vital part of our great state.”

DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

Village of Westfield projects, totaling $4.5 million include:

— Establish a Small Project Fund ($508,000): Create a grant program to fund smaller projects involving commercial and mixed-use buildings such as exterior and interior improvements, business equipment, public art and related soft costs.

— Redevelop the Former Welch’s Administrative Building into Apartments and Commercial Space ($1,000,000): Convert the landmark, four-story former office building into a mix of residential and commercial uses that will attract new residents, jobs, and activity to the downtown area.

— Create a Pocket Park on Clinton Street with Public Restrooms and Bicycle Repair Station ($816,000): Transform a vacant downtown lot into an attractive pocket park through new landscaping and walkways as well as amenities such as ADA-compliant restrooms, seating, a water fountain and a bicycle rack and repair station.

— Enhance Safety and Tranquility at Moore Park ($167,000): Upgrade Moore Park through improvements to potentially include installation of decorative LED lighting and a new power distribution system, upgrading the park’s carillon clock, replacing the community’s emergency siren, and installation of a community security system to enhance safety, park usability and community character.

— Build a Covered Stage Structure to Enhance Amphitheater Performances ($149,000): Construct a permanent roofing system over the performing arts stage planned for the Village’s creekside amphitheater to protect performers and equipment and create a dependable outdoor venue.

— Launch a Community Co-Op for Makers and Entrepreneurs ($328,000): Redevelop a vacant former variety store to house a makerspace with amenities such as shared tools and equipment, classrooms, storage and small retail spaces to support small business incubation.

— Reinvent the Burns Block as Live / Work Space ($589,000): Rehabilitate the vacant upper floor of a historic Main Street building to house new apartments and commercial space, and make minor improvements to ground-floor commercial space, attracting new businesses and creating more housing opportunities.

— Improve Community Space at Eason Hall ($800,000): Stabilize, modernize, and enhance the usability of the combined village and town hall through interior and exterior improvements as well as upgrades to the community space to maintain and enhance the use of the building as a civic hub.

— Expand CK Natural Fruit Juice’s Cold-Pressed Beverage Production Capacity ($143,000): Improve and expand a local agribusiness by making improvements to its production facility such as a new roof, drainage upgrades, natural gas service, a walk-in cooler, paving and concrete work, landscaping and signage.

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding, including DRI and NY Forward. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 410 communities across New York have been certified.

Village of Westfield Mayor Dennis Lutes said, “First, we thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her commitment to Westfield and our region. Her leadership model empowers local communities to shape their own futures, and NY Forward perfectly represents that mission. I want to congratulate all the recipients of the NY Forward Grant Program. The Village of Westfield was impressed by the quality of all submitted projects and is excited about those selected to move forward.”

Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 5,000 units of housing — more than 2,000 of which (40 percent) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art — such as murals and sculptures — and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “These awards represent a significant milestone for Cattaraugus, Westfield and Angola. Governor Hochul’s commitment to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward empowers these communities to leverage their unique heritage while catalyzing new opportunities for small business growth and housing development. We are proud to see these local visions translate into action, and we are confident these projects will serve as powerful economic anchors for Western New York for years to come.”