The Buffalo Urban Development Corp. is seeking $1 million in additional funding from the federal government to support the conversion of LaSalle Park into Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.
BUDC, in conjunction with the Great Lakes Commission, applied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association for a grant to pay for “engineering and design costs related to shoreline restoration and improvements to the aquatic habitat” at the park.
That’s according to a staff memo reviewed Wednesday by the agency’s Downtown Committee, which recommended approval by the agency’s board later this month.
“We have been working very hard with the city and our management team to bring additional funds to this project as it continues to evolve,” said BUDC Vice President Brandye Merriweather. “This is a waterfront park, and we’re looking to make this a waterfront destination.”
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BUDC and GLC have received a conditional letter of approval, but the grant – which is governed by the Department of Commerce standards - is still subject to final approval by NOAA’s grant management staff.
“Once you get conditional approval, there’s a very, very high probability that the formal approval will be coming shortly thereafter,” Merriweather said.
Merriweather said officials are continuing to seek other funding sources, too.
In other matters:
- BUDC is taking applications for the next round of low-interest loans from the Buffalo Building Reuse Program, due June 30. Merriweather said she expects two proposals to be submitted. In the meantime, the owner of the Alexandre Apartments paid off its $750,000 loan three weeks ago, while Sinatra & Company Real Estate is seeking an extension of eight to 12 months on the term of its existing loan.
- The city is still on track to move forward with the Entertainment District project, with most of the construction expected in spring 2021. Merriweather said BUDC is working with the city on the “phasing, timing and coordination” of the work, to minimize the impact on businesses. She said the city is also finishing up design on the Ellicott Node infrastructure work, and “we’re hoping to have that completed in the next several weeks.
