Update on Academy Place
Academy Place is a Gowanda-based project designed to transform the 90,000-plus square-foot Center Street School, built in 1876, into a medically based wellness center, affordable senior housing and a business center, including an incubator within an approved Empire Zone.
The Academy Place Advisory Council and School Building Task Force note these latest developments:
*The contract between the Village of Gowanda and Erie County has been signed, which makes funds available for the IBIS Group to complete the business plan for the entire project ($35,000).
*A contract is in place for the IBIS Group to move forward on the business plan.
*Univera Healthcare has approved $250,000 toward the project, pending a signed option agreement between the Healthy Community Alliance and the Town of Persia upon transfer of ownership from Gowanda Central School. A total of $125,000 will be repaid over time.
*An Appalachian Regional Commission grant application, for a Business Incubator was submitted.
*Plans are under way to host a Legislative Luncheon on July 24 at Gowanda Country Club for local, county, state and federal officials. The purpose of the luncheon is to update officials on the project.
Grants
As the transformation of Center Street Elementary School into Academy Place moves forward, efforts to secure funding for the project are moving into high gear. Applications have been submitted or are in the process of being prepared for submission to a number of regional, state, and federal funding agencies. These include:
*U.S. Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - A $1.5 million loan/grant combination has been requested.
*NYSERDA - $400,000 grant. This grant provides incentives for energy-efficient building design and equipment, and also supports alternative energy systems such as a micro-turbine.
*UNIVERA Healthcare - $250,000. The commitment from UNIVERA is for five years and will go toward building renovations.
*A New York State Member Item proposal was submitted through Senator Patricia McGee's office requesting $250,000 for general project support. The request was sent on to Empire State Development for consideration.
*Village Center Revitalization (VCR) grant through Village of Gowanda and Erie County - $35,000. This grant will partially fund business planning and project development costs for integration of the building's three uses: business resource center and incubator; medically based wellness center; and senior housing (contract signed; awaiting receipt).
*Empire State Development Empire Opportunity Fund - $1.3 million. If awarded, funds will be earmarked for general project development.
*New York State Small Cities - $750,000. Creating and retaining jobs is the focus of this grant.
*Southern Tier West - Appalachian Regional Commission - $150,000. If awarded, funds will be used to establish the business incubator.
*NYSDOH Network Development program - $17,000. These funds will be applied toward project development costs.
Other potential funding sources are also being explored. In some cases, low-interest loans are combined with grants. These efforts will continue until funding for the entire project is secured.
For more information about the Academy Place Project, contact the Healthy Community Alliance, 532-1010, or any Advisory Council member: Mike Hutchinson, chair; Rob Gaylord, co-chair; Mark Burr, Mary Lee Campbell-Wisley, Diane Gebauer, Patricia J. Kota, Melvin LeBar, Mark Nephew, Joseph Vogtli.
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