As the Connective Corridor and Near Westside Initiative continue redefining the economic footprint and landscape of the City of Syracuse and Near Westside, National Grid continues its commitment to provide economic development funds to ensure ambitious projects happen. While National Grid’s historic Erie Boulevard Art Deco building stands tall as a significant symbol of the past, the company continues funding collaborative economic projects that impact the future of its customers, employees and the Syracuse community.
To recognize National Grid’s leading role in economic development and support for projects along the Connective Corridor and within the Near Westside of Syracuse, Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor and other community leaders will honor National Grid NY President Ken Daly at a brief ceremony Thursday, June 9, at 3 p.m. at the Case Warehouse Complex, 109 Wyoming St., Syracuse.
Since the Connective Corridor’s inception in 2007, National Grid has committed more than $1.256 million in economic development funds for projects along the Connective Corridor and involving the Near Westside Initiative. The National Grid commitment that will be honored on Thursday will create the western terminus of the Connective Corridor and pave the way for the $30 million dollar reconstruction projects for WCNY and ProLiteracy International, expected to begin in fall 2011.
Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney, the office of Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (R), the office of Sen. John DeFrancisco (R), the office of Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D), WCNY President Robert Daino, and ProLiteracy President David Harvey are expected to attend the ceremony.
Projects benefiting from National Grid’s continued support include:
Connective Corridor Design Competition
Supported a comprehensive effort to gain community input to establish design considerations for Syracuse University’s Connective Corridor.
Warehouse Lighting
Supported renovation of the formerly vacant Dunk & Bright warehouse at the edge of the Near Westside to house the Syracuse University School of Design, Architecture and Office of Community Engagement and Economic Development.
Lincoln Building
Supported renovation of the building that is being used for both commercial/residential (live-work) space and office space for Say Yes to Education and LaCasita Cultural Center.
601 Tully St.
Supports the reconstruction of the building that is intended to be a “sustainable storefront” that includes a café, office and entrepreneur center for the Fowler High School Business Academy.
Connective Corridor Lighting Design Work
Supports the development of pre-construction drawings to advance an urban lighting redesign plan from Tillet Lighting to create a comprehensive lighting plan for the Connective Corridor with an emphasis on energy efficiency.
Case Site Improvements
Supports the streetscape development work associated with the Case Supply Warehouse complex in the Near Westside neighborhood, including demolition, site preparation, landscaping and lighting installations.
King and King Project
Grant to King & King Architects to offset environmental remediation costs incurred during building/site renovation; this project directly relates to the Near Westside development strategy, serving as a catalyst for redevelopment in the Near Westside.
