Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday the designation of two new Brownfield Opportunity Areas in Dunkirk and Jamestown. The designations cover more than 1,200 acres of neglected, dormant and blighted properties in the two communities and help the localities implement revitalization strategies to rebuild the affected areas and spur economic growth.

The designations are based on nominations or plans that reflect local conditions in the community. Projects developed in the designated areas will be given priority status for grants and may be eligible for additional Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credit incentives.

Prior to receiving this designation, Dunkirk and Jamestown received planning grants through New York’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program. These grants were used to complete their nomination, which developed revitalization strategies to promote sound redevelopment and enhanced environmental quality within areas affected by the presence of brownfields. The Department of State accepted the nominations for these Brownfield Opportunity Areas and determined they meet the necessary requirements and criteria for designation.

The two designated Brownfield Opportunity Areas are:

Chadwick Bay Village Master Plan BOA, City of Dunkirk: This consists of a 537-acre area on Chadwick Bay along Lake Erie that is characterized by 14 potential brownfield sites located in surrounding neighborhoods and the central business district. The primary community revitalization objectives include:

¯ Focus and strengthen development within the Central Business District and Waterfront

¯ Reuse and upgrade vacant and underutilized land

¯ Create a distinctive waterfront community

¯ Guide development decisions in a clear, cost effective and equitable manner

¯ Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration on development decisions

¯ Improve access to and along the waterfront and establish year-round development and activities

Spur development that creates employment opportunities and expands the tax base.

A $303,750 Brownfield Opportunity Area Program grant financed planning activities for the area.

Chadakoin River West BOA, City of Jamestown: This consists of a 710-acre area characterized by at least 11 brownfield sites concentrated in an area with a mix of residential and historically industrial land uses as well as wetland areas along the Chadakoin River. The primary community revitalization objectives include:

Creating a riverfront destination to connect and enhance the greater Jamestown Riverwalk and increase tourism opportunities

¯ Improve walkability and safety of the area

¯ Increase recreational activities and amenities

¯ Enhance economic viability of the area

“I am pleased that two new areas are being designated in our county,” Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello said. “These two new Brownfield sites will assist with the revitalization of these communities while promoting productive reuse of those sites and protecting our region’s most precious resources. Thank you to Governor Cuomo and to New York State for investing in our communities and for working to restore our county to its fullest potential.”

The Department of State works in partnership with local communities and organizations to develop and realize a community vision for redevelopment and community revitalization. The type of neighborhoods and areas where program resources are being applied include industrial/manufacturing, commercial corridors, residential, downtowns and waterfronts. Through the Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, sites and areas are transformed from liabilities to community assets that generate businesses, jobs and revenue for local economies and provide new housing and public amenities.

Applications are available for project developers to request review by the Secretary of State of a proposed development and determine if it conforms to the goals and priorities of the designated Brownfield Opportunity Area. More information can be found on the DOS website.