National Grid: More than $2.6 million in economic development grants support projects in central and northern New York

National Grid has invested more than $2.6 million in economic development funds in calendar year 2021 for projects in Central and Upstate New York aimed at growing the regional economy. The company maintains a portfolio of economic development programs to restore vacant buildings, revitalize commercial corridors and remediate brownfields to stimulate new business, expansion and job growth.

“National Grid is more than just a power distribution company,” said Alberto Bianchetti, Regional Director of National Grid. “We help drive the local economy by encouraging projects that rehabilitate and revitalize brownfields and vacant storefronts, promote entrepreneurship and keep businesses in central New York City. These investments fuel economic growth, creation and job retention, and new business opportunities that positively impact all who live in the region.”

National Grid’s economic development programs align with Project C goals, a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to the communities in which its employees live and work. The initiative aims to leave a lasting impact in areas such as sustainability, neighborhood and community investment, and workforce development.

“Communities directly benefit from National Grid’s economic development efforts as we help local businesses grow and attract new development to our area,” said Bianchetti. “Our customers are seeing tangible benefits from these investments through an expanded job market, access to new businesses and revitalization of the places where they live.”

National Grid has helped create the region’s first food hall, projects that have created and retained local jobs and the renewal of derelict properties in busy commercial areas, including:

Project:The Salt City Market was one of Syracuse’s most anticipated projects in 2021. The downtown site received significant media coverage as the area’s premier food hall, housing 11 restaurants and a grocery store. The property also houses rooms for community use, offices for rent to nonprofit organizations, and 26 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Half of the apartments are reserved for tenants with low to modest incomes. More than 100 construction jobs, 30 in catering and 3 management positions have been created thanks to this initiative.

Funding: $250,000 has been awarded through National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization Programme, providing support for the redevelopment of vacant buildings into commercial corridors.

United Auto Supply will build a distribution center on Erie Boulevard West
Project:United Auto Supply, one of the largest auto parts wholesalers in the Northeast, plans to build an 80,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center as part of the redevelopment of the former Roth Steel site on Erie Boulevard West in Syracuse. The company will invest $7.5 million in the site, which will create more than 150 construction jobs and 50 new full-time permanent positions within the company.

Funding: $250,000 from the Main Street Revitalization Program.

Project:Cryomech has acquired 14 acres of the former Brooklawn golf course in DeWitt to build a 76,500 square foot facility to house development and manufacturing systems for high performance cryogenic equipment and heat management systems. helium. The company has reached the capacity of its existing buildings, requiring additional space to meet customer demands. Cryomech resisted out-of-state relocation offers, adding 20 new positions to the 121 people it already employs in central New York.

Funding: More than $114,000 from two capital investment incentives to offset costs associated with upgrading utility infrastructure at new construction or expansion sites. National Grid provided more than $71,000 from its Electric Capital Investment Incentive Program and $43,000 from the Natural Gas Capital Investment Incentive Program.

Project:CommonSpace’s coworking environments have grown in popularity among contractors, contractors, and remote work professionals. The spaces provide opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and access to services beyond the reach of startups and freelancers. CommonSpace added 15,000 square feet of space at 349 and 351 S. Warren St. to complement its flagship space at 201 E. Jefferson St.

Funding: $100,000 through the CleanTech Incubation program, which supports the development of self-sustaining entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems that facilitate the formation of new businesses or the growth of high-potential small businesses.

Lights shine on the Litatro building in Oswego. National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization Program assisted in its construction.

Litatro construction project renews prime location in Oswego
Project: A $4.9 million renovation project in downtown Oswego transformed an empty building into a modern and vibrant space. The demolition of the former Global Buffet building and the construction of the five-story Litatro building at the corner of West First and Bridge streets have brought more than 20 market-priced apartments, as well as retail and restaurant space.

Funding: $65,000 from the Main Street Revitalization Program.

Watertown Town Square projects continue
Project: A renovation project on Court Street in the Watertown Public Square has converted a vacant building into a mixed-use space. Local developer S&J Properties, LLC will renovate buildings at 168-170 Court St. to house a restaurant and event space. The upper floors will be apartments at market price. The structure, built in the 1870s, is one of three projects on Court Street and half a dozen in the public square to receive support from National Grid.

Funding: Provided by the Main Street Revitalization Program.

Project:Summit Storage and Business Solutions transformed a vacant building adjacent to its Potsdam property into an energy-efficient workspace and secure document shredding facility, adding 10,250 square feet of self-storage units to its business. The vacant building was gutted, renovated and a new facade and entrance were constructed. A roadside LED sign has also been added.

Funding: $25,000 from the Main Street Revitalization Program.

Project: A public-private partnership prevented a Pulaski company from moving to Florida. Healthway Home Products expanded its Maple Avenue building in Pulaski, and an electrical service upgrade to higher amperage helped support growth and operations.

Funding: $19,000 from the Electrical Capital Investment Incentive Program.

Since 2003, National Grid’s 18 economic development programs have provided more than $125 million in assistance, helping to create or retain more than 60,000 jobs and supporting nearly $10 billion in private and public investment in upstate New York. More information on National Grid’s suite of programs is available at www.shovelready.com. Additionally, National Grid is providing economic development support during the pandemic through its Manufacturing Productivity Program. The program expedites economic development applications to help businesses that have transitioned their facilities to produce essential medical equipment and supplies needed to fight COVID-19.