“Our cities’ downtowns should be their crown jewels, full of life and highlighting the beauty and culture that their community has to offer. That’s why I’m pleased to see continued state investment in the 111^th Assembly District this year, with the City of Amsterdam receiving $1 million and Schenectady $2.75 million to revitalize downtown properties.

“In Amsterdam, a condemned building at 20-22 Main St. fell into decay following its foreclosure in 2018, facing structural challenges from fire damage and an improperly installed roof. Grant funds from the state’s Restore New York Communities Initiative will save this building and avoid a complicated demolition process. This smart alternative to demolition will create a new commercial space at ground level with apartments above, spurring economic growth and creating housing for new residents. It’s exciting to know that this building will come back to life and contribute to the growth of Amsterdam.

“In Schenectady, another grant will transform a vacant car dealership at 754 State St. into a grocery store. The neighborhood surrounding this property is a food desert, making this grant an exciting opportunity to improve the community’s access to affordable, healthy food. When we make smart investments in our buildings and infrastructure, we invest in people too. These state funds are critical to support the ongoing revitalization efforts in the downtown areas of Amsterdam and Schenectady.”