Auburn – New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio joined local officials, business owners and residents today at the dedication of the Wall Street Neighborhood Improvement Project.
"The Wall Street Neighborhood Improvement Project is making significant improvements in the heart of the city to dramatically change and improve the character of the Wall Street neighborhood between the prison and the adjacent residential and business areas,” said Senator Nozzolio. “I'm very pleased that I was able to deliver funding to help revitalize the Wall Street neighborhood area which had been unfortunately deteriorating throughout the years.”
The Wall Street Neighborhood Improvement Project area encompasses residential and commercial areas, factory sites and the Auburn Correctional Facility. Auburn residents played a critical role in developing goals and objectives for the neighborhood improvement. A series of well-attended public meetings were held to exchange information, develop initiatives and provide feedback. A proposed concept plan and series of recommendations were then developed based on resident input and community needs.
Senator Nozzolio secured a $200,000 state grant to implement the project. The funding is being used for the installation of new granite curbing and the creation of a defined, attractive street edge along the south side of Wall Street between the massive walls of the correctional facility and the street. The establishment of new curbing along the street line, installation of a low ornamental fence inside the curb and the planting of rows of ornamental trees within the newly formed green space, will change a view that was once dominated by bleak prison walls, piles of debris and randomly parked vehicles into an attractive and pleasing urban streetscape.
“This innovative neighborhood improvement project is having a real impact for the City of Auburn and sends the right message that the city is committed to improving downtown as a place to live and a place to create jobs,” Senator Nozzolio concluded.
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