Amherst, NY, is poised for a transformative change with Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $31 million investment in the Boulevard Mall redevelopment project. This significant funding marks a new era for the now-dormant commercial space, promising to turn it into a vibrant, mixed-use, transit-oriented town center. The project, beyond revitalizing the mall, aims to improve the overall quality of life for Western New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “Today marks a new day for the Boulevard Mall as we take the next step in transforming it into a vibrant, transit-oriented town center.” The redevelopment plan is comprehensive, encompassing not only the mall’s transformation but also addressing broader community needs, including housing, job creation, and fostering economic opportunities.
The proposed redevelopment will introduce over 1,500 residential units, blending affordable, market-rate, student, and senior housing. In addition, it will create a hub for restaurants, retail, and open spaces. Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight highlighted the project’s community focus: “This Initiative brings us one step closer to realizing our collective vision of reinventing Boulevard Mall as an attractive community within the Town of Amherst.”
A significant portion of the $31 million funding is allocated for critical infrastructure work, essential for making the site shovel-ready. The scope includes improvements to sanitary sewer infrastructure, with the construction of a new pump station and sewer mains. This upgrade will not only support the redevelopment but also enhance the existing sanitary sewer network, benefiting the wider community.
The investment in infrastructure goes beyond the mall’s redevelopment. Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa emphasized its broader impact: “This essential wastewater treatment system… will allow us to rectify drainage issues in the Williamsville, Snyder, and Eggertsville neighborhoods and build the Boulevard Mall site to its full potential.” The project addresses the region’s housing crisis and introduces affordable housing units, improving services for all residents, students, and businesses in the area.
A.J. Baynes, CEO & President of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, also praised the initiative: “By upgrading the local infrastructure, this initiative promises to not only facilitate the revitalization of the Boulevard Mall site and the surrounding areas but also tackle the long-standing drainage issues plaguing other parts of the town.”
The Boulevard Mall redevelopment project, supported by Governor Hochul’s $31 million investment, is a beacon of hope for Amherst, setting the stage for a renewed and vibrant community. It stands as a testament to the power of strategic investment in infrastructure, promising a brighter future not just for the mall area but for the entire Town of Amherst.