ALBION — Village officials took a significant step Wednesday night toward revitalizing the downtown business district, agreeing to sponsor a grant application targeting 11 long-vacant properties for redevelopment. During a special meeting on May 15, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted Resolution 2024-19. The resolution allows the village to apply for Round 8 of the Restore NY Communities Initiative Municipal Grant Program, a state-funded program designed to spur economic development and revitalize blighted structures. If the application is successful, the funding would facilitate the rehabilitation of roughly 100,000 square feet of currently unused space spread across downtown Albion. The application lists specific properties on Main Street, East Bank Street, and North Liberty Street. The sites range from 1,860 square feet to over 21,000 square feet, with most listed currently as "vacant mixed-use" or "vacant commercial." The targeted properties include: - **10 N. Main Street** (6,270 sq. ft.) - **12 E. Bank Street** (5,225 sq. ft.) - **18 N. Main Street** (19,600 sq. ft.) - **24/28 E. Bank Street** (21,900 sq. ft.) - **25/27 E. Bank Street** (1,860 sq. ft.) - **114 N. Main Street** (9,828 sq. ft.) - **116 N. Liberty Street** (14,250 sq. ft.) - **117 N. Liberty Street** (6,960 sq. ft.) - **118 N. Main Street** (7,000 sq. ft.) - **132 N. Main Street** (5,984 sq. ft.) - **138/140 N. Main Street** (6,932 sq. ft.) According to the resolution, the goal is to transform these vacant shells into active commercial spaces and affordable housing units. The proposal argues that the project aligns with local comprehensive plans and will promote the efficient use of public resources while preserving the community's architectural heritage. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley presided over the meeting, as Mayor Angel Javier Jr. was absent. Trustees William Gabalski and Timothy McMurray were present. The board emphasized in the resolution that this redevelopment is critical for attracting and sustaining employment opportunities in the village. The grant application will be submitted to the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). As the municipal sponsor, the Village Board is authorized to administer the grant funds if awarded. Mayor Javier is authorized to sign the necessary application documents and agreements. In other business, the board addressed immediate infrastructure needs for the Department of Public Works (DPW). Trustees approved a request from Jay Pahura, DPW Superintendent, to purchase a new stand-up mower from Niagara Frontier Equipment. The cost of $9,065.26 will be drawn from the village’s Equipment Reserves. The board also approved a budget adjustment to increase the appropriate line item to accommodate the expense. To facilitate end-of-year financial housekeeping, the board voted to allow the Village Clerk to pay bills and invoices on May 22, 2024. The meeting moved into executive session at 6:24 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and adjourned shortly after returning to open session at 7:02 p.m. While the Restore NY application is just the first step in a competitive grant process, the selection of these 11 properties signals the village’s intent to aggressively tackle downtown vacancy and preserve its 19th-century streetscape.