Area projects get additional funding – observertoday.com

Oct 31, 2025
Pictured is the Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing rendering for the project at 166 E. 4th St.

Two housing projects that have been in discussion for years in Chautauqua County are getting additional funding for infrastructure.
A $1 million grant has been awarded through the New York State Empire State Development County Infrastructure Grant Program. This funding will be used to advance two transformative housing and infrastructure projects – one in Dunkirk and the other in Westfield – that are designed to strengthen communities, expand housing opportunities, and support economic growth across the county.
The grant funds will be allocated as follows:
– $200,000 will support infrastructure costs to relocate sewer infrastructure for the Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing housing development project in the city of Dunkirk. This project, being implemented by Regan Development, will create 78 new housing units and help address a critical need for modern, high-quality housing options along the Lake Erie waterfront.
– $800,000 will support infrastructure improvements for the Welch’s Building redevelopment project in the village of Westfield, being implemented by Samuel Savarino. The funding will go toward electrical service upgrades, underground vault seal-offs, sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting improvements to facilitate the creation of 46 new housing units in the heart of Westfield’s downtown district.
Pictured is the Welch’s Building rendering.
HOMESTEADS AT DUNKIRK
Back in January, 2024 Regan Development Corp. met with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency where they revealed plans to construct two housing units in Dunkirk – one on Washington Avenue and the other on East Fourth Street.
One project called for the purchase and demolition of 208-214 Washington Ave. as well as 220 Washington Ave, where Paradis Fencing and Flag had been located. This apartment complex would have 30 units.
The second apartment complex would be placed at 160-164 E. Fourth St. A strip plaza would be partially torn down. That is the site of the former Family Dollar and the former Veterans Affairs clinic. Within the last few years, Family Dollar moved from the end plaza to next door to Save A-Lot.
This apartment complex would have 48 units in it.
It would also include 16 units with supportive services for veterans with disabilities and commercial space intended for a childcare facility.
When they were first announced it was stated that the goal was to have employed people living there. The locations were chosen so residents would have the ability to walk to work if needed or desired.
WELCH’S BUILDING REDEVELOPMENT
2 Portage, LLC which is owned by Savarino Cos., took possession of the former Welch building in 2023 after getting a loan from the county IDA. The plan is for the historic building to be transformed into a senior living facility.
The building will include 46 mixed-income residential units, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments that range from 500 to 1,200 square feet. There will also be 3,700 square feet of commercial space located at the corner of Portage Road and Main Street, targeted for various tenants such as food and beverage or retail stores, as well as other services.
“Attractive, right-sized housing for individual or family needs is crucial toward retaining and rebuilding the local economy. Although many exquisite, well-built homes exist in and around the Village of Westfield, certain housing and job seekers desire modern, ready-to-live in apartment space. This much-needed housing will also attract those who wish to live in a downtown walkable community, which supports and sustains local restaurants, small businesses, and fosters capacity for new entrepreneurial endeavors,” county IDA Director Mark Geise said earlier this summer in an interview.
Both the Dunkirk and Westfield projects have had timelines shift, with both originally saying they wanted to start this year.
No new timeline for construction was provided in Thursday’s announcement.
Still, county officials noted these investments build upon the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance public infrastructure, revitalize downtowns, and expand housing options that meet the needs of residents and employers alike. Both projects represent significant partnerships between the public and private sectors, leveraging state resources to spur long-term community and economic benefits.
“This investment is a win for our residents, our communities, and our future. Strengthening housing and infrastructure is critical to keeping Chautauqua County competitive and livable,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County executive. “These projects will not only create quality homes for our residents but also support local jobs and economic development. I’m proud of the partnerships that made this possible and grateful to New York State for recognizing the importance of investing in Chautauqua County’s growth.”
“This funding award gets two very important housing projects over the finish line, and enables the County to get one step closer to meeting the housing needs of the community,” Geise said. “It is common knowledge that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of open job positions throughout the County; however, without a stock of clean, efficient, and modern housing, the process of attracting talent to fill these jobs is made even more challenging. I applaud the efforts of Rebecca Wurster, County Planning Coordinator, for her hard work in getting this done.”
The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development will oversee the implementation of the grant in coordination with project partners to ensure the effective and timely use of funds.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is partnering with the Cornell Waste Management Institute, Western NY Crop …
Both county and state leaders are expressing concerns about the possibility of the Supplemental Nutrition …

Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of New York, Inc. | https://www.observertoday.com | PO Box 391, Dunkirk, NY 14048 | 716-366-3000

source