The City of Olean has completed its final projects under New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The completion of the South Union Street Gateway Corridor and Walkable Olean Phase III East State Street Streetscape Improvement projects marks the end of all nine public and private projects funded by the DRI in Olean.
Governor Hochul stated, “The completion of Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative shows how targeted investments and community-driven collaboration can transform a downtown. By completing these projects, the city has built a downtown that is vibrant, accessible and full of possibility, setting an example for other communities across New York State.”
The recent projects focused on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, adding traffic calming measures, and enhancing the streetscape with new trees and plantings. On East State Street, the city installed additional crosswalks, bump-outs at crossings, a landscaped median, a traffic circle at Barry Street, and a new pedestrian and bicycle path connecting downtown to local parks and trails. On South Union Street, a traffic circle was added at Green Street, bump-outs were constructed at crossings, and the pedestrian and bicycle path was extended to Franchot Park, linking neighborhoods with shopping and recreation areas.
These efforts build on earlier improvements along North Union Street, where the city replaced traffic lanes with bike lanes and rain gardens, installed traffic circles and a landscaped median, improved crosswalks, added wayfinding signage, and created new seating areas. Collectively, these initiatives are part of Olean’s “Walkable Olean” plan to make the city more accessible and pedestrian-friendly.
Olean was named the Western New York DRI winner in 2017 as part of the program’s second round. The city’s DRI Strategic Investment Plan aimed to strengthen downtown’s appeal for residents, workers, and visitors; increase economic activity; attract private investment; and create a desirable place to live and work. The plan focused on making downtown green, lively, livable, creative, and connected.
Beyond over $5.5 million in streetscape work, several other DRI-funded projects were completed in Olean. These include redeveloping the historic Manny Hanny Building into apartments and commercial space; renovating the former Carnegie Library Building and Inn; upgrading Oak Hill Park with new amenities; establishing a permanent home for the African American Center for Cultural Development; finishing renovations of historic row buildings; and supporting 29 small commercial improvement projects through the Olean Revitalization Fund.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley commented, “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative has reimagined the city’s core as a dynamic destination where people want to live, work and gather. By completing every project funded through the DRI, Olean has turned local ideas into lasting progress, revitalizing its downtown, strengthening small businesses and creating a more walkable city center. This achievement reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to making New York’s communities more affordable, enjoyable and full of possibility for the people who call them home.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Residents and visitors are seeing the benefits of the completed DRI projects in Olean, as new streetscapes and mixed-use projects come to life. Governor Hochul has spent time in all the DRI communities and knows firsthand the importance of investing resources directly into municipalities to support balanced, impactful growth. I thank and congratulate all our Olean partners for their smart planning and execution which is attracting new businesses and spurring additional private investment.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas stated, “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative exemplifies how strategic state investments can breathe new life into communities, creating vibrant, walkable downtowns where families thrive. By completing all nine projects, including the creation of new housing at the Historic Manny Hanny Building, Olean has preserved its rich heritage while fostering economic growth and inclusive public spaces. This success story is an example for communities statewide, proving that with Governor Hochul’s vision, communities across the Empire State can create downtowns that are green, lively and full of opportunity.”
City of Olean Mayor William Aiello said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative gave the city, working with our residents, an opportunity to think big and reimagine our business district. It allowed us to both stop the deterioration and invest in the future. Oak Hill Park was rejuvenated; buildings were restored, including the long abandoned former Manny Hanny Building; roads were upgraded; and Della Moore’s dream of a permanent home for the African American Center for Cultural Development was fulfilled. I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her confidence in Olean and the Olean Common Council for seizing this opportunity and providing the necessary capital for the public projects. My gratitude extends to the employees of New York Department of State, Western New York Empire State Development and New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal all of whom helped the city achieve its goal. Olean’s forward thinking, detail oriented and dedicated Department of Community Development, led by Keri Kerper, deserves a very special thank you. Throughout the process, they remained steadfast and focused on completion. I would also like to thank Olean’s Departments of Public Works, Code Enforcement, Parks, the Auditor and the Assessor’s Office, they all had important roles in the various projects. Finally, I would like to thank all of our residents who served on the DRI Planning Committee, the mission they started in the Fall of 2017 is now complete.”
State Senator George Borrello said, “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative has transformed the heart of our community, creating a more walkable, welcoming downtown that will enhance quality of life, support small businesses, and attract new investment. This achievement reflects the pride, hard work, and resilience of the people of Olean, who have never stopped believing in their city’s potential. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her partnership and support of these investments, and Olean’s local elected and civic leaders for their dedication in shaping this vision for the future.”
Assemblymember Joe Sempolinski added, “I am so proud to represent the City of Olean. It is the largest community in the 148th Assembly District and a major economic center for the Southern Tier. Therefore, a renaissance of Olean’s downtown is not just of benefit to Olean but to the entire region. I look forward to a bright future for Olean and congratulate all involved in completing these important projects.”
In the FY2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul made it a requirement for municipalities to obtain a “Pro-Housing Community” designation to access certain state discretionary programs such as DRI and NY Forward. Municipalities with this certification have exclusive access to up to $750 million in state funding for critical infrastructure projects like sewer and water upgrades. Over 350 municipalities across New York State have received Pro-Housing certification so far, including Olean.
The DRI was launched in 2016 to support revitalization efforts in downtowns across all 10 regions of New York State. The program is led by the Department of State with technical assistance from other state agencies. Since its inception, $1.2 billion has been awarded to 151 communities through DRI and NY Forward programs.
