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 last two projects, the South Union Street Gateway Corridor and Walkable Olean Phase III East State Street Streetscape Improvement, conclude a series of nine public and private efforts funded through the DRI program.
Governor Hochul said, “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.”
Improvements on East State Street included new crosswalks, bump-outs at crossings, a landscaped median near the Olean Municipal Building, a traffic circle at Barry Street, and a new pedestrian and bicycle path connecting key locations such as Lincoln Park with regional trails and parks. On South Union Street, enhancements featured a traffic circle at Green Street, additional bump-outs at crossings, and an extended pedestrian and bicycle path reaching Franchot Park.
These latest changes follow previous work along North Union Street where vehicle lanes were replaced with bike lanes and rain gardens; traffic circles and medians were installed; crosswalks improved; wayfinding signage added; and new seating areas created. These collective efforts are part of Olean’s “Walkable Olean” plan to make the city more accessible for pedestrians.
Olean was named the Western New York DRI winner in 2017’s second round of awards. Other regional winners include Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, North Tonawanda, Dunkirk, Tonawanda, and Cattaraugus.
The city’s strategic plan focused on enhancing downtown’s appeal for residents and visitors while encouraging economic growth. Goals included making downtown green and beautiful; lively and prosperous; livable; creative; fun; connected; and walkable.
Among other completed DRI projects in Olean:
– The Historic Manny Hanny Building was redeveloped for market-rate apartments, event space, office space, and commercial uses.
– The former Carnegie Library Building underwent renovations to improve facilities for events.
– Oak Hill Park received upgrades including a dog park, pickleball courts, performing arts stage, and picnic area.
– A permanent home was established for the African American Center for Cultural Development with accessibility improvements.
– Renovations finished on historic row buildings at 319–321 North Union Street to support commercial tenants.
– The Olean Revitalization Fund supported 29 small business improvement projects.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley stated: “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… This achievement reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to making New York’s communities more affordable…”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented: “Residents and visitors are seeing the benefits of the completed DRI projects in Olean… I thank and congratulate all our Olean partners for their smart planning… which is attracting new businesses.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said: “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative exemplifies how strategic state investments can breathe new life into communities… By completing all nine projects… Olean has preserved its rich heritage while fostering economic growth… This success story is an example for communities statewide…”
Mayor William Aiello noted: “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative gave the city… an opportunity to think big… Oak Hill Park was rejuvenated; buildings were restored… roads were upgraded… My gratitude extends to the employees of New York Department of State… Empire State Development… Department of Homes and Community Renewal all of whom helped the city achieve its goal…”
State Senator George Borrello said: “Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative has transformed the heart of our community… creating a more walkable… downtown that will enhance quality of life…”
Assemblymember Joe Sempolinski added: “I am so proud to represent the City of Olean… Therefore a renaissance of Olean’s downtown is not just of benefit to Olean but to the entire region…”
In this year’s enacted budget (FY2025), cities must now hold “Pro-Housing Community” certification to access discretionary state programs like DRI or NY Forward. Certified municipalities—including Olean—have exclusive access to up to $750 million in funding for infrastructure needed for housing development.
Launched in 2016 by New York State’s Department of State in partnership with agencies such as Housing & Community Renewal (HCR) and Empire State Development (ESD), the DRI aims to boost revitalization across ten regions by combining planning with immediate action. Since inception more than $1.2 billion has been awarded through DRI or NY Forward programs across 151 communities.
