City seeks funding for Hostel Buffalo-Niagara

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski and the City of Buffalo are looking to obtain millions in state funding to help rehabilitate a building that once served as a hostel in the Theatre District.

The announcement comes eight months after the City of Buffalo shut down the building. In April, the city cut power to the hostel, ordering it to cease all operations due to unsafe conditions.

The city claimed an inspector and National Grid walkthrough of the building revealed there was a major electrical hazard that put the building in “imminent danger.”

Now, Nowakowski tells WIVB News 4 there is an active resolution for the city to apply for $2 million.

The New York State Empire State Development administers the Restore New York grant program, which provides financial assistance for the revitalization of urban centers. It does so by eliminating and redeveloping blighted structures and attracting residents through the redevelopment of properties.

According to Nowakowski, the building has already received $1.2 million from the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency for stabilization. Construction has been underway fixing a number of issues including the back of the building, the roof, windows, as well as improving the fire alarm system.

Nowakowski said he is unsure if the hostel will return to the building, but that's what he would like to see happen.

"The first is securing the funding, the second is rehabbing the structure," Nowakowski said. "I potentially would like to see the hostel return there because of the cultural attraction that the hostel provides to downtown Buffalo in the Theatre District."

Nowakowski says he is confident the city will be able to obtain the funding needed since their application is "quite impressive."

All applications are due by Dec. 20.

This is on the agenda for a vote at the Buffalo Common Council meeting on Dec. 10. It will then be opened up to public comment.