FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Contact: Dennis Kozuch

September 23, 2009                                                                     716-826-3344

NHS OF SOUTH BUFFALO, INC, SENATOR STACHOWSKI, AND LEGISLATOR KENNEDY ANNOUNCE GRANT FOR BUSINESSES ON SOUTH PARK AVENUE

            On Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Executive Director Shyrl Duderwick of Neighborhood Housing Services of South Buffalo, Inc. (NHS), Senator Bill Stachowski, and Legislator Tim Kennedy gathered to announce a grant in the amount of $50,000 under the Legislative Initiative program for the facade improvement of businesses along South Park Avenue. The aggressive revitalization program, spearheaded by Legislator Kennedy, led Senator Stachowski to obtain additional state funds aimed at enhancing the renovations that have already begun on South Park Avenue by augmenting the economic viability and attractiveness of the business community in this area.

            Designed to complement the ongoing South Park Revitalization Project, these funds will be distributed through NHS to businesses selected through an application process and based upon a match-grant system. Businesses interested in applying for these awards will need to demonstrate, in their application, the amount of money they will be willing to spend specifically on façade renovations and improvements. Following today’s presentation, business owners will be notified of their eligibility for these awards and will have until Friday, November 20^th to submit their applications to NHS, at which time a selection process will begin based on the strength of the application.

            “Small businesses are the lifeblood of New York’s economy and this investment of state dollars will help these entrepreneurs in drawing new customers to their stores” explained Senator Stachowski, the Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee. “Tim Kennedy and Shyrl Duderwick have been tireless in their effort to bring vitality back to this business strip, and I’m glad to partner with them in this effort. I expect to see real results in the very near future.”

            “I want to thank Senator Bill Stachowski for his continued commitment to the revitalization of South Park Avenue,” stated Legislator Kennedy, whose office is leading the reconstruction efforts on the business strip. “These funds will go a long way to enhancing the building facades of many businesses on South Park Avenue, which will improve the look and feel of the commercial strip, adding to our overall collective vision of making this one of the most welcoming commercial districts in Western New York.”