The citizens of Lyons and anyone passing through the former village area of town have been noticing fencing, cranes, and dirt being moved.
Without a lot of fanfare, over the last five years, the Wayne County Land Bank has been devising a plan for redevelopment and renovation, and some demolition of buildings in Lyons.
When Mark started really visualizing a space for those underserved in the community, “It hit me like a ton of bricks. Land could be acquired for the Land Bank to create an opportunity to transform this neighborhood in Lyons; in part with Land Bank Initiative funding. “When the Board picked my replacement at the Land Bank back in 2023, I knew Kaleigh Flynn could see that vision also. She is so capable and motivated”.
“The time is now, we have the plans and funds in place, and we will be realistic, moving forward without high expectations, but very promising commitments to getting the job done right.”
Meeting last week with Humbert, Kaleigh Flynn (the current Land Bank Director) and Lyons Town Supervisor Jim Brady, the excitement was palpable.
“We would like to make this area the Gateway to the Eastside of the County,” said former director of the Land Bank, and current interim County Administrator Mark Humbert.
The Town of Lyons is very involved with grants for many projects within town, and this development plan will feed on some of those funds, as well as grants from Restore NY and Northern Borders. Some grants are already awarded and waiting for use and reimbursement.
Humbert noted that the County has not been asked to contribute to the Lyons project, but are very supportive of the plan.
The purpose of this Plan is to establish a strategy for the Wayne County Regional Land Bank Corporation to address the needs and concerns of its residents, through demolition and redevelopment. Areas of demolition/reconstruction are in the Canal Street, Clyde Road and Geneva Street areas.
Sites for the Canal Street Redevelopment Plan include: 42 & 46 Canal Street, Lyons: Controlled demolition; 52-54 Canal Street, Lyons: Abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) to prepare for renovations; 58-66 Canal Street, Lyons: Controlled demolition; 67-69 Canal Street, Lyons: Controlled demolition; 78 Canal Street, Lyons: Abatement of ACM and demolition; 80 Canal Street, Lyons: Controlled demolition; 88 Canal Street, Lyons: Abatement of ACM and demolition; 24 Church Street, Lyons: Abatement of ACM to prepare for renovations. Phase One is partially funded by an $800,000 Brownfield Multipurpose Grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Land Bank ain 2023.
This plan outlines how the Land Bank will continue to involve and inform potentially affected residents and local stakeholders in the decision-making process regarding the environmental cleanup activities.
The Town of Lyons and the Land Bank have taken the lead to “get the ball rolling!”
“Over the last five years, during my directorship and Kayleigh’s (at the County Land Bank), we have always considered the town’s needs and the best areas for redevelopment. “The plan is to allow for facilities to serve the elderly, disabled, veterans, ans provide health care, day care, all in a safe and centrally located space. I feel we now have that neighborhood,” said Mark.
Kaleigh reported that there are 12 parcels in this area of town, acquired by the Land Bank through purchase and acquistion through foreclosures.
Phase One, which has already begun after an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) assessment of the environment (looking for asbestos, gas tank underground, historic considerations, etc.) was completed. Kaleigh encouragingly stated that RFPs (Request for Proposals) will be going out to potential developers within two months.
A committee will be selected in the Spring to address the timeline, then artist renderings and design work will follow. The plan is for residential (senior housing), health and care facilities and mixed use commercial development. All the development in this area will be surrounded by two schools, safe lighting, and water/sewer.
“The area will be safe and well lit, and the facilities here will be walkable distance to grocery, pharmacy, shopping and entertainment,” said an enthusiastic Lyons Town Supervisor Jim Brady. Brady stated that the first thing that had to occur to run with the program was for the Town of Lyons of complete a Comprehensive Plan. That was completed in 2021 and led to the grant applications being sent.
A host of significant grant support from NYS Empire State Development, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, EPA, and Northern Borders Regional Commission have made the implementation of the redevelopment of Canal Street possible; with additional funding opportunities applied for.
Brady broke down some of the other projects underway in Lyons as well, including: $12.1 million for the Leach Road Bridge Project, $1 million for sidewalk replacements, a $3 millionDOT (Department of Transportation) Rt. 14 Pavement Project (Phelps St.), $3.2 million deck replacement for Rt. 14 bridge over CSX, and more.
Brady broke down some of the other projects underway in Lyons as well, including: $12.1 million for the Leach Road Bridge Project, $1 million for sidewalk replacements, a $3 millionDOT (Department of Transportation) Rt. 14 Pavement Project (Phelps St.), $3.2 million deck replacement for Rt. 14 bridge over CSX, and more.
Flynn believes this localized and planned renovation project could attract more people to Lyons and bring other developments to the area in the future.
“If we were able to attract services including healthcare, daycare, and some additional programming to bring jobs to the area, it will assist with patronizing the other local businesses,” Flynn said.
by Patti Holdraker
