NEW DORP BEACH — Stores that have stood empty on Staten Island since Hurricane Sandy may be occupied again thanks to a government grant program.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $400,000 "Race for Space" initiative this week to encourage new businesses to open up in stores damaged or left vacant by the storm.
“Superstorm Sandy devastated the East Shore of Staten Island in unimaginable ways, destroying homes and businesses in its path,” Cuomo said in a press release.
“This program is a step toward bringing life back to now-deserted commercial spaces, thereby leading to renewed economic activity and jobs that are much needed in these communities.”
The program, developed by the Staten Island NY Rising Community Reconstruction (NYRCR) Planning Committee, will give owners small grants if they open at vacant storefronts in selected corridors, which include sections of Ebbits Street, Midland Avenue, Sand Lane and Father Capodanno Boulevard.
"We've seen how supporting local businesses can help revitalize entire communities, and few places need that support more than Staten Island's East Shore,” de Blasio said in a release.
The city awarded $425,000 to nine new businesses, which included a brewery, a restaurant, a gym and a grocery store.
With dozens of stores on the East Shore also damaged or forced to close because of lost business, the NYRCR developed the plan with the community to recreate the program to revitalize that area too, according to the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR).
“Staten Island’s beaches are the hidden jewels of New York City, but sadly they are underutilized and largely unknown," said Linda Baran, CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and NYCRC planning member, in a statement.
"There is tremendous opportunity in these neighborhoods and the Race for Space Competition is a model that can jumpstart revitalization and give a much needed boost to the East Shore."
The governor's office is working with the city to develop a framework for the competition, including eligibility rules, and will announce more details in several months.
