Buffalo Main Street

Buffalo Main Streets Initiative

Revitalizing Buffalo's Main Streets

Overview

The Buffalo Main Street Initiative was modeled on HCR's New York Main Street program and is part of the Buffalo Billion's Better Buffalo Fund. The Better Buffalo Fund dedicated $40 million to support projects that enhance the development of vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods, encourage density and growth along transportation corridors, and revitalize commercial corridors in the City of Buffalo. HCR has partnered with Empire State Development to administer this program. 

Forms and Documents

 General Grant Administration
 General Grant Administration
NYMS Program Guide
BMSI Administrative Plan Sample
Template LPA & Property Owner Grant Agreement
Property Photo Release Form
HTFC HCR Returned Funds Coversheet
EEO, M/WBE & SDVOB 
EEO, M/WBE & SDVOB 
Contractor Bid Solicitation Plan
MWBE & EEO Template Policy Statement
Bid Solicitation Log
Good Faith Efforts Guide
Certification of Good Faith Efforts Form (CONST-$)
Affirmation of Income Payment of MBE/WBE or SDVOB (CONST-#)
 
 Commitment & Disbursement of BMSI Funds
Commitment & Disbursement of BMSI Funds
Commitment & Disbursement Procedures
Designation of Depository for Direct Deposit of Funds Form
Authorized Signature Form
Project Setup/Completion Form
Disbursement Request Form
Project Detail Sheet
Administrative Funds Detail Sheet
Project Commitment Log
 Property Maintenance Declaration
 Property Maintenance Declaration
Declaration Instructions
Property Maintenance Declaration
Environmental Review 
Environmental Review 
Environmental Compliance Handbook
Environmental Review Program Description Form
Environmental Compliance Checklist
Lead Based Paint Procedures Recorded Webinar (Approx. 1 hour)
Lead Based Paint Procedures Presentation
State Historic Preservation Office Review 
State Historic Preservation Office Review 
SHPO Electronic Project Submission Guide
Project Review Cover Form
SHPO Transmittal Letter
Historic Resource Inventory Form
File Maintenance 
File Maintenance 
File Maintenance Checklist 1 - General Program Files
File Maintenance Checklist 2 - Project/Building Files

 

Program Guidelines

The BMSI promotes economic development and historic preservation through comprehensive renovation projects. BMSI funds are not intended to address only minor repairs and deferred maintenance.

Completed project applications are reviewed by an independent committee of neighborhood stakeholders and scored against an objective set of criteria based upon the design and appropriateness of each project. Feasible and eligible projects are funded based on their total score, beginning with the highest score and moving down the list until all funding is awarded.

Application materials are under the Forms section on this page. 

Tool Kit

Administrative tool kit for Buffalo Main Streets Initiative (BMSI) local program administrators.

Tool Kit