Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $6 million State grant to support the construction of a new park that will be open to the public in Buffalo’s Larkinville neighborhood, immediately adjacent to Buffalo’s lower east side. Millrace Park will catalyze new development, including residential, retail, restaurant, and hospitality uses. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will administer the grant. The park will be located at 822 Seneca Street (bordered by Seneca, Lord, and Seymour Streets) and slated to open by Fall 2028.
“Investing in such a creative public space like Millrace Park while encouraging private-sector investment in nearby properties is the best of both worlds and exactly the type of project that public and private partners should work together to build,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m pleased to add to the wide range of support for this project, including the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, National Grid, the City of Buffalo and the Zemsky Family.”
Not-for-profit Millrace Park Inc. will own and operate Millrace Park, with amenities including a playground, mini-golf, tetherball, bocce, a tennis court, restroom facilities, a passive lawn, shade structures, and seating.
Looking ahead, the Zemsky family today announced a 15-year plan to invest another $50 million in further Larkinville development, including a few existing buildings they own and various vacant lots.
