Route 62-Main Street Project (2010 LGAA)

Village of Hamburg (Winner)
County: Erie County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
Village Hall: (716) 649-0200

This project involved road reconstruction and downtown revitalization through the two main streets of the business district in the Village of Hamburg. The New York State Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Village and its residents, developed a project scope that included pavement replacement, new sewer and water lines, drainage, streetscape improvements, curbs, sidewalks, street trees, street lighting, parking, and the reconstruction of a centrally located park. Through the assistance of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), building interiors and facades were rehabilitated to address disinvestment in and deterioration of the downtown.

Innovations included incorporating pedestrian focus and traffic calming to create a distinctive, attractive central business district with a strong sense of place. This was achieved through the use of roundabouts at intersections, narrow driving lanes, street parking with raised curb extensions, tree and decorative lighting, streetscape amenities, and high visibility crosswalks. The project created safer streets by improving traffic flow, lowering vehicle speeds, and establishing clearly marked crosswalks, leading to a significant reduction in accidents, thereby establishing a "walkable" community. Additionally, air quality was improved due to reduced vehicle emissions. Through the adoption of building design standards and implementation of facade and infrastructure improvement programs, some of the Village's most historic resources were preserved, affordable housing opportunities expanded, and an attractive business district was created.

Additionally, local property owners have committed to invest over $3.1 million in building rehabilitation. Over 30 businesses plan to improve/expand their businesses with the potential for creating 100 new jobs in the area. The positive participatory experience of the Village's project has led the DHCR to use the Village as an example of "Best Practices" for the Main Street Grant program. It has increased pedestrian traffic, increased sales tax revenue, created a demand for commercial space and increased property values while providing income for property and business owners and workers, thereby making the Village a more viable and sustainable community.