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
| 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
Commitment & Disbursement of BMSI Funds
Property Maintenance Declaration
| Declaration Instructions |
| Property Maintenance Declaration |
Environmental 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 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.
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Buffalo Main Street Tool Kit
Administrative tool kit for Buffalo Main Streets Initiative (BMSI) local program administrators.
Download
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Buffalo Main Streets Initiative Toolkit - All Documents as Zipfile
Download All Documents as a Zipfile
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Tool Kit
Program Marketing Materials
| Meeting Invitation |
| Marketing for Application |
| Award Letter |
| Sample Commitment Letter |
Application Package
| BMSI Program Requirements for Applicants |
| Application Form |
| Checklist for Application Paperwork |
Project Evaluation & Selection Tools
| Draft Review and Selection Criteria |
| Draft Project Scoring Spreadsheet |
Procurement/Bid Documents
| Architect Request for Qualifications |
| Contractor Request for Qualifications |
| Project Bid Results Worksheet |
Construction Forms
| Contractor Proposal & Agreement with Owner |
| Pre-Construction Meeting |
| Notice to Proceed |
| Site Inspection Form |
| Change Order |
| Construction Completion |
| Contractor Affidavit & Release of Liens |
Draft Policy Templates
| Draft By-laws Template |
| Draft Conflict of Interest Policy |
| Draft Supplemental Administrative Procedures |