Assemblyman John Ceretto (R, C. I.-Lewiston), who earlier urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo to include Niagara University in the state's START-UP NY program , announced on Monday that his alma mater has been granted eligibility to designate portions of its campus as tax-free zones for businesses that relocate from another state.
In a statement, Ceretto said "I have seen firsthand the positive impact the school has on the community and the local economy and now I look forward to the potential of seeing several new businesses flourish as a result of this [START-UP] program, which is another step in helping our region unlock its full economic potential."
Ceretto added that under its proposal, Niagara University will designate 9,409 square feet in DePaul Hall and 15,000 square feet of development-ready land on the southeastern quadrant of campus as tax free zones for businesses.
Eligible businesses looking to receive the tax breaks under the program would have to align with the academic goals of Niagara University and provide an economic benefit to the region, added the Lewiston lawmaker who earlier had written a letter to the governor urging his support of the designation.
Ceretto added that he had very positive conversations with the governor in his efforts to win the designation for Niagara University, describing Cuomo as very supportive of ongoing local development efforts in addition to his Buffalo Billion initiative.