City and state leaders gathered recently to celebrate the completion of Olean’s eight-year, $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, marking the end of a transformation project that officials say has reshaped the city’s core into a more vibrant, walkable downtown.
The reaction on social media didn’t take on the same celebratory tone.
The project included new sidewalks, landscaped medians, public art, and improved access between neighborhoods, businesses, and parks.
Signs of progress, but what does Olean really have to show for it today, some pondered.
Officials Celebrate a Vision Realized
The ceremony, attended by local officials and state representatives, highlighted the nine major projects completed through the DRI program, including the restoration of the historic Manny Hanny Building, upgrades to Oak Hill Park, façade improvements to dozens of downtown buildings, and the creation of safer, more pedestrian-friendly streets.
The effort was part of a broader New York State initiative launched in 2017 to reinvigorate downtowns in small cities across the state.
Senator George Borrello, in a post on Facebook, praised the collaboration between government, businesses, and residents, saying the results reflect “what community pride and persistence can achieve.”
In an announcement shared by Governor Kathy Hochul, she and a wide-range of political leaders praised the initiative.
Criticism on Social Media
But on social media, reaction to the milestone was sharply divided.
Under congratulatory posts from Borrello and local news outlets such as WGRZ in Buffalo, many residents voiced frustration or skepticism about the city’s direction.
“I used to walk Olean all the time before the roundabout,” wrote Dalton Tobola. “Now the sidewalks are bigger than the roads and it’s bumper to bumper all the way down Main Street.”
Cait Williams echoed similar concerns, saying she avoids the area now, citing safety and homelessness issues downtown.
Some residents argued that the improvements don’t address deeper problems.
“You would be hard pressed to find many people living in Olean who feel their quality of life has improved over the past decade,” wrote Derrick Askey.
“Throwing millions into this facelift has done nothing to help with the real problems.”
Jesse Green was even more blunt: “I’d rather have investments in good-paying jobs than an aesthetic Olean that will be in disrepair within ten years.”
Praise from Supporters
Others pushed back on the negativity.
“Downtown Olean looks beautiful and I love the roundabouts,” said Kathy Elniskey Gattuso. “I’m 75 years old and have no problem getting through them. Maybe if you do, take the side streets.”
She added that empty storefronts are a national issue tied to online shopping, not local design.
Others celebrated the outcome.
“Was just there last weekend — what an improvement from a few years ago,” commented Rich Andres.
“Love the new downtown area!” added Joey Blazin Lasers.
“It looks so much nicer driving down Union,” wrote Lynn Magnolia. “Big improvement.”
Those from nearby communities also joined in the praise.
“Congratulations to our neighbors in Olean,” wrote Anthony Nagel of the Village of Cattaraugus. “We’re proud to be next in line — ready to channel our DRI award into the same spirit of progress and community renewal.”
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on years of construction, Olean’s downtown stands as both a symbol of civic investment and a flashpoint for public debate.
This is proof again that even in small cities, revitalization can inspire pride, frustration, and everything in between.
City officials say the completion of the DRI is not the end of Olean’s renewal.
With the groundwork now laid, the focus shifts toward attracting more private development, filling downtown storefronts, and maintaining the city’s new public spaces.
“By completing these projects,” Hochul said, “the city has built a downtown that is vibrant, accessible and full of possibility, setting an example for other communities across New York State.”
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