Land bank considers Monticello Manor

MONTICELLO, NY — Monticello Manor was formerly a hospital and then it was operated as a adult nursing home when it was ordered closed by the New York State Department of Health. Because of the seriousness of the violation, the state ordered residents to be moved out of the facility within 24 hours.

The Sullivan County Land Bank will be holding a public meeting regarding the building on Monday, November 25th at 6:00 pm in the legislative hearing room.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss an application to the EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant program for the Monticello Manor project and to address any public comments prior to the submittal of the grant application. A draft copy of the application, including an Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives will be available for review at the meeting.

To read the full article via the River Reporter click HERE

Kingston City Land Bank aims to acquire, resell tax-delinquent properties

KINGSTON, N.Y. — The Kingston City Land Bank will begin acquiring 36 city-owned properties with the goal of rehabilitating them and returning them to the city's tax rolls.

"Since we founded the Kingston City Land Bank almost exactly one year ago, we have been working diligently to get all the pieces in place, and I'm thrilled that we are able to move forward at this time," Mayor Steve Noble said in a press release Thursday. "Kingston urgently needs housing stock and this is an important step in the right direction to provide equitable housing in our community."

To read the full article via the Daily Freeman click HERE

Competitive housing market to boost Land Bank properties

Thanks to a shrinking market and higher demand, the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation has had very little trouble selling its properties to new owners.

To read the full article via the Observer click HERE

For first time, see every Syracuse Land Bank house on interactive map

Syracuse, N.Y. – The Greater Syracuse Land Bank has put all of its current and former 1,800 properties on an online map that allows users to search through neighborhoods and streets to see what houses and properties are under the agency’s control.

To read the full article on Syracuse.com click HERE

Broome County Land Bank names new Executive Director

Binghamton, NY – The Broome County Land Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Director.

Following a search and extensive interview process, the Board of Directors has named Jessica M. Nejeschleba of the City of Binghamton as the organization’s next Executive Director.

A native of Vestal and a graduate of Binghamton University’s Master of Public Administration program, Ms. Nejeschleba is currently the Deputy Clerk for the City of Binghamton.

To read the full article from Binghamton Homepage click HERE

How to Fund Land Banks

The number of land banks grew dramatically in the wake of the foreclosure crisis. So has our understanding of how to successfully fund them.

While many former industrial cities and rural communities have struggled with systemic vacancy and abandonment for decades, the 2008 housing crisis wrecked neighborhoods in virtually every corner of the nation. As local and state officials in urban, suburban, and rural areas sought new tools and strategies to stem and reverse the negative impacts of vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties, land banks emerged as a top priority. Eleven states passed land bank legislation between 2009 and 2016, and according to ongoing research by the Center of Community Progress, there are over 170 land banks currently operating in the United States.

To read the full article from Shelterforce click HERE

Albany County land bank moving toward cluster development for bigger impact

Over the past four years, the Albany County Land Bank has amassed nearly 1,000 properties, selling off hundreds of lots and vacant buildings to be revitalized into community gardens or housing. The quasi-government authority now has more then 200 properties in neighborhoods throughout the city of Albany that are ripe for larger development proposals.

To read the full article from the Times Union click HERE

Attorney General Announces $9-Million Assault On New York’s ‘Zombie’ Properties

New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced $9 million in grants from her office to address what’s called “zombie homes” or vacant, abandoned homes across the state. The “Zombies 2.0” program provides funding to municipalities, including Syracuse, Auburn and Utica.

To read the full article from WSKG.org click HERE.

Syracuse sees significant and sustained drop in vacant homes

The City of Syracuse is experiencing significant and sustained declines in vacant housing. Since 2017, the City has seen the number of vacant residential properties drop by 12.3%.

To read the full article from LocalSyr click HERE

Mayor Walsh Reports “Significant and Sustained Decline” in Vacant Housing in Syracuse

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced that the City of Syracuse is experiencing significant and sustained declines in vacant housing. Since 2017, the City has seen the number of vacant residential properties drop by 12.3%.

To read the full story from Urban CNY click HERE

Land bank communities receive grant to fight zombie properties

The Town of Herkimer, the Villages of Herkimer and Ilion, and the City of Oneonta will share a $200,000 grant – with each able to use up to $50,000 – to hire a “Zombie Quarterback” and two codes officers to solely focused on evaluating vacant and abandoned properties.

To read the full Times Ledger article click HERE

Oneonta receives state funds to deal with 'zombie' properties

The city of Oneonta is one of four recipients of a $200,000 grant announced by state Attorney General Letitia James to solve the problem of so-called "zombie properties" — vacant or abandoned homes that are not maintained during a prolonged foreclosure proceeding.

To read the full Daily Star article click HERE

CT cities struggling with blighted properties may look to NY for solution

“The city has a strong cadre of individuals, nonprofits and business leaders working on revitalization — and a land bank that has proved a key tool in that effort. And it's a tool Connecticut cities are seeking to adopt as well.”

To read the full New Times article click HERE

Logo competition for land bank slated

“While the contest is open to amateur and professional designers and artists, GMVLB will make every effort, depending on the quality of the submissions, to include the submission of a student as a prize winner,” said Morawski.

To read the full Leader-Herald article click HERE

Capital Region Land Bank takes on 34 new properties, residents glad

 “The City of Schenectady announced the Capital Region Land Bank has been approved to evaluate 34 abandoned buildings for renovation or demolition.

Of the properties, 21 of them are in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood and six are in the Eastern Avenue neighborhood, in addition to several other properties that were announced for demolition earlier in the month. “

To read the full CBS6 Albany article click HERE

Cattaraugus County Land Bank leaving its mark on neighborhoods

“In less than two years, the Cattaraugus County Land Bank Corporation has begun to make its mark.

It was a little over a year ago when the Land Bank authorized its first demolition of abandoned, blighted buildings.

Earlier this month, the Land Bank Corporation authorized four more buildings on the county’s tax foreclosure list for rehabilitation. Eight more houses — including four in Olean — were targeted for demolition. The properties are transferred to the Land Bank.”

To read the full Orleans Times Herald article click HERE

Schenectady, Land Bank look at future of 34 blighted properties

“Schenectady officials and the Capital Region Land Bank will work together to find a strategy for 34 more blighted properties in the city.

The City Council approved the agreement Monday. There isn’t a large expenditure of funds involved, and the collaboration won’t provide a resolution for the properties, only set a path to demolition or renovation.

But it is seen as another step in continuing a campaign that has seen nearly 200 derelict structures demolished in the city over the last several years.”

To read the full Daily Gazette article click HERE

Town hears update on East Herkimer trailer park

“The residents of the trailer park at 220 Main Road in East Herkimer are now paying rent to the Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank, according to Robert Albrecht, land bank outreach and engagement coordinator.

The land bank was not yet the official owner of the property Albrecht told the Herkimer Town Board during a meeting Monday, but an attorney was working on the deed and he expected it would be finalized soon.”

Read the full Times Telegram article HERE

Land Bank Restores North Tonawanda Home

“The Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. (NORLIC) unveiled a newly restored home on Friday in North Tonawanda. The property was completed in a community revitalization effort. “

To read the full article click HERE

"Celebrating Successes, Inspiring New Achievements" NYLBA Conference 2019

The BENLIC Board and Staff welcome this opportunity to host the annual NYS Land Bank conference. Come and enjoy Buffalo’s Canalside District and waterfront at this most pleasant time of the year!

With nearly 35 land banks Statewide, this event will be an excellent networking and educational opportunity for land bank staff, Board members, legislators and colleagues who interface regularly with New York State Land Banks as a critical community development tool. We look forward to providing inspiration, site visits to witness BENLIC’s recent successes and partnerships in person, and a program of in-depth panel topics to enable each Land Bank to achieve meaningful successes in their respective communities.

REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY CLICK HERE TO GET REGISTERED!