Rotterdam zombie property to be demolished

 long-abandoned "zombie" house in a Rotterdam neighborhood will be coming down, to be replaced by a house to be built by Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County. Schenectady County, the Capital Region Land Bank, and Habitat are working together to coordinate the demolition and replacement of the house at 749 Cramer Ave., at the corner of Denver Street. It has been empty for many years and is subject to county seizure due to unpaid back taxes.

To read the full article via the Daily Gazette click HERE

Open houses on rehabbed Hornell property set for next week

The property was selected by the Steuben County Land Bank Corporation (SCLBC) as part of ongoing efforts to reclaim and rehabilitate abandoned properties. Renovations include a new porch roof, new flooring, walls, kitchen, half bath and windows, lighting and smoke detectors. Other improvements include updates to the home’s full bath and electrical systems. An independent corporation, the land bank was approved by the Steuben Legislature in late April 2017 with funds through the state settlements with the nation’s largest banks over misconduct that contributed to the housing crisis.

To read the full article via the Evening Tribune click HERE

Unanimous passage of 2020 Kingston city budget

The budget also provides $3 million in funding over two years for the city’s land bank. The new agency is charged with taking vacant properties held by the city for unpaid taxes, refurbishing them and marketing them to first time homebuyers. Money included in the spending plan will fund operations and pay to move the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development to a refurbished property on Franklin Street. Noble said the relocation was intended to place the office in the heart of the community it is designed to serve.

To read the full article via Hudson Valley 1 click HERE

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

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

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