Capital Region Land Bank Wins $200,000 State Grant to Improve Homes in Rotterdam Junction
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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release
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Contact: Joe McQueen
518-388-4772
Schenectady, N.Y., April 20, 2017 — The Capital Region Land Bank has received a $200,000 grant from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation. The funding is to be used to help the Land Bank improve four owner occupied homes in the Town of Rotterdam — with a special focus on Rotterdam Junction.
“We thank Governor Cuomo and the NYS Homes and Community Renewal for this grant that will help us to assist homeowners in Rotterdam Junction improve their properties. This area was heavily impacted by Hurricane Irene and this grant will help us renovate homes, which is core to the mission of the Land Bank,” said Richard Ruzzo, Chairman of the Capital Region Land Bank and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature.
“We commend the Land Bank for obtaining this grant funding that will help the residents of Rotterdam Junction continue their recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Our partnership with the Land Bank previously helped clean up two other abandoned properties in Rotterdam Junction. We are committed to doing all that we can to continue our efforts to improve our neighborhoods.”
The Capital Region Land Bank will work closely with the Community Land Trust of Schenectady to implement the new funding. The Community Land Trust was formed in 1991 to build healthy communities through the creation, stabilization, and preservation of quality long-term affordable housing.
In the past two months, the Land Bank has won grants totaling $2.325 million to help improve neighborhoods in the cities of Schenectady and Amsterdam as well as towns in Schenectady County.
To be eligible to apply for assistance from the new grant program, homeowners must be located in Rotterdam and meet specific income qualifications. Potential applicants should contact the Community Land Trust of Schenectady directly to apply at 518-372-7616.
In Schenectady, the Capital Region Land Bank has partnered with Schenectady County, the City of Schenectady and Metroplex to demolish over 100 blighted buildings while improving dozens of homes and creating high quality housing in City neighborhoods. In Amsterdam, the Land Bank is currently working with the Amsterdam Housing Authority to renovate seven vacant residential properties and demolish blighted property in the City’s East End.
The Capital Region Land Bank serves the City of Schenectady, Schenectady County and the City of Amsterdam. More information about the various Land Bank programs, including listings of homes and side lots for sale may be found at www.capitalregionlandbank.com
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