Albany, NY – January 28, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – DHCR’s Office of Community Renewal (OCR) announces the availability of approximately $40 million in NYS Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the 2009 Annual Competitive Round Program and the Open Round Economic Development Programs, and approximately $5 million in New York Main Street (NYMS) funding for the 2009 Round.
NYS CDBG Program
The NYS CDBG program is a federally funded program that provides resources to New York’s smaller communities in order to: ensure decent, affordable housing; foster economic opportunities that create and/or retain permanent jobs and expand business opportunities; implement a variety of community development activities; and to provide improved community facilities and services. NYS must ensure that at least 70% of its CDBG funds are used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income New Yorkers
Applications for the NYS CDBG Annual Competitive Round are available on the websites of the Office of Community Renewal, www.nysocr.org and the DHCR, www.nysdhcr.gov. Applications must be postmarked by April 24, 2009 and should be sent to: Office of Community Renewal, Hampton Plaza, 38-40 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Applications may also be hand-delivered to this address by 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2009.
Applicants for the NYS CDBG Economic Development Program must complete a project inquiry form to determine if the proposed use meets NYS CDBG goals and objectives and OCR program requirements. Upon a positive initial determination, applicants will be invited to submit an application for funding. Forms are available at www.nysoc.org and interested communities should contact OCR economic development staff at (518) 474-2057
NY Main Street Program
The New York Main Street Program (NYMS) provides resources for the purpose of assisting New York’s communities with their Main Street and downtown revitalization efforts. NYMS makes funds available to stimulate reinvestment in properties located within mixed-use commercial districts within New York’s communities and neighborhoods.
Organizations incorporated under the NYS Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, which include community-based organizations, Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Companies, and other similar entities that have been providing relevant service to the community for at least one year prior to application. Funded applicants will act as a Local Program Administrator (LPA). Property Owners located in designated Main Street districts will apply to successful LPA’s for funding of individual projects.
Applications are available on DHCR’s website at www.nysdhcr.gov. Applications should be filed electronically using the Community Development Web Application System, CDOL and be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2009.
The Office of Community Renewal operates under the direction of the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC). HTFC contracts with the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to administer the Corporation’s activities and manage its affairs.
Questions concerning the NYS CDBG or New York Main Street Programs should be directed to OCR at 518-474-2057.
