Not-For-Profits and Government Agencies Would Be Eligible; Local Match Required
BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 8, 2007 — The New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) today announced a $3 million program to combat blight and help rebuild individual neighborhoods in the City of Buffalo.
The “Block-by-Block” program will offer funding to not-for-profit organizations and municipalities to rebuild and renovate existing housing as part of larger redevelopment plans that could also include improvements of adjoining lots to create, for example, community gardens or green open spaces.
A unique feature of the program is that every grant will be part of a proposal that seeks to revitalize an entire city block in Buffalo. AHC funds cannot be used for demolition or deconstruction, but eligible organizations are encouraged to work with the City of Buffalo and its programs aimed at demolishing unsafe buildings and selling city-owned properties.
AHC grants will be limited to no more than 60% funding for any specific project, requiring applicants to seek at least 40% funding from other sources. Those sources can include government or foundation grants, homeowner down payments or mortgage debt, or the applicants’ own resources. Among the available programs are grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star Program, which is a very active in Buffalo in assisting home repairs.
“The Block-by-Block program is a collaborative effort aimed at transforming neighborhoods and bringing vitality and economic life to city blocks across Buffalo,” said Priscilla Almodovar, President and Chief Executive Officer of AHC. “This initiative brings together State and City government, not-for-profits, lenders and investors to repair homes and transform vacant lots into productive uses. We look forward to partnering with the City of Buffalo and its enterprising not-for-profit sector in this ground-breaking effort.”
Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “This $3 million commitment from the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation will enhance our efforts to eliminate slum and blight, rehabilitate older neighborhoods, enhance access to green space and community gardens, and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I am pleased to be partnering with the AHC, LISC and other agencies to help get this program off the ground in the City of Buffalo, which will complement my Administration’s ongoing efforts to bring stability and long-term viability back to city neighborhoods that have experienced neglect.”
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt of Buffalo said, “I am pleased that I was able to work with the AHC and others to create this pilot project. It is further evidence of the Spitzer administration’s recognition of the severity and uniqueness of the problems confronting Buffalo. Community-created solutions enhancing neighborhoods block-by-block will create a solid foundation to rebuild and revitalize Buffalo.”
Michael K. Clarke, Program Director of Buffalo chapter of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), said, “It is evident that our State housing leaders listened to local concerns and recognize that comprehensive strategies are needed to bring about revitalization. LISC believes the focused and sustainable rebuilding activity proposed by the NYS Affordable Housing Corporation’s “Block-by-Block” program is the best way to provide new investment and growth opportunities for Buffalo neighborhoods and we should all work hard to ensure its success.”
Robert D. Gioia, President of the John R. Oishei Foundation of Buffalo, said, “Our interest is in building the networks and support systems that hold neighborhoods together, not in simply knocking down vacant structures, as important a first step as that may be. That is why we strongly endorse AHC’s effort to bring a comprehensive approach to the renovation of Buffalo.”
Any block in the City of Buffalo would be eligible for the Block-by-Block program, though applicants are encouraged to consider blocks whose restoration will contribute to the revitalization of entire neighborhoods.
AHC will give priority to applications with the following criteria:
• Contain creative and comprehensive rehabilitation and stabilization plans for redeveloping specific blocks;
• Propose energy efficient improvements to existing housing;
• Maximize other “green” aspects of the housing redevelopment;
• Create or maintain quality and affordable rental housing in two-to-four family homes, which must also be owner-occupied;
• Provide individual households with quality homeowner and landlord training by certified counseling agencies;
• Are consistent with the City of Buffalo’s comprehensive plan, if applicable; and
• Are likely to be completed within two years, including relevant permits and approvals.
The City of Buffalo estimates that there are more than 10,000 vacant structures in the city. Because abandoned properties impose huge costs on the city and the quality of life of individual neighborhoods, the City recently announced a “5 in 5” Demolition Plan to remove 1,000 vacant homes a year for the next five years. The Restore New York Program, administrated by Empire State Development (ESD), is providing significant financing for this effort.
However, it is recognized that revitalizing neighborhoods involves more than demolition. The role of the Block-by-Block program is to build upon existing programs to stabilize neighborhoods and help with the economic resurgence of Buffalo.
To apply for a Block-by-Block grant, eligible applicants should visit the AHC website, http://www.nyhomes.org/, and download an application.
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AHC is a subsidiary of the NYS Housing Finance Agency and was established in 1985 to promote homeownership by low- and moderate-income households. Financial assistance approved annually by the New York State Legislature, combined with private and public investment, is used for the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation and improvement of owner-occupied housing.
