New York State Office of the Attorney General, Enterprise Community Partners Inc. and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) have made funding available across New York state for newly formed land banks. Enterprise is now dedicating additional funding to support land banks, with funds coming from a bank settlement negotiated by the office of the attorney general. Enterprise selected the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. (NORLIC) as a recipient of a grant in the amount of $500,000.
Many of the neighborhoods targeted through the land bank are transitioning neighborhoods that, through proper selection of properties and investments, can be strengthened to reverse trends. Revitalization may include acquisition, rehabilitation and demolition of derelict properties.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman W. Keith McNall said, "The land bank has already had the sale of its first property in North Tonawanda in the short time it has been formed. This money will assist in our intervention with abandoned properties by developing and implementing a long-term plan for the revitalization of our stressed neighborhoods."
"The land bank is a forward-thinking tool that combats blight in our cities and seeks to preserve and enhance the value of its land assets," Niagara County Legislator Richard Andres noted.
North Tonawanda Legislator Randy Bradt applauded the efforts of the NORLIC staff and board of directors to obtain this grant.
"It's a way we can support our community in reviving our residential and commercial spaces," he said. "The renaissance along our canal corridor and Webster Street needs to continue into the Oliver Street areas; this funding allows us to take a huge step in that direction. We're dedicated to making sure Oliver Street becomes the prosperous community it once was."
Orleans County Legislator Chairwoman Lynne M. Johnson said, "With this vital funding, the land bank can begin the important work of breathing new life into struggling areas of our region."