Land bank restores North Tonawanda home

The Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. (NORLIC) unveiled a newly restored home on Friday in North Tonawanda. The property was completed in a community revitalization effort.

North Tonawanda’s community needs assessment called for structured community redevelopment that would set a standard for property improvement. This included interior repairs, as well as aesthetic improvements to the exterior of the property (such as front doors, fences and landscape) that enhance the appearance of the neighborhood.

NORLIC, created in 2017 through a resolution sponsored by Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres, is a municipal partnership that works with communities to acquire vacant and abandoned properties, partnering with the cities of Niagara Falls, Lockport and North Tonawanda.

“I’ve been dreaming of a land bank since I was on the City Council. Our partnership with the county and NORLIC allows the restoration of properties such as this, ultimately attracting more potential residents while fostering a sense of community,” Andres said.

Along with the enhanced appearance of the newly repaired home, the North Tonawanda neighborhood will now have an added police presence, as the new homeowner is Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Saraceno. The deputy’s father, John Saraceno, is the owner of Saraceno Construction Inc., the contracting company responsible for the house renovation.