Albion to pursue grants to overhaul vacant rental property, spur downtown projects
Photos by Tom Rivers: Scott Burto, grant manager and administrator for G&G Muncipal Consulting and Grant Writing, goes over the Vacant Property Rental Rehabilitation Program, which would bring up to $75,000 per vacant rental unit for property owners.
ALBION – The Village Board is working with a grantwriter to submit two grant applications that could bring significant state funding into the community.
The village and its grant writer, G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, held back to back meeting son Thursday evening at Hoag Library to go over the grant opportunities.
Albion Mayor Tim McMurray said the village is pursuing grants to bring investment and upgrades into the community.
One program focuses on vacant rental property and the other is an economic and community development initiative.
The first meeting focused on a vacant property rental program that could bring up to $75,000 per unit that is rehabbed. Those units would need to be made available to lower-income residents for at least the next 10 years.
Albion and Medina joined together for the grant last year, seeking $2.5 million from the state. This time Albion is seeking the funding on its own.
Orleans County also has a shortage of residential units, according to a housing study commissioned by the Orleans County United Way. The grant would increase housing opportunities locally, and improve residential units in buildings.
The goal is to turn space that is currently uninhabitable or unmarketable into safe, quality, and affordable rental units.
Eligible projects could include health and safety improvements, correction of code violations, plumbing, electrical, roof and windows, environmental cleanup (lead/asbestos), accessibility upgrades and general improvements to make habitable.
Property owners don’t need to do a thorough environmental test to be eligible for the program. The state is only requiring testing for lead, village officials said.
The application is due to the state by Dec. 10. Applicants can seek funding for up to five units. The state is offering a $50,000 maximum per unit for a “standard” project and $75,000 for “enhanced.” No match is needed by the applicants.
Landlords and property owners interested in the project can reach out to Scott Burto, grant manager and administrator for G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing. His email is scott@ggprocess.com.
The program is funded by the state through the Office of Community Renewal.
For more on the Vacant Rental Rehabilitation Program Grant, click here.
$4.5 million NY Forward grant
This greenspace just north of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion could become a more inviting spot. The Village Board is considering this location, the next-door parking lot and other municipal-owned land for the NY Forward grant. Mayor Tim McMurray said the Village Board will work to identify a project on village-owned land for the grant application.
The Village of Albion also will be applying again for a $4.5 million NY Forward grant (Round 5) to support downtown revitalization, business development, and the rehabilitation of vacant or underutilized properties. The village was just edged out on getting the grant for 2026, Burto said.
The application is due Jan. 8. Burto would like to have all proposals for the grant submitted by mid-December so G&G has time to compile the application.
The project needs to be confined to downtown area. Property owners can submit proposals for building renovations and facade improvements. The state wants to stimulate new retail, office, co-working, commercial or cultural spaces. Medina was awarded this grant in 2023.
The grant covers about 35 to 40 percent of project costs for private property, with the remainder to be paid by the building owner. The state would pay 100 percent for initiatives on municipal land, Burto said.
The state favors applications in a clear downtown area, with strong local support and vision, he said.
Albion has a clear downtown area by the Erie Canal, and the village is working to update its comprehensive plan that shows a vision for the community, he said.
He would like to see $6 million to $7 million in projects submitted for the grant, which would eventually be narrowed to $4.5 million in the grant.
To be considered in the application, building owners should submit a cost estimate, overview of the project and include photos.
Mayor Tim McMurray said the Village Board is discussing what to apply for the municipal portion of the grant. The board is considering speakers in the downtown to play music, and upgrade a parking lot, other one on Main Street with a median and greenspace next door or the lot by the Erie Canal behind the Albion Visitor’s Center.
