State approves $500K for Niagara Orleans Land Bank
Press Release, Niagara County Public Information Office
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 New York State Office of the Attorney General. Enterprise selected the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation (NORLIC) as a recipient for a $500,000 grant.
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.
Orleans County Legislature Chairperson 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.”
“The Land Bank has already had the sale of its first property in North Tonawanda in the short time it has been formed,” said Niagara County Chairman W. Keith McNall. “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,” said Niagara County Legislator Richard Andres.
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,” Bradt 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.”
