Essex Co. Land Bank announces new initiatives

TICONDEROGA | The Essex County Land Bank, administered by the North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), has announced two strategic programs aimed at revitalizing vacant and blighted properties across Essex County. The "Vacant Rental Improvement Program (V-RIP)" and the "Pilot Vacant Property Clearance Program" are designed to transform these underutilized spaces into valuable community assets, in line with the mission to promote sustainable development and enhance residents' quality of life. "These programs will be a cornerstone in our strategy to drive economic development and support our local workforce by transforming vacant sites into vibrant spaces. By addressing blight and repurposing underutilized properties, we're not just enhancing our neighborhoods, we're laying down the foundations for a more robust and resilient community," said Nicole Justice Green, Executive Director of the Essex County Land Bank. "These pre-applications are profoundly important and are necessary to determine demand in order to secure funding." Additionally, NRDC has applied for $750,000 in storm and flood relief funding to assist homeowners affected by recent severe weather events. This funding is intended to support critical repairs and restorations for homes damaged by the storms and floods, providing much-needed relief to our residents. Program Details: 1. Vacant Rental Improvement Program (V-RIP): This program specifically targets the conversion of vacant properties into affordable rental units. It does not support remodeling of currently occupied units. Priority will be given to downtown rental units, particularly those on second floors, and multifamily units that can accommodate up to five units. Properties can be converted from entirely vacant buildings into rental housing, fostering urban revitalization. There are two funding options: ■ Standard V-RIP: Up to $50,000 per unit for properties renting to tenants with incomes up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). ■ Enhanced V-RIP: Up to $75,000 per unit for deeper affordability, targeting tenants with incomes up to 60% of AMI. Eligible activities include necessary health and safety improvements, compliance with building codes, residential upgrades, accessibility modifications, and environmental Remediation. Learn more and apply at essexcountylandbank.org/vacant-rental-improvement-program-v-rip/ 2. Pilot Vacant Property Clearance Program (VPCP): This program focuses on the demolition of derelict properties in commercial and mixed-use areas that pose health and safety risks, with an emphasis on properties that will remain vacant Post-clearance. It utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for demolition-only activities where no immediate reuse has been identified. Discover more and apply at essexcountylandbank.org/pilot-vacant-property-clearance/ Property owners are invited to apply by the Friday, Aug. 30 deadline. Please note, this preliminary step is crucial for assessing demand and does not guarantee funding. For more information or to apply, visit the website. If you have demolition needs outside of Ticonderoga, please contact NRDC as there is additional funding available. For paper applications or additional inquiries, contact Nicole Justice Green at info@northcountryruraldevelopment.org or 518-585-6366. The Essex County Land Bank may be reached at info@northcountryruraldevelopment.org or 518-585-6366. Please visit the website at www.essexcountylandbank.org.

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Essex Co. Land Bank announces new initiatives

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