Monroe County Addresses Housing Issues with Creation of Land Bank
One Community Update
January 22, 2025
Source: Rochester Business Journal
Monroe County will use $1 million in federal American Rescue Fund Act funding to create a land bank.
The Monroe County Land Bank Corp. (MCLBC) will work to eliminate unsafe conditions caused by vacant and abandoned properties while creating affordable homeownership in the 29 suburban and rural communities within the county.
Through the MCLBC, distressed properties will be acquired, rehabilitated and then sold.
“Vacant properties diminish the quality of life in our neighborhoods, posing risks to public safety, health and housing stability,” County Executive Adam Bello said in a news release.
Kevin Purcell, senior attorney at Empire Justice Center, has been named chair of the Monroe County Land Bank.
“Across New York State, land banks have proven to be a valuable resource to address vacant homes that have fallen into disrepair,” Purcell said. “The Monroe County Land Bank can and will play a role in helping return some of these properties back into productive use and therefore help alleviate the housing shortage our community faces.”
There are 29 land banks in the state, including the Rochester Land Bank Corp.
“Suburban and rural communities have long desired assistance with zombie properties, which pose significant health and safety risks to neighborhoods,” County Legislature president Yversha Roman said.
“The create of the Monroe County Land Bank is an innovative and practical way to resolve aspects of the housing supply shortage and affordability by rehabilitating abandoned properties and providing potential first-time homeowners access to quality properties without the significant financial hindrances they would experience elsewhere.”
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