City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, August 2, 2018) -- Mayor Lovely Warren today
announced a new initiative that will simultaneously address the shortage of
affordable housing for families and the plight of vacant and zombie homes. The
Neighbors for Neighbors program, which will be administered through the Rochester
Land Bank Corporation, will allow residents to buy a vacant home, receive a
subsidy to rehabilitate it, then rent it out at an affordable rate. The program
is funded by a state grant.
“The Neighbors for Neighbors program really is a win-win
for our community,” Mayor Warren said. “Thanks to support from the New York
State Attorney General’s Office, we are turning neighborhood eyesores into
beacons of hope for those badly in need of affordable housing. By helping our
families find a roof over their head, we are also helping them access jobs,
safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, better educational opportunities and –
most importantly – a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
Mayor Warren announced the event at a home on Madison
Street, in the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood, which has been vacant since 2005.
She was joined by Councilmembers Mitch Gruber, Mike Patterson and Jackie Ortiz,
along with neighborhood residents.
Councilmember Gruber lives in the neighborhood.
“I am grateful to Cynthia Silver, the Susan B. Anthony
Neighborhood, the City of Rochester, and the Land Bank Corporation for moving
forward the Neighbors for Neighbors program,” Gruber said. “I have walked by 54
Madison almost every day since I moved into the neighborhood, imagining the
lives that once called this long-vacant house ‘home’ and imagining the future
possibilities. Most of all, I’m excited that we will have quality, affordable
housing for two families to join this vibrant neighborhood.”
The two-family property was recently purchased by Cynthia
Silver, who will receive funding to fix it up and rent it to eligible families.
Those purchasing the homes must agree to rent the
property to families who make less than 80 percent of the average median
income. These renters will pay no more than 30 percent of their income in rent.
The grant funding comes from the New York State Attorney
General’s Office, which established Land Banks around the state using
settlement funds secured from big banks following the 2008 financial crisis.
The Rochester Land Bank was formed in 2013 and is an
active partner in the City’s efforts to stabilize and enhance neighborhoods.
The Land Bank can be reached at 428-7320.
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News media: For more information, contact Press Officer
Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.