By JODI SOKOLOWSKI
Buffalo Law Journal

The New York State Affordable Housing Corp. Thursday announced a $3 million program to combat blight and help rebuild neighborhoods in the City of Buffalo.

Funding from the Block-by-Block program will help nonprofit groups and municipalities rebuild and renovate existing housing as part of larger redevelopment plans. While the program targets individual properties for renovation, new construction or creation of playgrounds or green space, the program is designed to be comprehensive, not piecemeal, officials said.

"The Block-by-Block program is a collaborative effort aimed at transforming neighborhoods and bringing vitality and economic life to city blocks across Buffalo," the corporation's president and CEO Priscilla Almodovar said at a press conference. "This initiative brings together state and city government, not-for-profits, lenders and investors to repair homes and transform vacant lots into productive uses."

Funds cannot be used for demolition or deconstruction, and organizations are encouraged to work with the city programs such as the "5 in 5" plan to demolish 1,000 vacant homes a year for the next five years.

Officials estimate that there are more than 10,000 vacant structures in the city.

The Block-by-Block program is a pilot program, and continued funding will be dependent on its success, Almodovar said.

"It is further evidence of the Spitzer administration's recognition of the severity and uniqueness of the problems confronting Buffalo," said Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo. "Community-created solutions enhancing neighborhoods block by block will create a solid foundation to rebuild and revitalize Buffalo."

Grants will be limited to no more than 60 percent funding for any specific project, requiring applicants to seek at least 40 percent of their funding from other sources. Those sources can include government or foundation grants, homeowner down payments or mortgage debt, or the applicants' own resources. Among the available programs are grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through its Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star Program.

The corporation will give priority to applications that:

• Contain creative and comprehensive rehabilitation and stabilization plans for redeveloping specific blocks;

• Propose energy efficient improvements to existing housing;

• Maximize other "green" aspects of the housing redevelopment;

• Create or maintain quality and affordable rental housing in two-to-four family homes, which must be owner-occupied;

• Provide individual households with quality homeowner and landlord training by certified counseling agencies;

• Are consistent with the City of Buffalo's comprehensive plan, if applicable; and

• Are likely to be completed within two years, including relevant permits and approvals.

For more information, see www.nyhomes.org.