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Newburgh - The Newburgh Community Land Bank’s application to create one of the state’s first land banks was recently approved by New York’s Empire State Development (ESD) agency.

The NYS Land Bank Program was established by enactment of Article 16 of the state’s Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. Under the provisions of the act, governmental properties that have the power to foreclose on tax liens are permitted to create a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to facilitate the return of vacant, abandoned, and delinquent properties to productive use.

Once approved by ESD, the Land Bank is authorized to take title to city-owned parcels for a negotiated price as low as $1 and is not required to pay property and sales taxes until the properties are restored and sold to new owners.

The Newburgh Land Bank is concentrating on a target area generally bounded to the north by South Street, to the west by Route 9W, to the south by Broadway, and to the east by the waterfront. The City has committed to concentrate police and code enforcement efforts in this target area to ensure the success of the Land Bank’s operations.

The City’s three major “anchors,” Mount Saint Mary College, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, and SUNY Orange, as well as other private sector institutions are working with the Land Bank in property selection, maintenance, repair, and disposition.

City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy said, “I want to express my appreciation to Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their support and faith in our effort to revitalize and rebuild our neighborhoods and thereby improve the quality of life for our citizens. With this new structure, the Newburgh Community Land Bank is poised and ready to aggressively tackle the abandoned buildings and empty lots that have plagued this city for years.”

Senator Bill Larkin commented, “I’m thrilled to see the land bank authorization legislation the Senate passed last year being put to good use.  Land banks are a great tool for improving the quality of life in communities throughout the state, and the Newburgh Community Land Bank should be applauded for its commitment to the City of Newburgh and its residents.”

Assemblyman Frank Skartados stated, “I congratulate the Newburgh Community Land Bank on this milestone.  This will be another step forward in the community’s effort to revitalize their great City. I would also like to thank Empire State Development Corporation for their vision in recognizing the incredible potential of the City of Newburgh.”