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Council hears proposal to sell four vacant lots to CAPC for Block by Block homeownership projects
Summary
City staff and representatives of Community Asset Preservation Corporation (CAPC) presented a proposal to transfer four vacant lots to CAPC under New York State’s Block by Block infill program; CAPC said it plans to build up to six affordable units, potentially using ADUs, with a 30‑year affordability restriction required by subsidy rules.
City economic development staff and representatives of Community Asset Preservation Corporation (CAPC) told the Council on Monday they intend to pursue New York State’s Block by Block infill program to build owner-occupied affordable homes on four vacant lots in the city.
Sarah Glosz, director of economic development, presented a proposed offer from CAPC to purchase 25 Lydia Street, 29 Lydia Street, 60 Dickinson Street and 199 Murray Street for $1 each as part of the Block by Block program administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). She said the city identified clusters of vacant parcels to create catalytic development opportunities after the state announced Block by Block funding.
Ryan Johnson, CAPC’s managing director of real estate, Danielle Rosen, senior director of operations for CAPC’s single-family line, and Chris Giametta, CAPC director of construction services, described their experience and the organization’s approach. CAPC said it plans to build about six affordable units across the four sites and is still finalizing design and unit mix. "Within our current financial model, we are targeting list prices around $80,000 to $250,000 to the buyer," Rosen said, adding target buyers would be households at roughly 45% of Broome County area median income depending on unit configuration.
CAPC noted the Block by Block subsidy requires a 30-year deed restriction (a forgivable or "soft" second) that limits sale to owner-occupants and extends affordability. CAPC representatives said they work with local partners, housing counselors and lenders to educate buyers about such restrictions and that they would not accept transfer of city properties until the HCR subsidy was secured. "We won't transfer the properties until they get the HCR subsidy," Glosz said.
Council members asked about local contractor participation, union labor, the administrative burden of subsidy reporting and whether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) might be used to increase affordability. CAPC said it typically uses local contractors and partners with local brokers, counseling agencies and construction firms, and that ADUs are one option on larger lots. Glosz said the city would continue to identify clusters for additional proposals and work with local partners to expand capacity for smaller nonprofit developers.
No final ordinance vote was recorded on the sale during the meeting; staff and CAPC representatives requested the council consider the transfer while CAPC advances an HCR application.
