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Ogdensburg land bank reports slower 2024, plans two stabilization projects for 2025
Summary
The Ogdensburg Land Bank reported reduced construction activity in 2024, said the board expects two stabilization projects in 2025 and is seeking improved coordination with St. Lawrence County and competitive state grant funding.
Jim Morrison, chair of the Ogdensburg Land Bank, told the City Council on April 11 that 2024 was “a little slower year for us,” with construction activity easing after a busier 2022–23.
Morrison said the land bank used state HCR (Housing and Community Renewal) grants to demolish four properties in 2024; three lots were sold to adjacent property owners, and the fourth lot was retained because the land bank owned an adjacent parcel that it views as buildable. He described the land bank’s 2025 work as two “stabilization” projects on South Water Street and Knox Street that will bring properties partway through construction so buyer-developers or contractors can finish them.
The land bank chair outlined two main challenges: funding and coordination with St. Lawrence County over property acquisition. “We think some of it's education,” Morrison said, describing county uncertainty about a law the county attorney believes restricts its ability to work with the land bank. He said the organization plans to meet with county officials to explain the land bank’s role and value.
Morrison told council the group has grant opportunities it may pursue for 2026 projects but that grants are competitive and that available HCR funding has tightened. He said there are currently several “buildable lots or holds” and a handful of previously demolished lots on the market that have not attracted buyers.
Council members commended the land bank’s work and said they would consider helping in county outreach. Morrison said there were no demolition projects planned for 2025 and reiterated the focus on the two stabilization projects funded through existing grants that must be closed out by year-end 2025.
