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Lewis County legislators hear proposal to create a local land bank to address vacant, blighted properties
Summary
County staff briefed legislators on creating a Lewis County land bank under New York's 2011 Land Bank Act, potential funding sources and next steps; no formal action was taken, but staff said a resolution would be drafted next month.
Lewis County legislators received an overview of a proposed county land bank on Oct. 8, with staff describing how a local land bank could acquire tax-delinquent, abandoned and blighted properties, clear title issues and return parcels to the tax rolls.
Cassandra (presentation), a county staff member, told legislators that New York passed the Land Bank Act in 2011 allowing up to 35 land banks statewide and that 31 had been approved so far. She said Empire State Development (ESD) reviews applications and that the county could apply to create its own land bank after adopting a local law and associated corporate documents.
The presentation outlined typical land bank functions: acquiring properties through tax foreclosure, donation or purchase; holding and managing lots; clearing title and legal barriers; and transferring or repurposing parcels for housing, green space or economic development. Staff noted ESD's preference that land banks not cross multiple municipal boundaries and described a likely process for Lewis County to apply on its own.
Staff identified potential funding sources and costs. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) runs a Land Bank Initiative that can provide up to $200,000 per year for operational expenses (not capital). Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) planning funds could be used for a strategic plan (up to $50,000). Staff also said an incorporated entity (certificate of incorporation and bylaws) and an affirmative-action/nondiscrimination policy are required as part of the ESD application. A one-time formation cost for the LLC/corporate filing was estimated in discussion at roughly $1,200 (including a $500 filing fee), though staff said in-house formation might be possible.
Legislators asked about governance and scale. One legislator said a board of 11 members (one per legislative district plus an at-large appointment) might strike a workable quorum balance; another asked whether the land bank would replace existing county efforts. Staff said the land bank would likely complement current programs rather than supersede them and could create a self-sustaining model by demolishing and reselling properties to fund subsequent actions.
No formal vote was taken. Staff said a draft resolution and supporting documents would be prepared for review and a resolution would likely be presented next month for the legislature to consider.
Why it matters: proponents said a land bank could move long-standing problem properties out of limbo, reduce neighborhood blight and return parcels to productive use and the tax rolls, while opponents cautioned about governance complexity and start-up costs.
