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Village invited to New York State Blue Buffers program to buy out flood‑prone homes; staff to circulate letter of intent
Summary
Village staff described an invitation to participate in New York State’s Blue Buffers Program, which funds acquisitions and demolitions of flood‑prone properties at full market value; the board was asked to sign a short letter of intent and expects a memorandum of understanding in the fall.
Village leadership briefed the board on a New York State Homes and Community Renewal program dubbed the Blue Buffers Program, which staff said would make funds available to purchase properties in flood-prone areas and return those parcels to parkland or other flood-mitigation uses.
According to staff, the program will pay 100% of market value plus associated fees and demolition costs and may provide stipends for relocation. Staff stressed that participation is by invitation for communities with significant flooding; other communities may pursue a competitive path. The program’s state allocation was described as $250,000,000 for acquisitions statewide.
The immediate request is a one‑page letter of intent indicating the village’s interest in participating; staff said a more detailed memorandum of understanding should follow within a month to six weeks. HCR will contact eligible homeowners in the fall to determine participation. Staff emphasized that participation does not obligate the village to front acquisition costs and that demolition and land‑use restrictions (to prevent future redevelopment) are part of the state program.
Trustees requested the letter of intent be circulated to the board when available and asked staff to prepare additional information for the next meeting, including potential implications for local housing and options for residents who wish to remain in the community.
