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Resident tells Lackawanna planning board selling city lots to LHDC favors revenue over longtime neighbors
Summary
A resident criticized the plan to transfer city lots to the Lackawanna Housing Development Corporation for the Move in New York pilot, saying neighbors who have maintained adjacent property should have first option and arguing the program prioritizes city revenue.
A resident who declined to provide his name used the planning board’s public-comment period on Nov. 19 to oppose conveying city-owned lots to the Lackawanna Housing Development Corporation (LHDC) for the state Move in New York pilot.
The speaker said he and his family have maintained an adjacent lot for years and asked why the city was not selling lots to longtime residents instead of transferring them to LHDC. "I've been a resident of Lackawanna for 40 years. My family has been here for over 100 years," the resident said, arguing that the program looked like a revenue-driven move rather than an effort to meet local housing needs.
Board staff responded that LHDC is not profiting from the $1 conveyance and that the city stands to gain property-tax revenue once houses are built. Chuck Clark told the audience the lots would not be transferred unless the program accepts the city and a qualified buyer is identified; he urged residents with concerns to bring them to the City Council work session on Dec. 1 for fuller consideration.
The resident also raised a dispute about parcel boundaries and offered to provide a survey; staff said they would follow up and review property lines at the planning office. The exchange highlighted neighborhood unease about lot selection, local access to available parcels and the public process for conveyances.
