Jamestown Secures $2 Million for Vacant Rental Home Renovations

Jamestown Secures $2 Million for Housing Renovations

Jamestown will receive $2 million from New York State through the Vacant Rental Improvement Program. The city applied for the grant in early October, requesting $2.9 million but was approved for the lower amount.

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.” She highlighted how this initiative will revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing, helping to address New York’s housing crisis.

The Vacant Rental Improvement Program targets low- and moderate-income tenants. It ensures that any assisted units remain affordable for at least 10 years. The program offers up to $50,000 to small landlords for renovating vacant apartments with a household income limit of 80% of the area median income (AMI) and up to $75,000 for those with a limit of 60% AMI.

The funding will support various improvements, including health and safety upgrades, code violation corrections, accessibility modifications, environmental remediation, and general repairs.

City Development Director Crystal Surdyk noted that the program aims to assist small, local landlords, particularly those with fewer than 20 units. She indicated that many properties currently sit vacant because the cost to renovate exceeds their value.

The Housing Committee is considering focusing on units priced around $100,000 each. Councilman Brent Sheldon suggested finding ways to reduce renovation costs to help more properties. Surdyk acknowledged the challenges local landlords face and expressed hope that this program will help increase the availability of rental units in the community.