Due to limited availability of funds caused by the significant responses for Restore New York funding, applications for future funding are not currently being accepted.

 

Program Purpose
The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides municipalities with financial assistance for revitalization of commercial and residential properties.  The program encourages community development and neighborhood growth through the elimination and redevelopment of blighted structures. 

 

Program Highlights
The Restore New York program was established to 

• revitalize commercial and residential property;
• attract residents and business; and
• increase tax base, make communities economically viable.

 

A $300 million appropriation was enacted in the 2006-07 New York State Budget for the Restore New York program, rolled out in three rounds:

• Round I – $50 million appropriated in 2006; 54 grants awarded
• Round II – $100 million appropriated in 2008; 64 grants awarded
• Round III – $150 million appropriated in 2009; 79 grants awarded

 

Eligibility
Restore New York funding is available for projects involving the demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation and or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned and surplus properties.
 
Applicants must:

• be initiated by municipalities;
• demonstrate at least a 10% match; and
• hold a public hearing to discuss the application and the property assessment list.

 

Selection Process

Applications are initially evaluated at the regional level

Applications are scored against specific guidelines and how strongly they meet goals of program, which are to:
    revitalize urban centers
    induce commercial investment
    improve the local housing stock

Priority is given to projects in Empire Zones and Brownfield Opportunity Areas, as well as to projects that level other state or federal redevelopment remediation or planning programs

There is also a strong emphasis placed on projects from economically distressed communities

 

Contact Information
Contact your ESD Regional Office.

 

Additional Resources
Map of statewide recipients
Total monies awarded