Mid Hudson Times , Wednesday , January 18 , 2017 3
Land Bank completes new homes on Farrington St .
By SHANTAL RILEY sriley @ tcnewspapers . com
The Newburgh Community Land Bank unveiled two , newly-renovated buildings on Farrington Street this month . The two , single-family homes are being marketed to families already living in the City of Newburgh .
“ We want to make sure that people who are already here have opportunity too ,” said land bank Executive Director Madeline Fletcher .
The three-story homes were shown at an open house last week , following renovations that included structural repairs , roof replacements and lead abatement . “ We acquired one from the city and the other from a bank ,” Fletcher said . Renovations for both properties amounted to about $ 200,000 , she said . “ Neither one was in terrible condition ,” Fletcher mentioned .
The land bank plans to sell each of the homes for $ 75,000 . Unlike most land bank properties , the two homes are being pitched to first-time homebuyers already living in the City of Newburgh . “ We ’ re trying to make it more affordable for people who live in the city ,” Fletcher said .
Eligible buyers may earn up to 80 percent of the area-median income – about $ 65,000 a year for a family of four , said Fletcher . Buyers must also plan to live in the home .
Interested residents will be required to enroll in an education program for first-time homebuyers at PathStone Community Improvement of Newburgh .
“ It ’ s amazing when you start to see the different kernels of efforts come together ,” said Councilwoman Karen Mejia , speaking about the continuing revitalization of the city on the day of the open house .
“ It brings back great memories ,” said city Councilwoman Genie Abrams , standing inside 53 Farrington .
Abrams recalled when her family moved into the building in the mid-50s . “ This was my first home when my family moved to Newburgh in 1955 ,” she said , inspecting the kitchen . “ The ceiling used to have a horse shoe on it for good luck .”
Although renovated , Abrams said the basic layout of the home is the same as when she was a child .
The land bank partners with the city to acquire vacant and abandoned properties to eliminate barriers to redevelopment , covering costs for lead and asbestos abatement , then transferring properties to new owners .
The building at 55 Farrington was a cityowned , tax-foreclosure property , Fletcher said . The building at 53 Farrington had been a bank-owned tax foreclosure until the building was donated to the land bank by HSBC .
To find out more about purchasing 53 and 55 Farrington Street , visit Newburgh Community Land Bank at Newburghcommunitylandbank . org – send an email to info @ NewburghcommunitylandBank . org or visit the Newburgh Community Land Bank Facebook Page .
Ex-tenant Genie Abrams and Newburgh Community Land Bank Executive Director Madeline Fletcher stand in front of a newly-renovated home on Farrington Street .
AmeriCorps members Burke Blackman and Melzina Canigan add finishing touches to 55 Farrington Street . The attic at 53 Farrington Street .