Restore NY Project Team: Neighborhood Revitalization Through Innovation Measures (2009 LGAA)

City of Binghamton (Winner)
County: Broome County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
City Hall: (607) 343-3670

In 2006, the City if Binghamton, plagued by more than 300 vacant properties, took advantage of New York State's Restore NY Program, to regain control over abandoned properties. The City established a Restore NY Project Team that developed, submitted, and implemented two grants that uniquely focus on residential properties as part of a larger "Healthy Neighborhoods" approach.

Rather than using the Restore NY grants to address one or two properties, like many other communities have done, the City's Project Team has successfully applied to redevelop 70 residential properties through the program's first two rounds. Moreover, the City used this initiative as an opportunity to finally resolve an outstanding challenge of abandoned properties whose liens were purchased by the Municipal Bond Bank Agency (MBBA) and for years had troubled City officials and residents. By using the Restore NY funds, the City negotiated an innovative deal with MBBA to buy back and regain control of over 30 of the 100 MBBA properties that were left in legal limbo.

While implementing the grant, properties slated for demolition have been used by both a community preservation group and the City's fire department for valuable training exercises. Additionally, in keeping with the goals of transparency and inclusiveness, the Administration solicited redevelopment proposals for the Restore NY properties and lots, set up an independent committee to screen the proposals, and sold 15 of the properties for $1.00 each.

The Restore NY Project Team, which included representation from many City departments, coordinated this housing project effectively and by working with the MBBA, a local Community Housing Development Organization (First Ward Action Council) and the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier, introduced creative measures to the benefit of the community. This program has directly improved the quality of life in many different neighborhoods by regaining control over abandoned MBBA properties, removing blight, and setting the stage for positive redevelopment opportunities that enhance the market value, safety, and economic strength of Binghamton's neighborhoods.