City of Rochester
News Release
(July 13, 2009) - The City is submitting a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships funds to be used for the following projects:
• Economic Development - Financial Assistance Loan and Grant
Various forms of financial assistance will be made available to city businesses, including low-interest loans, interest rate subsidy grants, matching grants for building improvements, pre-development studies, and site cleanups. Funds will be used through the following economic development programs: Financial Assistance, Building Renovation Matching Grant, Targeted Business Assistance, Main Street Assistance and Pre-development Grant programs. ($979,693)
• Housing Development Fund – Owner-occupied and Rental Housing
Provides financing for redevelopment of owner housing by Community Housing Development Organizations through acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of vacant structures, through the Home Rochester Program; provides rehab grants and loans for owner occupant repairs and lead hazard reduction for owners and landlords; provides operating assistance for housing development support; provides funding for emergency repairs under the Emergency Assistance Repair Program (EARP); provides for the development of rental housing; and provides for the administration of a revolving loan fund through NeighborWorks Rochester. (Federal $4,203,267)
• Home ownership Fund – Owner-occupied Housing and Public Services
Provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers; pre- and post-purchase education and training; write-down subsidies for acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of vacant structures; and foreclosure prevention services and mortgage default resolution. ($781,079)
• Neighborhood and Asset Based Planning Fund –Owner-occupied and Rental Housing (Rehabilitation)
Funds will be used for Focused Investment Strategy (FIS), to stabilize and improve four neighborhoods. Programs will be targeted to owners and investors, to improve the exterior of residential structures on priority FIS streets; and other programs will be developed to stabilize the neighborhoods. ($2,486,408)
• Susan B. Anthony Pedestrian Access
The project involves design and construction of a new mid-block lighted walkway connecting W. Main Street sidewalk with the Troup Street Park and the commemoration of the site of Susan B. Anthony’s first vote. ($290,000)
• Neighborhood Right of Way Improvement
Program funds will be used to make improvements to the rights-of-way in CDBG eligible locations including the upgrade of road surfaces, curbing, tree lawns and catch basins. ($226,000)
• Neighborhood Streetscapes
Funds will be used to make streetscape improvements including public safety initiatives in eligible neighborhoods. ($274,000)
The location of these activities is community-wide except in the case of Focused Investment Strategy, which is limited to four pre-determined neighborhoods.
Objections to the approval of the release of funds and acceptance of certification may be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Buffalo Area Office, 465 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203.
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date, estimated to be July 17, 2009. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
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News Media: For more information, contact Carlos Carballada, Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, at 428-8801.