Housing Initiatives

 

The City of Plattsburgh strives to provide decent housing to low-moderate income families.  To that end, the Office of Community Development manages available grants for first-time homebuyers, owner occupied housing rehabilitation and investor housing rehabilitation.  It also manages a housing revolving loan program where loans are granted to eligible families for emergency repairs and to investors for creation or rehabilitation of apartments for low-moderate income families.

 

Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988

 

For detailed information on the below programs, please contact:

 

Kenneth Primard
Office of Community Development
41 City Hall Place
Plattsburgh, NY  12901
518-563-7642
primardk@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov

 

Home Ownership Program

This program is designed for low and moderate income families and supports home ownership in the City of Plattsburgh. Home ownership helps improve our city’s neighborhoods. The program has some restriction:

• The home must be located within the Plattsburgh City limits.
• The grant is given as a deferred loan and is forgiven (you don’t have to repay it) if you stay in the house for at least 10 years.
• If you move or sell the house the grant must be repaid to the City on a pro rata basis.

The Home Ownership Program assists with closing costs, down payment, principle reduction, legal fees and necessary housing rehabilitation associated with purchasing your first home.  The Office of Community Development will review your application, finances and debt confidentially to determine if you qualify for the program.  The price of the house, required rehabilitation and your income level determine the amount of grant you may receive.  Grants range up to $25,000 (pre1975) and $30,000 (after 1975). 

• Eligibility is based on adjusted gross income as filed with the IRS annually and projected for the next six months.  Maximum income by household size is set by HUD Income limits annually.

Please contact this office for updates and more information on possible funding.

 

Homeowner and Investment Property Rehab

 

The program intends to join property owners and local government with public and private financing in a co-operative effort to rehabilitate and preserve the existing neighborhood

There are two purposes to the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Program:

1. To improve the condition of housing occupied by low and moderate-income residents by providing financial assistance to help reduce the cost of necessary repairs.
2. To increase the housing stock available to low and moderate-income households by providing financial assistance to property owners to create/convert vacant space into new residential units that will be occupied by low and moderate-income residents after rehabilitation.

  

Single Family Owner Occupied Housing Rehab Program

 

The City of Plattsburgh has received a $500,000 grant from the Housing Trust Fund Corporation through the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to assist single-family owner-occupied income-eligible homeowners to rehab their property.

 

Requirements:

• Home must be located in the City of Plattsburgh.
• Home must be single family.
• Homeowner must be determined income eligible by the Office of Community Development. Income based on current IRS1040 adjusted gross income and HUD chart below.
• Home must be owned - fee simple - by homeowner and must be the homeowner's principle residence. Life lease/trust/land contracts and mobile homes are not eligible.
• All utility bills, school and property taxes must be up to date in payment.
• At time of project beginning, owner must show proof of home insurance with City as additional insured.

Please contact the Office of Community Development at 518-563-7642 for more information.

 

 

Housing Loan Program

 

Property consisting of 1-3 dwelling units occupied by the owner and used entirely for residential purposes may be eligible.  Four units and up is considered commercial/investment property by the City Assessor.  Property consisting of a dwelling containing units entirely for residential purposes and not occupied by the owner will be considered.  Home occupations are allowed where they conform to the local zoning code.  Property consisting of a dwelling containing units used entirely for residential purposes and not occupied by the owner will be considered.

The program offers rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied homes in the City of Plattsburgh through available NYS housing assistance grant programs and the housing revolving loan program.  Department inspections determine the extent of repairs to be made. Heating, plumbing, electrical, roofing, carpentry, masonry, insulation, replacement windows & doors and exterior painting are examples of rehabilitation work accomplished through the program.

The City will access a loan application fee of $100.00 when a loan application is filed and a processing fee of 2% of the loan when the loan is accomplished.  The City will provide loans at a rate of ¾ of prime.

Eligibility & Income 

 

To qualify for assistance under this program, the following conditions must be met:

• Property must be within the City of Plattsburgh
• Applicant must provide proof of ownership (copy of Deed, etc.).  Homeowner’s with life use are eligible.  Homes owned on land contract are not.
• Property taxes (city, county, school) and water & sewer fees must be current.
• Owner must provide proof of current property insurance.  City must be listed as mortgagee on the policy before project begins.
• Upon completion of project, at least 51% of the units in property must be occupied by low or moderate income households. 
• SECTION 8 INCOME LIMITS

 

Catherine Gardens

Catherine Gardens is a planned family housing development proposed for the former Seton Academy site located on North Catherine Street.  This development will accomplish three goals:
 

1. The $6 million dollar development will convert a vacant and partially blighted block to a use that respects and maintains the character and history of the neighborhood.
2. The development will allow the Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County to remain at its current easily accessible location.
3. The development will preserve a community resource – the former MAI building.  It will add new housing designed to reflect neighborhood architecture, and promote family living consistent with the RH zoning district.

 

The 1925 Mount Assumption Institute school building will be converted to one and two bedroom apartments.  The demolition of decaying and obsolete dormitory portions will allow for three townhouse buildings, with 12 units total, to be built fronting Brinkerhoff St.  These units will be occupied by income eligible families with annual incomes ranging from $17,000-$34,000.

 

PLEASE CONTACT THE SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL OF CLINTON COUNTY AT 518-563-6180 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 

At the end of the compliance period of 15 years, occupants of the units would have the opportunity to purchase the units and the City will realize full taxes on the units.