Ward Four Revitalization Program
The Town of Queensbury Ward Four Revitalization Program is a combination of economic development, public infrastructure, and housing improvement incentives. Efforts are underway through the Main Street Plan to extensively redevelop Main Street from the Northway to Glens Falls. The planned reconstruction of Main Street is anticipated to create a positive impact with highway and transportation improvements, water line upgrades, sewer line extensions, combined new commercial and housing opportunities, and streetscape enhancements for lighting and underground utilities.
Along with the widespread planned Main Street renovations is the understanding that long-standing neighborhoods in the vicinity need to be protected from intense development pressures to remain affordable. The predominantly single family residences are mostly pre-WW II era homes, many in deteriorating condition. Census data available at the time of the grant application (1990 Census) indicated that the majority of households were of low and moderate incomes. A subsequent interest and income survey confirmed both the need and the interest in a home improvement program to benefit both home owners and residents of rental housing in the area.
While the $400,000 grant is a significant amount, needs are greater than funds available. Housing improvement activities to take place in Ward Four will be phased. Phase One is in progress, and an application for funds for Phase Two has been submitted to the GOSC. These two phases represent areas within the Town that have not had previous assistance through any earlier HUD home improvement program.
Who is eligible to apply for this housing improvement program?
Single family home owners, or landlords with tenants who live within the FY 2001 Target Area, and meet the Income Limits defined by the U.S. Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD), are eligible to apply for grant funds to address basic health and safety concerns. All property tax payments should be current.
Have participants been pre-identified?
In order to prove the need and interest, surveys were distributed to home owners in the target area. However, property owners must still submit applications to participate and all information needs to be verified.
How much money is available for each participant?
Up to $20,000 in grant funds is available to qualified single family home owners.
Landlords can receive a matching grant, up to $10,000 per housing unit, where tenants meet the income limits. In multi-family apartment situations, more than half of the rental units must have income eligible tenants, or be made available for persons who can meet the income requirements.
What are the standards that are used to determine the type of work to be done?
The HUD Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (refer to www.hud.gov and the CFR for additional information), and New York State building codes apply (see Queensbury Town Code and the New York State uniform building code). Homes in the program are also inspected for potential lead-based paint problems.
What are the kind of housing improvements that can be made?
The types of home improvements that can be made include, in priority
order:
·
structural defects to the building roof, frame and/or foundation;
·
faulty wiring, plumbing, heating systems, unsafe windows and entrances;
·
energy conservation improvements; and
·
appropriate general repairs.
Who will I work with to determine whether or not I am eligible and to help me with the process?
Shelter Planning & Development, Inc. has been hired to administer the Ward Four Revitalization Program. Shelter Planning will help you with application questions, send a rehabilitation specialist to your home to determine the standards and codes that need to be met, and assist you with contractor selection and bids. Shelter Planning works with the Town Community Development office to act as your liaison to coordinate funding resolutions, contractor payments, and resolve any questions or problems you may have.
Will I need to repay the money?
Persons involved in the Phase One (FY 2001) program will not be required to pay back funds unless the home is sold within a five year period to someone else who is not income eligible.
Target Area
See the map 
Home owners must have verifiable incomes below 80% of median income level to be eligible for grant assistance. To be eligible for a matching grant, landlords are required to have renters who can meet the same criteria. Please refer to the following chart to determine these low and moderate incomes for the 2003 federal fiscal year for the Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA):
| # of Persons in Household | Maximum Income Level (80% of Median Income) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,400 |
| 2 | $31,300 |
| 3 | $35,200 |
| 4 | $39,100 |
| 5 | $42,250 |
| 6 | $45,400 |
| 7 | $48,500 |
| 8 | $51,650 |
Note: The Median Income for the Glens Falls MSA in 2003 is $48,900.
The grant application for Phase Two (FY 2003) of the Ward Four Revitalization Program was submitted to the GOSC on April 11, 2003, and $400,000 was requested to continue home improvements in an area adjacent to the existing Phase One program. See the Target Area map for an image of land area covered.
Experience gained from the implementation of Phase One showed that costs to correct deficiencies were higher than expected. One reason for the higher cost is due to institution of lead-based paint correction requirements. Funds available for each participant will be increased from $20,000 to $22,000 per eligible household, if needed.
All other requirements of the Phase One program will apply to the Phase Two program.
Target Area
See
the map
To address the entire affordable housing need in Ward Four, as well as other areas identified within the Town, a long term strategy is required. The Town applied for and received technical assistance funds through the GOSC to develop an Affordable Housing Opportunities Strategy.
Example of Lead-Based Paint Problem
Housing
742 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804Office Phone: (518) 761-8220
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