Possibility becomes reality for Land Bank's 36th first-time homebuyer in Albany County

The Albany County Land Bank is proud to announce the sale of 147 Melrose Avenue to a first-time homeowner, marking a step forward in its mission to restore and revitalize the community’s housing stock. This milestone underscores the Land Bank’s commitment to turning vacant properties into thriving homes, fostering opportunities for homeownership, and strengthening neighborhoods.

This is the 36th property sold to a first-time homebuyer since the first one that was approved in 2019 and closed in 2020. The new owner plans to renovate the house, transforming it into a welcoming family home and being an active resident of the Melrose neighborhood.

“Every vacant house we help transition into an occupied home is a victory for our whole community,” said Sean Maguire, Executive Director of the Albany County Land Bank. “This latest sale reflects our dedication to creating opportunities for families to invest in both their future and the future of our neighborhoods.”

Charles Touhey, Chairman of the Albany County Land Bank Board of Directors, added: "Properties like 147 Melrose Avenue are more than just buildings—they're opportunities. We're thrilled to support a first-time homeowner who will breathe new life into this property."

“I am proud to continue to support the Albany County Land Bank and celebrate our commitment to creating new pathways to homeownership for residents. By turning vacant or underutilized properties into affordable housing opportunities, we are empowering our residents to take their first step toward financial stability and achieving the American Dream,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “To the individuals and families who have partnered with us so far, thank you for being part of this journey. You are not only investing in your own future but also the future of our County. We’re building stronger neighborhoods together, one home at a time.”

“Thanks to the Albany County Land Bank’s efforts, this new, first-time homeowner has achieved a significant milestone while also contributing to the revitalization of our community,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham. “Today’s announcement highlights the success of local initiatives and county services aimed at preventing blight and highlights our efforts to address housing throughout the County. I look forward to seeing more families thrive in our neighborhoods.

“Reinvestment and revitalization are the key strategies to transform properties that have been neglected for any number of reasons,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham. “Far too often houses are left to deteriorate, whether it be caused by disinvestment by absentee landlords or financial hardships. Regardless of the cause, the result is always the same: a degradation of our communities. I am pleased to hear that this first time homebuyer is rehabbing a property that is already there and breathing new life into this property. We’re not only creating affordable housing but also cultivating pride and stability for both families and neighbors. Offering people the chance to own and build their homes is a significant accomplishment, one that many work a lifetime to achieve. Housing is a continued priority for the Albany County Legislature, one that we will continue to invest in throughout 2025.”

The Albany County Land Bank continues to focus on its mission of transforming abandoned properties into community assets through strategic property management, partnerships, and initiatives that promote stability and growth.

Request for Proposals: Hazardous Material Testing, Design and Project Monitoring Services

Date Issued: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Due Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 by 2:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that submissions will be received by the Albany County Land Bank Corporation (the “Land Bank”) to provide hazardous material testing, design and project monitoring services. This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is a competitive process designed to serve the Land Bank’s best interests and to provide firms a fair opportunity for consideration of their services. The request is open to all qualified Contractors able to deliver all requirements specified in this RFP. Proposals should address the proposal requirements for the services. All proposals will be treated as confidential and reviewed only by the Land Bank. Proposals must be received by the Land Bank offices located at 111 Washington Avenue, Suite 601, Albany NY 12210, no later than 2:00pm on the date and time listed in the header of this RFP.

The full Request for Proposals can be found at the link below:

Board of Directors meeting adjourned, rescheduled

The September 17, 2024 Board of Directors meeting is adjourned due to a lack of quorum to conduct business. It is expected that this meeting will be rescheduled for September 24, 2024.

by: Sean Maguire
Executive Director

Albany County Land Bank closes on its first Legacy City project

The Legacy City Access Program connects the Albany County Land Bank Corporation with MWBE enterprises to rehabilitate existing buildings into necessary housing.

The Albany County Land Bank, JKE Development LLC, Community Preservation Partners (CPC) and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR) recently closed on Albany County’s first Legacy City Access Program project. This project will result in the rehabilitation of three residential buildings located in the City of Albany.

“We are thrilled to announce this key milestone for the Legacy City Access Program here in Albany,” said Albany County Land Bank Corporation Executive Director Sean Maguire. “This step continues to advance our work to repurpose and rehabilitate these underutilized neighborhood assets and get them into the hands of new homeowners.”

“The Albany County Land Bank Corporation remains a crucial partner for community development and continues to help us revitalize neighborhoods,” said Albany County Executive McCoy. “The Legacy City Access program is the perfect example of the good being achieved, transforming underutilized properties so that individuals and families can realize the dream of home ownership.”

The project will provide essential resources to JKE Development, a minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE), to facilitate the rehabilitation of three two-family buildings in Albany. Upon completion, these homes will be made available to income-qualified first-time homebuyers at an affordable price.

“We are excited to partner on the Legacy City Access Program project,” said Jermaine White of JAW Housing. “By transforming these properties, we are providing affordable housing for first-time homebuyers and contributing to the growth of the Albany community. Our collaboration, combined with our extensive portfolio, underscores our ongoing commitment to neighborhood revitalization.”

The project includes the following:

• 185 Second Street. Each unit includes three bedrooms and one bathroom; laundry facilities are included in both units.

• 26 Beverly Street. Each unit includes two bedrooms and one bathroom; laundry facilities are included in both units.

• 382 First Street. Each unit includes two bedrooms and one bathroom; laundry facilities are included in both units.

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CPC, a State-wide Community Development Financial institution (CDFI) is providing the loan for this project and NYSHCR is providing $150,000 per unit of subsidy for this project which will total more than $1.2 million of critical investment into two of Albany’s great neighborhoods.

If you or somebody you know are interested in becoming a first-time homebuyer and purchasing one of these homes, Affordable Housing Partnership (AHP) has been tasked with getting first-time homebuyers buyer-ready by providing first-time homebuyer counseling, qualifying buyers for grants, and connecting buyers with mortgage providers. You can find more information on their programs on its website.

Furthermore, the Albany County Land Bank is committed to supporting buyers by connecting them with additional resources. Qualified buyers can apply through our first-time homebuyer program on the Albany County Land Bank website.

August 2024 property sales cycle is now open

The August 2024 property sales cycle is now open. It is the policy of the Land Bank that all prospective buyers are required to physically view buildings prior to making a purchase offer. To book a showing with us, please book an appointment below.

We encourage applicants to find a realtor who is able to assist them in accessing properties outside our availability. Please note, the submission of your application will prompt it to move forward through our process within 90 days.

Important information about property sales

The August 2024 property sales list is listed below. Purchase applications for the properties listed must be submitted digitally (via email to applications@albanycountylandbank.org) or USPS:

Albany County Land Bank Corporation
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 100
Albany, New York 12210

Applicants are strongly recommended to submit applications via email. In order to be considered, all purchase applications submitted by email must be received NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024 BY 2:00 PM. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications digitally via email. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the submission deadline. The Land Bank is not responsible for any applications that are not received due to delayed mail delivery or technical issues related to fax or email submission. Applicants may contact the Land Bank’s office at (518) 407-0309 to confirm receipt of an application.

All applications must be submitted as a fully legible .pdf and if handwritten, must be a scanned original photocopy sent through email. If submitting your application by mail, the original copy of the application is required. Failure to abide by these requirements may result in the rejection of your application.

August Property Sales List! 

Applications for all of the following properties are due no later than Tuesday, July 30, 2024 by 2:00 pm

Please Note: Eligible vacant lots for the Lots for Less Program are accepted on a rolling basis. For a list of eligible Lots for Less properties and additional eligibility requirements, please visit www.albanycountylandbank.org/lotsforless.

Available Buildings

• 1310 5th Avenue (Watervliet)

Available Land

• 2 Batcher Street (49’x20’), City of Albany

• 81 Delaware Street (33’x66’), City of Albany

• 83 Delaware Street (33’x66’), City of Albany

• 85 Delaware Street (33’x66’), City of Albany

• 250 Catherine Street (30’x100’), City of Albany

Albany County Land Bank, SEAT Center, YouthBuild Albany, and MLB Construction raise the walls on its first project in Albany

Today, the Albany County Land Bank Corporation (ACLB), Social Enterprise and Training Center (SEAT), and YouthBuild Albany, with support from MLB Construction, celebrated a milestone by raising the walls for their inaugural project at 360 Sheridan Avenue in Albany. This event marks a pivotal advancement in affordable housing construction, spearheaded by a groundbreaking partnership.

 “The dream of homeownership should be in reach for anyone who desires it,” said Charles Touhey, Chair of the ACLB Board of Directors.  “This innovative partnership is advancing a vision into a solution that weaves together so many key elements that puts this dream into reach – from community development to workforce development; from land availability to housing affordability.”

 “Last year, we were here with our partners to break ground on this community development effort that brings a new home to this historic neighborhood in a new way,” said Sean Maguire, ACLB Executive Director. “Today, we raised the walls on this new home that is unlike any other in Albany – built through this innovative partnership where the partners have committed property, affordable financing, workforce development, and industry mentorship and support.”

 This new, affordable home prototype is being constructed on a small lot owned by the Albany County Land Bank. At 25 feet wide and 90 feet deep, it is smaller than typical buildable lots, however lots like this one are not uncommon in the historic neighborhoods of Albany County.  Smaller lots are not uncommon for Albany County Land Bank which acquires them through tax-foreclosure to rehabilitate for new, productive uses. MLB Construction built the walls for this new home off-site, delivered them, and placed them on the new foundation.  The SEAT Center’s YouthBuild Albany program is assembling the home and providing on-the-job workforce development training.  Home HeadQuarters, Inc. has made a commitment to finance the future buyer. 

“Through our initiative, young people are not only rebuilding their community but also building their futures,” said Jennifer Lawrence, SEAT Center Founder and CEO.  “This project is an essential part of their training experience, providing them with valuable skills while creating an affordable home for a family."

“To be able to work with SEAT’s Youth Build team is a dream come true for myself and MLB,” said Jim Dawsey, MLB President.  “To give these hard-working young people the opportunity to learn our trade in a hands-on situation is what I have always worked for in my 50 years in the construction field. Our relationship with SEAT and Jennifer Lawrence, and our new relationship with Charles Touhey and the Land Bank, will keep the neighborhood of Albany's’ South end growing and vibrant.”

 “We’re excited for the opportunity to be able to provide guidance and experience to SEAT’s Youth Build team,” said Damien Pinto-Martin, VP of MLB Development.  “The construction industry at large is in dire need of additional manpower and this program is crucial to creating safe, capable, and motivated future craftsmen and women.  In addition, this project and others like it, provide a path to affordable homeownership not otherwise available through conventional construction. This program is truly a win-win and is one to be supported and cherished.”

 The new prototype home will be a two-story single-family home that consists of three bedrooms and one full bathroom. At approximately 1,190 square feet, the 14-foot wide and 48-foot-deep home is designed to fit on smaller, narrower vacant lots while still providing adequate living space, functionality, and constructability. Upon completion, the home will be sold to a first-time homebuyer at an affordable price.

July 2024 property sales cycle is now open

The July 2024 property sales cycle is now open. It is the policy of the Land Bank that all prospective buyers are required to physically view buildings prior to making a purchase offer. To book a showing with us, please book an appointment below.

We encourage applicants to find a realtor who is able to assist them in accessing properties outside our availability. Please note, the submission of your application will prompt it to move forward through our process within 90 days.

Important information about property sales

The July 2024 property sales list is listed below. Purchase applications for the properties listed must be submitted digitally (via email to applications@albanycountylandbank.org) or USPS:

Albany County Land Bank Corporation
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 100
Albany, New York 12210

Applicants are strongly recommended to submit applications via email. In order to be considered, all purchase applications submitted by email must be received NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024 BY 2:00 PM. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications digitally via email. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the submission deadline. The Land Bank is not responsible for any applications that are not received due to delayed mail delivery or technical issues related to fax or email submission. Applicants may contact the Land Bank’s office at (518) 407-0309 to confirm receipt of an application.

All applications must be submitted as a fully legible .pdf and if handwritten, must be a scanned original photocopy sent through email. If submitting your application by mail, the original copy of the application is required. Failure to abide by these requirements may result in the rejection of your application.

July Property Sales List! 

Applications for all of the following properties are due no later than Tuesday, June 25, 2024 by 2:00 pm

Please Note: Eligible vacant lots for the Lots for Less Program are accepted on a rolling basis. For a list of eligible Lots for Less properties and additional eligibility requirements, please visit www.albanycountylandbank.org/lotsforless.

Available Buildings

• 36 Beverly Avenue

• 50 Second Avenue*

• 48 Second Avenue*

*-Only available through ACLB’s first-time homebuyer program.

Available Land

• 11 Lexington Avenue (25’x75’)

• 307 Third Street (22’x130’)

• 31 Ontario Street (25’x110’)

• 540 Clinton Avenue (24’x113’)

• 311 First Street (28’x114’)

• 110 Alexander Street (25’x50’)

• 585 Third Street (30’x133’)

• 1336 7th Avenue (45’x100’)

Part-Time: Planning Internship Available

The Albany County Land Bank Corporation is seeking applications for a Planning Intern for the Summer and Fall 2024 semester to join a dynamic and impactful organization committed to revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening communities throughout Albany County. The Albany County Land Bank’s work is largely comprised of the acquisition, maintenance, improvement, development, and responsible disposition of tax-foreclosed vacant and abandoned properties acquired from Albany County. This position provides the opportunity to learn about and assist with the breadth of work that land banks perform in returning vacant and abandoned properties back to productive use. 

This is a part-time (20-30 hours/week), paid internship.  The Planning Intern will be paid at a starting rate of $15.00 per hour.  Additional hours may be allocated in between regular academic terms. 

Responsibilities 

The Planning Intern will work directly with the Planning and Projects Manager and other Land Bank staff as needed with the planning and redevelopment of land bank real estate assets in Albany County. The successful candidate will be expected to complete tasks that include, but are not limited to: 

• Assist with predevelopment work for a potential project in Albany County. 

• Assist with the completion and submission of grants related to our development work. 

• Conduct fieldwork including visual inspections and photographs of our real estate assets. 

• Assist with mapping of real estate assets in relation to real estate owned by others. 

• Research local plans and initiatives, existing conditions, community needs assessments, etc. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Graduate student with experience in planning, public policy, real estate, or a related field. 

• Knowledge and experience in GIS, particularly ArcMap and other Esri products. 

• Interest in housing, community development, real estate development or planning. 

• Display a strong work ethic and interest in the organization’s mission.  

• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Albany County. 

• Ability to work independently, track time, and complete tasks within expected time frames. 

• Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, highly organized. 

• Comfortable working with others in a collaborative environment. 

Required Qualifications 

• At least one year of experience in planning, policy, real estate development, GIS, or related graduate-level academic program; or  

• At least three years of work experience in planning, policy, real estate development GIS, or related field. 

To Apply 

All applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to Will Sikula, Planning & Projects Manager at careers@albanycountylandbank.org. Only applicants that meet the required qualifications will be considered.  Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. 

The Albany County Land Bank Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.