Schenectady, N.Y. — Mayor Gary McCarthy today announced that two vacant and boarded up homes will be demolished as part of the Mayor’s Home Ownership Made Easy in Schenectady (HOMES) Program.

Mayor McCarthy said, “Last week we announced that 14 Myers Alley would be retrofitted as an owner occupied two family home.  Today, we are pleased to announce that bids will be awarded shortly to demolish vacant and derelict properties at 17 Chestnut Street and 832 Grant Avenue.”

The Mayor added, “We are going to improve our neighborhoods by repairing some homes and attracting new home buyers to properties that can be repaired while we demolish other buildings that are beyond saving. This is a two tracked effort that is now well underway in Schenectady.”

The City will use federal funding available under the Home Investment Partnerships Act to fund the demolition.  A sub-recipient agreement is in place between the City and Better Neighborhoods, Inc. (BNI) to utilize federal funding for demolition and home renovation and construction.  The City transferred ownership of these two vacant properties to BNI so that demolition can move forward.

Following demolition, the City will work with BNI to construct new homes on the lots.

Schenectady is renovating homes with a new Contractor Rehab Program.  The City is also offering incentives to attract new home buyers to Schenectady.  Selective demolition is also part of the overall HOMES Program that promotes neighborhood revitalization through increased home ownership.