SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Mayor Gary McCarthy, Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County and the Capital Region Land Bank today announced a partnership to renovate a vacant and blighted property at 1012 Eastern Avenue.

“Today, we begin the process of turning a distressed property into a totally renovated home replacing blight with success for our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy.

Richard Ruzzo, Chairman of the Capital Region Land Bank and Schenectady County Legislator said, “The Land Bank looks forward to partnering again with the City of Schenectady and Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County to transform a long-blighted house into another opportunity for homeownership.”

Vonda McGill, Eastern Avenue homeowner, is excited to have a home that has been neglected be given new life and become the first step for a family’s economic empowerment. “Not only is this giving a family a sense of pride in homeownership, but it will also increase morale throughout the neighborhood.”

Kathy Fernandez, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Schenectady County said, “Habitat for Humanity is committed to assisting the City of Schenectady with its ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods through affordable housing. Rehabilitating homes, such as 1012 Eastern Avenue creates an opportunity for a first-time homeowner to purchase an affordable, safe home in a great neighborhood.”

Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County and Capital Region Land Bank are two of the City of Schenectady’s partners in the Mayor’s H.O.M.E.S. Initiative (Home Ownership Made Easy in Schenectady.)  The HOMES Program helps build a strong foundation in City neighborhoods by helping to provide affordable home ownership opportunities. Interested homeowners should contact Habitat for Humanity to learn more about this home or other homeownership opportunities.