Schenectady County, N.Y. — A proposed contract authorizing the Capital Region Land Bank to purchase the zombie property at 749 Cramer Avenue in Rotterdam from the County is set to go before the Schenectady County Legislature’s Neighborhood Revitalization & Housing Committee next week.

The contract will be discussed by the committee on Wednesday, November 6, and is expected to go before the full Legislature on November 12. If approved, the Land Bank would purchase the property for $1 and partner with Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County to demolish the existing house and construct a new single family home on the same site.

“This house has been a vacant eyesore in the neighborhood for years,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We’re excited to work with the Land Bank and Schenectady Habitat to transform this property from a rundown building to a brand new home that will be put back on the tax rolls and add value to the community.”

“This partnership is a winning combination,” said Richard Ruzzo, Schenectady County Legislator and Chairman of the Capital Region Land Bank. “The County gets a blighted eyesore taken down at no cost to the taxpayers and Schenectady Habitat will gain another property where they can build an affordable, energy-efficient home for a local family.”

“Homeowners in the neighborhood are very excited about this project,” said Madelyn Thorne, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County.

“Not only will Schenectady Habitat help to put a family into a home of their own, we will also be improving the area for current residents.”
Last year Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County partnered with the County and the Land Bank to successfully rehab another Rotterdam property on Oaklawn Avenue. The dilapidated house was demolished and a new 3-bedroom home was built in its place, improving the look and feel of the neighborhood.

Contact
Erin M. Roberts
Director of Public Communications
Schenectady County
Phone: 518.388.4772