OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Land Bank has secured a $1 million grant that will be used to complete several property rehabilitations and the organization’s first new-build project at the site of a previous demolition in the city of Oswego.
The $1 million grant was awarded to the Land Bank through the state’s Homebuyer Development Program, which is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The Land Bank has identified four properties in the city of Oswego – including three complete rehabilitations and one new build – that will be improved with the funding starting later this year.
“We’re very excited about this funding and the positive impact it will have on the city’s east side,” said Kim Park, executive director of the Oswego County Land Bank. “These projects will build on the Land Bank’s previous work in the area, and continue to improve neighborhoods and residents’ quality of life. We are thankful to the state and all our partners, and we look forward to continuing our revitalization efforts in Oswego County.”
The three rehabilitation projects are located at 222 East 2nd St., 28 East 10th ½ St. and 6 Minerva St. in the city of Oswego. Each property will receive extensive rehabilitation to become move-in ready for future homeowners. The Land Bank will ensure that each home is energy efficient and compliant with all applicable state and local building codes.
“We’re particularly excited about the new build project on East Cayuga Street, a first for the Land Bank, and an opportunity to turn a vacant parcel into much-needed safe, affordable housing in the city of Oswego,” Park said.
The new build is a planned three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home at 110 East Cayuga Street, a vacant lot that was the site of an earlier demolition in 2024. The Land Bank is currently finalizing the environmental reviews and permitting for each project and plans to begin construction later this year.
In recent years, the Land Bank has secured nearly $7.2 million in grant funding to continue its mission to improve communities and enhance the housing stock in Oswego County. The Land Bank has impacted more than 85 properties — often in severe disrepair and negatively impacting the surrounding neighborhoods — and returned approximately $6.4 million in property sales to Oswego County tax rolls.
“The properties the Land Bank targets are among the most problematic, dragging down nearby property values and generating no tax revenue or community value,” said Land Bank President Shane Broadwell. “We’re turning unsafe properties into quality, affordable, owner-occupied housing, improving neighborhoods and increasing property values. These efforts help everyone in Oswego County by further distributing the property tax burden and expanding the local supply of quality housing.”
The Land Bank was previously awarded a $2 million grant through the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Office of Homes and Community Renewal as part of the state’s Land Bank Initiative capital funding. The Land Bank identified 10 projects in the city of Oswego, including nine complete rehabilitations and one demolition, that are underway using those funds.
About the Oswego County Land Bank
The Oswego County Land Bank is a state-designated public authority aimed at transforming blighted or vacant properties into appealing residential and productive commercial properties, improving the quality of life in local communities and revitalizing neighborhoods. Formed in 2016, the nonprofit corporation is governed by an 11-member board.
To learn more about the Oswego County Land Bank visit: www.oswegocountylandbank.com
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