Katko introduces bipartisan $25M neighborhood revitalization grant program

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on Jan. 28 proposed a bipartisan bill that would create a new $25 million competitive grant program for fiscal year 2022 to fund the revitalization of neighborhoods around the nation with high concentrations of abandoned or severely distressed properties.

The Neighborhood Reinvestment and Revitalization Act of 2022, H.R. 6516, which Rep. Katko cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), would establish the fund within the NeighborWorks program, a congressionally chartered and funded non-partisan, nonprofit organization with affiliates in every state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

If enacted, the bill would help “to revitalize neighborhoods in central New York and across the country,” Rep. Katko said. “Central New York’s neighborhoods will benefit from safer housing and dedicated funding to help revitalize so-called zombie foreclosures.”

NeighborWorks supports organizations that offer communities affordable housing, financial counseling and coaching, training and resident engagement and collaboration in the areas of health, employment and education, according to information provided by Rep. Katko’s office.

Specifically, H.R. 6516 would establish the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. under the NeighborWorks program to make grants to its own charter members to support neighborhood revitalization activities, including demolition and rehabilitation of abandoned and distressed properties in areas with high concentrations of such properties, according to the text of the bill.

Kerry Quaglia, CEO of Home HeadQuarters Inc. in Syracuse, N.Y., a NeighborWorks affiliate, expressed support for Rep. Katko’s bill.

“As the City of Syracuse still has a very high rate of vacant and zombie properties,  we more than welcome Congressman Katko’s bill supporting the removal or rehabilitation of abandoned properties,” said Quaglia. “All of us working to keep our local housing infrastructure safe, affordable and in good repair have greatly appreciated Congressman Katko’s understanding of the issues and his dedication, above all else, to our local community and its unique needs.”