05/05/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 29, 2026
Franklin County Land Bank Awarded $1.7 Million in Capital Funding
Franklin County, NY — The Franklin County Land Bank is pleased to announce it has been awarded $1.7 million in Land Bank Initiative funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
This significant investment will support the Land Bank’s ongoing efforts to address vacant, abandoned, and blighted properties throughout Franklin County. Funding will be used to acquire, stabilize, rehabilitate, and, where necessary, demolish properties in order to return them to productive use and increase the availability of safe, affordable housing. A portion of this project will be used to help homeowners earning less than 120% of AMI with critical home repairs.
“This funding represents a major step forward in our mission to strengthen communities across Franklin County,” said Shiela Conners, Executive Director. “With this support, we can expand our impact, improve neighborhood conditions, and create new opportunities for homeownership and workforce housing.”
Land Bank Initiative funding has been made available to assist land banks in revitalizing communities, reducing blight, and supporting local housing strategies. Through this award, the Franklin County Land Bank will be able to accelerate project timelines and deepen partnerships with municipalities across the region. The Franklin County Land Bank has been awarded over $3 million in total to support housing activities throughout the county.
The Lank Bank Initiative has provided more than $160 million to land banks across the state, which has resulted in nearly 300 homes being created or preserved, as well as almost 200 blighted structures being demolished.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Land Banks are a critical part of Governor Hochul’s five-year Housing Plan that is closing in on creating and preserving 100,000 affordable homes in every corner of New York. Thank you to the Franklin County Land Bank for our being our vital partner in the hard but necessary work that allows individuals and families to stay and thrive in their own communities. We can’t wait to see what this infusion of $1.7 million will do to revitalize towns and villages across Franklin County. “Projects supported by this funding are expected to begin in spring 2026, with a focus on properties that present the greatest opportunity for community impact.
For more information about the Franklin County Land Bank and its programs, please contact:
Shiela Conners Executive Director
Franklin County Land Bank 518-481-0556
[email protected]