Schenectady, N.Y., February 23, 2026 — The Capital Region Land Bank has received a $2 million grant from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) to continue efforts to transform vacant and abandoned property into quality housing and boosting neighborhoods in Schenectady County and the City of Amsterdam.

“We want to express our thanks to Governor Hochul and New York State HCR for this grant that will continue our pro-active efforts to fight blighted properties and build much needed quality housing,” said Richard Ruzzo, Chair of the Capital Region Land Bank and Deputy Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The $2 million grant is the maximum award available to New York State Land Banks. We are proud to have the State recognize our work to revitalize Schenectady and Amsterdam neighborhoods.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Governor Hochul’s Land Bank Initiative has provided $160 million to 31 Land Banks statewide to revitalize neighborhoods and increase the supply of much needed affordable housing. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Capital Region Land Bank as they put this $2 million infusion to work turning blight into quality homes in Schenectady County and Amsterdam.”

The Land Bank will use the $2 million grant to expand owner-occupied and rental repair assistance programs, support new and renovated housing and economic development projects, and to demolish vacant, blighted properties in the City of Schenectady, the City of Amsterdam and towns and villages in Schenectady County.

To date, the Capital Region Land Bank has led efforts to demolish over 250 long vacant or abandoned buildings, renovate an additional 40 structures and create more than 375 units of new quality affordable housing. In the coming weeks, the Land Bank will remove two badly deteriorated properties on Congress and Paige Streets to make way for new homes.

The Land Bank is administered by the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.

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