By Jay Behrke
NEWBURGH – The Newburgh Community Land Bank recently renovated two adjoining homes on Farrington Street from top to bottom and is inviting Newburghers who are considering home ownership to stop by this Saturday (9 a.m.-12 p.m.), and Tuesday 2-5 p.m.
If interested, have lived in Newburgh for at least five years, are a first time home buyer, and have a family household income under 80% AMI (about $65,000 for a family of four), you should visit 53 and 55 Farrington to get more details about the program, the selection process and to actually view these wonderful values close up. Sale prices for these historic 1890s two bedroom homes are $75,000 each (around $850-950 per month including property taxes). Owner occupancy is required. Down payment and closing cost assistance may also be available.
When I stopped by on January 18, some finishing touches had yet to be completed, but by move-in time, Land Bank Executive Director Madeline Fletcher assured me all brand new appliances would be in place. Across the street was a large dumpster and garbage piled high; down the block and across the avenue were two buildings undergoing gut renovations en route to being home to eight apartment buildings.
Newburgh is attempting to gentrify, and if you look closely, pockets of urban renewal are starting to appear amidst the intransigence of poverty and persistent neglect. The Newburgh Community Land Bank is just one more vitally needed tool residents can utilize to help better themselves and their city.
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