Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) has been working on new housing legislation to revitalize small cities across New York state (A.6283). Called the Save Our Small Cities Plan, Norris’ proposal would enhance community renewal funding throughout the state without infringing on local zoning or changing the existing character of neighborhoods.

“Rather than change what we love about our neighborhoods, my plan would enhance and revitalize them. It’s about bringing back to life our small cities and giving property owners the ability to restore their homes, upgrade their properties to be more efficient or make other repairs needed to restore pride in the communities we all love and want to call home,” said Norris. “We are so fortunate to live in wonderful communities, in desirable neighborhoods, with good schools and good neighbors and great amenities. But the cost of living is high. Energy and taxes and burdensome mandates from Albany make it too expensive for so many people to keep up. My plan would help more people keep that American Dream alive and keep our neighborhoods going for everyone’s benefit.”

Specifically, Norris’ Save Our Small Cities Plan creates a new state investment program that is similar and will run parallel to the existing federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. The aim of the program is to revitalize and enhance the existing housing stock in small cities in New York state with populations less than 100,000. Grants can be used for the physical improvement of single and two-family homes including, but not limited to, the replacement or significant repair of roofs, siding, detached garages, exterior doors, windows, foundations, gutters, porches, driveways and other improvements necessary to bring properties up-to-date with building codes.

During the budget negotiations this year, housing was a top issue as the Governor proposed a new initiative that would override local zoning boards’ authority and communities’ approval to require the building of new multi-unit housing buildings, which Norris adamantly opposes. While the governor eventually conceded that her plan was flawed and pulled it off the negotiating table, Norris wants to provide a reasonable alternative that will help small cities across the state, like Lockport, with their ongoing efforts to revitalize. Unfortunately, his bill was blocked by the Assembly Majority Conference from leaving the Assembly Housing Committee today; however, he said this is “politics as usual” in Albany and is undeterred.

Norris added, “Our existing housing stock needs major repair. As I speak with stakeholders and fellow elected officials, this is a major concern. Citizens can barely afford their taxes and utility bills—let alone make important improvements in their property due to the skyrocketing cost of living. Providing more investment dollars to expand small cities community grants would make a big difference toward revitalizing our communities, protecting our tax base and keeping our families here in New York in the coming decades.”