Board Meetings: The Essex County Land Bank Board meets virtually quarterly on the last Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held in accordance with New York State Open Meetings Law. Members of the public may attend virtually. By emailing the office in advance, a secure meeting link will be provided.
Location: 111 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY [Click here to view MAP]
How is the Land Bank Managed and Operated?
The Essex County Land Bank has its own independent Board of Directors, which is responsible for governance, policy direction, and oversight of the organization. The Board establishes priorities, approves budgets and major initiatives, adopts policies, and provides high-level guidance to staff.
The day-to-day management and operation of the Essex County Land Bank is carried out by the North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), formerly known as PRIDE of Ticonderoga, through an Administrative Services Agreement.
Under this agreement, NRDC provides all staffing, administration, program delivery, and operational support for the Land Bank. The President & CEO of NRDC, together with Land Bank staff, directs and oversees the daily work of the organization, including:
- Property acquisition, maintenance, stabilization, and redevelopment
- Housing, demolition, rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization projects
- Grant writing, grant administration, compliance, and reporting
- Preparation of contracts, budgets, bid documents, environmental review records, and other required documentation
- Financial management, bookkeeping, reimbursement requests, and audit compliance
- Community outreach, partnerships, property marketing, and homebuyer assistance
- Coordination with municipalities, contractors, attorneys, engineers, and state agencies
- Management of the New York State Land Bank Initiative and other state and federal programs
While the independent Board provides oversight and strategic direction, NRDC staff and the President & CEO manage the Land Bank’s day-to-day operations and ensure projects move forward efficiently and in compliance with all requirements.
How Can I Purchase a Land Bank Home?
Available Land Bank homes are marketed through the Essex County Land Bank and NRDC websites, social media, local media, and other outreach required by the New York State Land Bank Initiative marketing plan. Interested buyers must complete an application and meet any program requirements associated with the property.
Depending on the home and funding source, buyers may be required to:
- Meet household income limits
- Complete a homebuyer counseling course
- Use the home as their primary residence
- Agree to deed restrictions or affordability requirements
- Participate in annual compliance inspections
Applications and information about available homes may be found on our website under the “Programs” section.
The Essex County Land Bank and NRDC staff are available to help interested buyers understand the requirements, complete an application, and determine whether they may qualify for available homes and homeownership programs.
Are Photos and Inspections Required?
Yes. Because Land Bank homes are acquired and rehabilitated through the New York State Land Bank Initiative and related funding provided by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), purchasers are required to agree to certain marketing and compliance requirements as part of the application and purchase process.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the home was acquired through the Essex County Land Bank as part of the New York State Land Bank Initiative (LBI) and related funding provided by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. As a condition of application and purchase, the Purchaser consents to the use of their name, likeness, photographs, video, and statements related to the purchase, closing, rehabilitation, and occupancy of the property for marketing, public relations, reporting, compliance, and educational purposes by the Essex County Land Bank, the North Country Rural Development Coalition, HCR, and their successors, assigns, partners, and funding agencies.
A marketing photograph at the closing is required as a condition of purchase and participation in the program. Such use may include, but is not limited to, required photographs and video taken at the closing, during inspections, at ribbon cuttings, and following occupancy; publication in print materials, reports, websites, social media, newsletters, grant applications, presentations, and other promotional or compliance-related materials associated with the Land Bank Initiative and related housing programs. The Purchaser understands and agrees that no compensation shall be due for such use.
The Purchaser further acknowledges that annual and other periodic inspections of the property are required pursuant to the deed restrictions, affordability requirements, and other Land Bank program requirements. By applying for and purchasing the property, the Purchaser grants the Essex County Land Bank, NRDC, HCR, and their representatives a perpetual right and release to enter the property upon reasonable notice for the purpose of conducting such inspections and documenting the condition of the property through photographs, video, or similar means as necessary to verify compliance with program requirements and deed restrictions. This consent and release shall survive closing and shall run with the land for the duration of the applicable deed restrictions and affordability period.