[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City
of Schenectady 7-2-1979 by Res.
No. 79-129.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: The preamble for this resolution
reads: "Schenectady Urban Homesteading Program. The City of Schenectady,
in implementing a local urban homesteading program, is adding another
housing rehabilitation tool in its efforts to arrest the spread of
blight and stabilize those neighborhoods which already have experienced
a significant amount of deterioration of their housing stock. The
program will be instituted on a limited basis to determine whether
the concept is workable and enough need exists to expand the program.
Attempts should be made to encourage use of this program in neighborhoods
in which the City is currently undertaking C.D. and other HUD programs."
The purpose of this chapter is to return vacant,
City-owned, residential structures to an occupied, rehabilitated condition.
It is hoped that the transfer of these buildings at a nominal cost
to qualified families will accomplish the following:
Those candidates which receive properties for
homesteading may be eligible for a rehabilitation loan subsidy under
the Self-Help Improvement Program if they and the property meet the
criteria established for that program.
The selection of candidates for homesteading
shall be based upon the following need for housing:
A.
Priority will be given to those families who do have
the income and credit credentials to qualify for some financing but
are unable to compete in the conventional mortgage market for reasons
beyond their control.
B.
Capacity to make or cause to be made necessary repairs
on the property. Priority for financial assistance will also be given
to those candidates who can demonstrate the ability to complete a
portion of the rehabilitation through the use of their own labor.
The decision regarding the ability of the homesteader to undertake
portions of the work and as to which part of the rehabilitation can
be accomplished through self-help will be made in conjunction with
the Self-Help Improvement Program staff.
Each homesteader will be required to sign an
agreement with the City which shall require the homesteader:
B.
To make or cause to be made additional repairs and
improvements necessary to meet additional code requirements, and other
standards required as part of the Self-Help Improvement Program, including
energy conservation measures, within 18 months of occupancy.
C.
To occupy the property as principal residence for
not less than five years from the date title vested in the homesteader.
D.
To permit progress inspections by staff of the Self-Help
Improvement Program at reasonable times during the rehabilitation
of the property.
[Amended 3-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-07]
Eligible structures shall be City-owned vacant
and unrepaired residential structures which have been offered for
sale in accordance with the City's auction procedures but either were
not bid upon or the low bidder did not comply with the terms of sale
and the sale was not consummated, or which, having been taken by in
rem foreclosure proceedings but not yet auctioned, have been selected
or designated for the urban homestead program by resolution of the
City Council.
After compliance with § 102-3A, as certified by the Building Inspector, the Mayor will execute a quit-claim deed, transferring title to the homesteader. However, the deed will contain covenants which will guarantee compliance with the terms of the homesteader agreement and the necessary reverter clause if the terms are violated.
