(WNY News Now) – Dunkirk, NY – The city of Dunkirk in Western New York rejoices as it becomes one of New York’s inaugural Pro-Housing Communities, a strategic move by the state to boost housing development locally. Governor Hochul’s initiative, announced last year, prioritizes certified communities for up to $650 million in state discretionary funding. The certification program recognizes municipalities actively promoting housing growth through streamlined permitting and pro-housing policies.
Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz expressed gratitude, stating, “The City of Dunkirk is proud to be among the first communities in this program.” Certification criteria include a documented increase in housing stock or a commitment to pro-housing principles. The state’s approval process ensures timely responses within 90 days.
New York’s Pro-Housing Community Program is designed to reward municipalities that streamline permitting, adopt pro-housing policies, and submit critical housing and zoning data. Eligibility criteria extend to communities showing a housing stock increase or a commitment to pro-housing principles. Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz expressed appreciation for the program, emphasizing Dunkirk’s pride in being among the first certified communities.
The certification process, overseen by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), reviews applications on a rolling basis, ensuring timely responses within 90 days. Communities can access program applications on the official website, reflecting the state’s commitment to facilitating housing solutions.
The discretionary funding, amounting to $650 million, encompasses various programs administered by state entities, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NY Forward, Regional Council Capital Fund, New York Main Street, Market New York capital grants, Long Island Investment Fund, Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, and Public Transportation Modernization Enhancement Program. This diverse funding approach aims to address unique community needs and encourage comprehensive urban development.
Certification criteria are flexible, accommodating both established and aspiring Pro-Housing Communities. Documentation of housing stock growth or a resolution committing to pro-housing principles, coupled with housing and zoning data submission, ensures an inclusive certification process. Dunkirk’s recognition exemplifies the program’s impact, fostering partnerships between localities and the state for sustainable housing development.
Leave a Reply