Brockport looks at housing revitalization initiative

Brockport looks at housing revitalization initiative

Brockport has done much to improve and maintain its historic downtown shopping area and Village of Brockport Trustee David Wagenhauser would like to see that historic feel and pride extended throughout the village.

"Brockport has some of the most impressive and diverse housing in Western New York. From our stately Victorian mansions dating to the early 1800s to subdivisions under construction, there is something for everyone. Moderately priced, with tremendous value and/or potential, most homes are within walking distance of one of the region's best preserved Main Streets, in a village that has been recognized as a 'Preserve America Community,' " he said at a January 16 board meeting.

Wagenhauser said that "responsive, proactive governments can and should take an interest in developing, improving and rehabilitating its housing stock." He pointed to the recent, significant improvement to the facades of many of the village's downtown businesses. "The Village's Historic Preservation Board acquired (state) matching grant money, which enabled downtown businesses to improve the value of their properties - at a lower cost - while helping to preserve Brockport's heritage and history for all of us."

Under his initiative, Wagenhauser would like to see renovations and facade improvements expanded beyond Main Street. "Our housing stock remains as asset worth preserving. That is why I'm excited tonight to present the overview of a plan that will - at little or no cost to taxpayers - encourage and reward owners for taking steps to restore or upgrade their properties."

The initiative includes:

Tax incentives and/or exemptions that would forestall (for years) increases in village taxes due to increased home value (assessment) as a result of significant home improvements.
Financial information/assistance should be incorporated into the village website that would show those interested where to find information on acquiring potential rehabilitation money (i.e., Federal/State County grants and low interest loans, etc.), together with those offered by local institutional lenders. Also included would be information on tax benefits and other incentives for certain improvements.

In addition, representatives from Brockport's Historic Preservation Board (responsible for administrating the successful downtown facade improvement grants) will be investigating grant and other improvement programs for those homes currently designated Historic Landmarks as well as those interested in acquiring such designation.
"How to" help. "Simply watching 'This Old House' on television may be enough for some 'do-it-yourselfers,' but others would feel much more comfortable with someone offering tips in their homes, i.e., 'how do I fix this cracked plaster?,' " he said. "The village has first rate rehabilitation experts and contractors, some of whom have already agreed to offer their knowledge, tips and encouragement - in home, at no charge."
Wagenhauser plans to recruit volunteers from SUNY Brockport, Brockport High School, local unions, service organizations and others to be a Home Volunteer Corps. "We would match their talents with those in need (i.e., fixed income elderly), to do a wide variety of needed services (yard clean-up, landscaping, maintenance, house painting, etc.)," he said. "Supplies and equipment would be solicited from corporate partners."

According to Wagenhauser, the initiative is about community and neighborhood building. "All those with shared interests in our community will be encouraged to cooperate and get involved," he said. "Brockport's neighbors have a real interest in the growth and continued success of Brockport. Sweden Supervisor (Buddy) Lester has agreed to co-chair with me, an advisory group that will invite rental housing representatives and homeowners to an open dialogue and provide a forum to clarify new state regulations and potential Brockport initiatives. Sweden will also be considering whether it will adopt and/or participate in Brockport's initiative.

Lester said in an e-mail correspondence, "As always, Sweden is committed to working cooperatively with the Village of Brockport to find new ways to improve the quality of life for our residents. I look forward to co-chairing this committee and exploring ways that we may help property owners make improvements that will enhance our community."

Wagenhauser hopes to solicit cooperation from SUNY Brockport college representatives because he said, "The college is also interested in improving quality of life issues for both students and non-students in the area around campus and will be an important component in the 'Volunteer Corps' program."

Imperative in any village initiative, he said, is to ensure the safety of renters, while protecting the property values of homeowners and landlords, alike. "The overwhelming majority of rental owners respect the laws and codes already on the books and contribute to our community. New ideas will be introduced, both through advisory groups and regular meetings with code enforcement, to improve communication, and create an atmosphere of cooperation and earnest problem solving."

The initiative is aimed largely at single family homeowners, who, with the right information, encouragement, support and incentives will have the opportunity to improve their homes and neighborhoods. "Other interests include: assisting the elderly to remain independent in their homes; showcasing our housing, neighborhoods and downtown to surrounding areas; and encouraging families to move into the village and invest in our neighborhoods," Wagenhauser said. "All homeowners, rental owners and businesses would be encouraged through recognition and other ways, to go beyond minimal code compliance, improve their properties, become more involved in their neighborhoods and contribute to our community."

"I think the initiative brought forth by Trustee Wagenhauser is a commendable one in an effort to better the community," Mayor Mort Wexler said. "But, I'd ask that the board be notified of ideas before they are brought forth. I'd like to know what's happening before it gets to the board."

Wagenhauser ended his presentation by saying the program was a "proactive, positive initiative to empower our homeowners, stakeholders and future neighbors to come and participate in Brockport's ongoing revival." He said details of the plan's components would be introduced over the next six months with portions that would need board approval being brought before the board.