NY A05607

Creates a community improvement grant program under the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to provide financial assistance to municipalities with populations under one million persons that have significant vacant, deteriorated, or obsolete residential housing stock.

Requires municipalities receiving grants to establish democratically organized citizens' participation committees composed of representatives from local charitable, not-for-profit, social service, faith-based, business, and community organizations, as well as interested residents.

Authorizes grant funds to be expended on property acquisition (unlimited), demolition (unlimited), selective rehabilitation (up to 25%), neighborhood beautification (up to 20%), administration (up to 10%), property improvement mini-grants of up to $1,000 each (up to 20%), and planning and market studies (up to 10%).

Permits committees to direct acquisition and demolition of tax delinquent, vacant, and abandoned properties, and to transfer salvaged properties to individuals maintaining them as primary residences for at least two years or to not-for-profit agencies at nominal cost.

Requires committees to develop comprehensive neighborhood improvement plans subject to municipal oversight and financial audits, with committees proceeding subject to the Public Officers Law regarding open meetings and proceedings.