BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2025
I. Organizational Matters
1. L. Daily called the meeting to order at 4:09p
2. Attendance: Lisa Daily, (Chair), Alexandra Church (Vice-chair), Andrei Niles (Secretary), Carson Carter, Andres Schrijver, Jeff Werner. Others Present: J. Welles (Executive Director), E. Talbott (Project Director) J. Sidd (Legal Counsel, Hancock Estabrook, LLP) Absent: Ramona Monteverde, Dion Duncan, Todd Venning (City Manager)
3. Review & Approval of September 2025 Minutes. A. Church made motion to approve, J Werner seconded. All members approved with hand raises, none opposed
4. Review & Approval of September/October 2025 Financial Reports: J. Welles provided an overview of the balance sheet comparison for the period and the profit & loss. Land Bank Initiative grant income was received during the period. C. Carter made motion to approve, A. Church seconded. All members approved with hand raises, none opposed.
5. Administrative Manager position: There were multiple candidates for the part-time position. Three applicants were interviewed by J. Welles & E. Talbott. Staff recommended hiring David Leonor based on his interview, resume and references. Mr. Leonor has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and speaks Spanish fluently. A. Church motioned to approve hiring of Mr. Leonor. C. Carter seconded. All approved with ayes, none opposed.
6. 157 Grand St. – Winston Ragle, a former land bank purchaser, acquired 157 Grand St in 2016. The property has a 10 year minimum occupancy requirement, from the date of the deed, that was recorded as a restrictive covenant Mr. Ragle is seeking a release of covenant deed to remove these restrictions in order to the sell the property. Board members deliberated the request and determined that the request was reasonable. The Board determined that any legal costs to the land bank for this request will have to be covered by Mr. Ragle. A. Church motioned to approve the release of minimum occupancy period deed restriction. J. Werner seconded it. All approved with ayes, none opposed.
II. Property Related Matters
1. Legacy Cities Access Program:
a) Phase II: 140 Chambers, 128 Dubois, 11 S. Miller, 238 First: 11 S Miller St has been cleaned out of fire debris. Jeff Wilkinson, R.A., is preparing City of Newburgh Architectural Review Commission (ARC) applications for 238 First St & 11 S Miller St. Zoning Boards of Appeal application are being prepared for 140 Chambers St, 128 Dubois, and 11 S Miller St. 238 First will not require a ZBA application according to the City’s RFI response.
2. Restore NY – Restore NY project: 72-76-78 Lander update
a) Stabilization and asbestos remediation- update: Shalom Environmental LLC was the successful bidder for this RFQ. Abatement work began at 72 Lander St on November 10 and is estimated to be completed on November 19. Abatement work at 78 Lander is scheduled to begin November 20. Our general contractor will begin building stabilization at 72 Lander when final clearance inspection is complete.
3. 44 S. Miller: RFP for full-scale demolition of structure, including repair/parging party wall with 46 Lander, and site work. Anticipating release of RFP in when new funding is secured. Board members discussed asking structural engineer, Nate Tocci, to visit 44 S Miller and produce a report. If full-scale demolition is proposed, an application to the ARC demonstrating why it can’t be saved will be required. The ARC does not consider financial constraints as a reason.
4. 146 South – reverter action update: Defendant’s lawyer asked Judge for discovery time. Case is delayed.
5. 38 Lander – purchaser encountered financing challenges to complete the renovation. Some inspections have been completed. A. Church provided can provide a list of all inspections project to date.
6. Property Acquisition:
a) Property swap with Habitat for Humanity -161 Lander for 80 Lander. The closing for this transfer swap happened on October 8,2025. Both lots are identical and size and value.
b) Acquisition of 15 S. Johnson and 90 Gidney. The closing for the purchase of these properties is scheduled for November 20.
II. Motion to close the meeting, A. Church motioned, A. Schrijver seconded it. All approved, none opposed. Meeting adjourned at 5:05p.
E. Next Meeting: December 17, 2025, at 4p