BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES May 14, 2025
I. Organizational Matters
1. L. Daily called the meeting to order at 4:12p
2. Attendance: L. Daily, (Chair), A. Church (Vice-chair), C. Carter, D. Duncan, R. Monteverde, Others Present: J. Welles (Executive Director) E. Talbott (Project Director) J. Sidd (Legal Counsel) Absent: A. Niles (Secretary), T. Venning (City Manager), J. Werner
3. Review & Approval of March 2025 Minutes. A. Church made motion to approve, R. Monteverde seconded. All members approved with hand raises, none opposed.
4. Review & Approval of April 2025 Financial Reports review: J. Welles reviewed balance sheet. The operating account balance is $288,865. All funds for LBI Phase 1 (operating) have been drawn down for the grant period, and $753,901 remains for LBI Phase 2 (capital/non-cap). D. Duncan motioned to approve, C. Carter seconded it. All approved with ayes, none opposed.
5. Hudson Valley Gives May 21 – online local fundraiser. BoD members to share page with friends and family. In 2024, we attempted to raise matching funds via former board member David Potack of Unitex.
II. Property Related Matters
1. Legacy Cities Access Program:
a) Sales – 136 Lander & 39 S Miller – Closings took place on April 23. Last two homes in four home Legacy Cities Access project. Paid off construction loan before maturation and saved on construction loan interest, so we received additional developer fees.
b) New round of funding – For Round 2 we are proposing to conduct full-scale rehab at 140 Chambers, 128 Dubois, 44 S Miller, 11 S Miller, 238 First and/or 146 South (do not own; in reverter action)
2. Land Bank Initiative – update on projects:
a) 128 Dubois – Framing repairs and additional work completed. GC (Lemle & Wolff d/b/a Alltype Maintenance Corp) JWRA is providing as-built drawings to close out permit.
b) 44 S Miller St – The general contractor’s crew completed training for Allied Trades Asbestos Restricted Handler certification. We will release an Asbestos abatement RFP before the end of May to solicit licensed subcontractors in the area.
c) 140 Chambers – Additional scope of work involved more extensive repair and restoration of stucco panels, and installation of footing at the NE corner and replacement of structural column, as well as footings and columns in the basement.
d) Award for new round of funding: Received a $2M award split between capital and non-capital activities. Funding will cover acquisition funds for City-owned properties, predevelopment costs and building stabilization. R. Monteverde commented that some of her constituents have the view that the City of Newburgh only sells to the Land Bank, precluding residents from purchasing City or land bank property. The perception is inaccurate but needs to be addressed through educating public.
3. Restore NY project: 72-76-78 Lander update:
a) Architecture and Engineering Plans update: J. Welles commented that we are working with Open Structure LLC to develop design options. Structural stabilization drawings are being provided by local licensed Professional Engineer. Adding 61 Campbell and 80 Lander to the assemblage is proposed. The lots will provide an opportunity to increase number of housing units and provide driveway circulation and parking. Anticipating release of RFA for co-developer/purchaser in 2025.
b) Environmental Survey update: We conducted Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments that identified no Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) but recommended lead-based paint (LBP) screening and asbestos survey. Asbestos survey and LBP screening identified lead paint surfaces and asbestos in flooring and plaster. No testing was conducted at 76 Lander due to unsafe conditions. Interior materials and debris are suspected to be Regulated Asbestos Containing Materials (RACM). The stabilization budget for the (3) building project is $350,000.
4. 143 Washington St– closing postponed due to BJH dropping general contractor/co-developer. Rebid the construction scope of work with local contractor Baxter. Board discussed placing a deadline to closing/acquisition of the building by close of 2025.
5. 146 South – reverter action: Waiting for court mediation date. New vinyl windows were recently installed without ARC approval and unclear if there is a current building permit. DoB has been notified of work. There may be people occupying building.
6. Property Acquisition:
A) City Council Resolutions to transfer property – Resolution to purchase properties not acquired through tax foreclosure including 161 Lander (lot), 11 S Miller (property), 47 Lutheran (lot), 302 Grand (lot). A. Church made a motion to approve transfer of properties. C. Carter seconded it. All approved with ayes, none opposed.
B) NCLB Resolution to acquire City owned property (action item) – City has listed price of properties based on Assessed Value (AV). Surplus account for each property sold through City of Newburgh/NCLB property acquisition; 3 years to claim excess equity/proceeds. After 3 years the funds will go into a reserve. Assessed values are reasonable market values because assessment rates are at 100% uniform. City is placing funds for property acquisition into a hold harmless account that will be used to reduce the cost of future property acquisitions. List of properties include 90 Gidney, 123 Third, 15 S Johnston, 191 South, 41 Lander, 43 Lander, 231 First, 68 Campbell and 61 Campbell. – Resolution to purchase up to 9 properties from City of Newburgh totaling $506,500. A. Church made a motion to approve purchase of properties. C. Carter seconded it. All approved with ayes, none opposed.
III. Executive Session: none
Meeting adjourned at 5:05p. R. Monteverde motioned, D. Duncan seconded it.
E. Next Meeting: June 18, 2025, at 4p