Landlord Training Program

TRIP is co-sponsoring a Troy Landlord Training Program on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 5:30 – 9:30 PM. It will be held at the Italian Community Center at 1450 5^th Avenue. Anyone with rental properties in Troy – or those considering purchasing a building with rental units is invited to attend this informative, free, interactive session designed to assist landlords in managing their property. Topics include landlord/tenant responsibilities, tenant screening, the eviction process, Section 8, code enforcement and more.

Seating is limited so please reserve by contacting TRIP’s HomeOwnership Center at register@triponline.org or 690-0020. A light meal will be provided. The Troy Landlord Training Program is co-sponsored by Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (TRIP), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the City of Troy.

A Commitment to Education

What is the impact of providing Homebuyer Education? Or Landlord Training? Or Money Management Classes? How many of us emerged from high school with a sound financial education? Did we know the difference between an ARM and a fixed rate mortgage? Did we learn practical money management skills in the classroom? Was financial literacy a concern for our well-rounded education? Did we get tested on our financial IQ?

Everyday, TRIP is making a difference in our neighborhoods by providing the information that helps people make informed decisions, empowers homeowners, strengthens neighborhoods and brings a sense of pride in community.

Homeowners Take Advantage!

You may be eligible for a 20% tax credit up to a $50,000 value for rehabilitation work on your historic home. A new state law to enhance the 2007 Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program increases financial incentives for rehabilitation of "qualified historic homes." Information about the requirements needed for a home to qualify is included below.

Tax credits are available for rehab in excess of $5000 of which at least 5% is spent on exterior work; the work is completed after January 1, 2010; and preliminary approval is received by the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Work that generally does not qualify for the tax credit includes landscaping, fencing, and additions.

A buyer of a qualified historic home may also be able to claim the tax credit if he or she was the first purchaser after a substantial rehabilitation by the seller, which was certified as meeting the established requirements. Furthermore, the sale must occur within five years of the certification of the completed work and the seller could not have previously taken the tax credit.

If the allowable credit exceeds the homeowner's tax liability for the year and the family's adjusted gross income is under $60,000, the excess will be treated as an overpayment of tax to be credited or refunded.

According to the SHPO, a "Qualified Historic Home" must be:

• Owner-occupied;
• Listed on the State or National Register or as a contributing building in a historic district; and
• Located in a federal census tract that is at 100% or less of the State
• Family Median Income or has similar designations. Call SHPO to determine whether your neighborhood qualifies.

For a map of historic districts in the City of Troy, click here. For more information on the Historic Tax Credit or an application, link to the historic tax credit page on the state's website at http://www.nysparks.com/shpo or contact the Residential Tax Credit Program at (518) 237-8643.

Annual Homecoming Dinner

Throughout its history, TRIP has been privileged to be touched by "movers and shakers" who are dedicated to Troy. Four of these treasures will be honored at the TRIP and Rensselaer County Housing Resources (RCHR) Annual Homecoming Dinner on Monday, October 26, 2009.

TRIP & RCHR will present its 2009 Community Citizenship Award to John Scarchilli, President and CEO of Pioneer Bank, for his many decades of commitment to Troy and Rensselaer County. In conjunction with John's leadership, Pioneer has helped TRIP and RCHR -- and the communities they serve -- in numerous ways for many years. Pioneer is a long-term supporter of the homeownership programs, helping first-time homebuyers achieve -- and maintain - their American dream. Additionally, Pioneer provided capital investments so that TRIP could renovate derelict abandoned buildings and bring them back to life, and then supplied volunteers to help improve the surrounding neighborhoods with various improvement projects.

Also being recognized at the TRIP and RCHR Annual Dinner are three people who each contributed to Troy's revitalization when they served as Executive Directors of TRIP during its 40 year history. Vinny Lepera, Duncan Barrett, and Barbara Jones Higbee are this year's recipients of TRIP's Troy Treasure Award, which recognizes a person or group who demonstrates a passion for Troy in very positive and real ways. Come hear their stories.

TRIP and RCHR are pleased to honor and show their appreciation for four of our area's valuable assets at the Annual Homecoming Dinner. Please join us on Monday, October 26 at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 126 Campbell Avenue, Troy, NY. Tickets are still available. For ticket information, please contact gail@triponline.org or 272-8289 x212.

Meet the Candidates Night

Troy residents are asked to make some important decisions on November 3, Election Day. Who do you want to lead the City as it faces difficult issues and tough choices over the next two years? Who will make the best judges in Rensselaer County Court and Family Court? What do you really know about the candidates? How can you find out their positions on issues that are important to you? How will you decide who to cast your votes for in two weeks?

To help you decide, don’t miss a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Wednesday, October 21st, from 7 – 9 PM at the CYO, 237 4th Street in Troy. You will hear from – and can pose questions to – eighteen candidates who are running for the City Council’s six district council seats and three council-at-large seats. You will meet and learn about the four candidates vying to be the next judge in Rensselaer County Court Judge or Family Court. You will also have a chance to meet some of the many candidates running to represent Troy as County Legislators from District 1.

“Meet the Candidates Night” is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) and TRIP (Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program) to help people who care about Troy make informed choices as they pull the levers on November 3rd for their best hopes for Troy’s leaders.

We’re pleased that the League of Women Voters is again partnering with us to moderate the presentations by the candidates. We look forward to an informative and interesting evening!

TNAC is a non-partisan coalition led by neighborhood leaders and comprised of Troy’s neighborhood associations, neighborhood watches, and concerned citizens. By meeting regularly and holding public events like the “Meet the Candidates Night,” we aim to encourage new neighborhood groups and support existing ones, in part by energizing people to get involved, whether it’s organizing block parties or working with the police to reduce crime. TNAC’s mission statement, goals and objectives can be used as blueprints for someone starting a group or to help current groups stay focused as they work to revitalize their communities.

More than the influence even of elected officials, Troy’s future will be determined by the passion, the vision and, yes, the hard work of many caring and committed lovers-of-Troy. For more information about TNAC, For more information, contact TRIP at 272-8289 x214 or email hilary@triponline.org.