69 Middleburgh Plans and Progress

As we reported in December, TRIP’s rehab project for 2012 is 69 Middleburgh St. in Troy. Architectural drawings for a 3-unit building (one 1-bedroom and two 2-bedrooms) have been done up, and TRIP is going to bid with contractors this month.

Numerous Middleburgh residents have made a point to thank the people working at the site. They, like us, understand that this rehab is more than a single building—it helps to set a standard of living and serves as an example that people care about where they live.

69 Middleburgh prior to any renovations

Artist Randy Rumpf’s rendering of the completed rehab

Housing Programs Not Funded in State Budget

We Need Your Urgent Help!

Call: (518) 474-8390

 or write: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Capitol, Albany, NY 12224 

TRIP and Rensselaer County Housing Resources (RCHR) help hundreds of people each year through homeownership opportunities, foreclosure prevention counseling, community programs, and lots more. NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP.  Stunningly, the governor’s proposed State budget will eliminate three key housing programs that provide key operating funding, enabling us to provide a myriad of housing and community services.

Here is the story and how you can help.

The governor has eliminated all funding for the Neighborhood Preservation Program and the Rural Preservation Program. The relatively small amounts of funding that TRIP and RCHR got under these programs in past years is seed money that allows us to cover portions of basic operating costs so that we can secure funding to deliver specific programs like Homebuyer Education, financial counseling, Mini-Repair services and Landlord Training, among others. The small State investment is leveraged many times over, providing a great “bang for the buck.” In 2010, for example, TRIP paid $192,924 in local property taxes, assisted 87 families facing foreclosure, repaired 278 homes, counseled 436 families in homeownership issues, and assisted 78 families become homeowners. The result: more than $10.1 million in mortgages, $2 million in local business, small contractors had work, and more.

Additionally, the governor eliminated all funding for the State’s Foreclosure Prevention Services Program. Predictions are that foreclosures will increase this year as the robo-signing issue that slowed down foreclosures last year are now resolved. However, with zero funding to the State’s Foreclosure Prevention Program, housing counselors skilled in complex foreclosure negotiations and legal service attorneys assisting homeowners in court will be laid off around the state. Homeowners often are unable to navigate through the foreclosure process on their own; foreclosure counseling nearly doubles a homeowner’s chance of getting her mortgage modified. Analysis shows that foreclosures cost communities quite a bit through decreased taxes, lowered property values, and safety issues. Without funding through the State’s foreclosure program, TRIP will no longer be able to assist families facing foreclosures, as we did with 87 families last year.

If you care about TRIP and RCHR’s housing services and the impact on Troy and Rensselaer County, we ask that you contact the governor’s office today at (518) 474-8390 or Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Capitol, Albany, NY 12224 urging him to restore funding to the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs and the Foreclosure Prevention Program.

Please call today because the deadline for him to add funding to his budget is very soon.

Thank you so much for your help.

Your friends at TRIP & RCHR

Electronics Recycling

Do you have old computer parts, batteries, or other electronics taking up space in your house but aren’t sure how to get rid of them? You’ve already made the right first step—these are not things that should just be put in the regular garbage. The chemicals and plastics used to make products such as televisions or cell phones are harmful to our water supply and soil if they are simply thrown away.

Responsible electronics recycling is an important topic in a world where gadgets become outdated within months of purchase. To make sure you are up to date on the proper means of disposal for electronics contact your local dump or recycling center. The City of Troy and Rensselaer County host free e-waste disposal days; dates have not yet been publicized. There are also private companies that specialize in the proper disposal of electronics.

Troy residents curious about general recycling guidelines should visit http://troyny.gov/recycling.html.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

As our world becomes more digitized and computer savvy, new risks arise. Identity theft is a contemporary problem that we all need to be aware of. With the holiday credit card bills rolling in (and hopefully being paid), it is increasingly important that our personal information is kept private.

Here are a few tips to keep your personal information from getting into the wrong hands:

- Only give out your Social Security number when it is really needed. Ask if and why it is necessary when you are asked to provide it.
- Be cautious who you share your personal information with and avoid sending such info in emails or through the mail.

- Shred any papers that have identification or account numbers before discarding them.

- Cut apart old credit cards and don’t carry unnecessary personal documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, etc.) around with you unless you really need them.

- Pay attention to your billing cycles. If a bill is late arriving at your house follow up with your creditors as soon as possible.

- Create unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Password protect your smartphone.

NYSERDA Energy Audits and Weatherization

As you have undoubtedly noticed, it’s getting cold again. While this year has brought a strangely temperate winter, we can’t forget about the importance of monitoring our energy use and weatherization.

Weatherization is a broad term describing ways of protecting your home from the winter elements. Steps to keep the heat inside and thus lower your bill include: sealing any air leaks in your doors and windows, checking your roof for leaks, and being sure to keep snow and ice from building up on your home. Additionally, with less heat getting out, less oil or natural gas will need to be burned to keep your family warm. Some tips to keep in mind this winter and all year round can be found here: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2011-Announcements/2011-12-15-Make-Energy-Efficiency-a-Priority-This-New-Year-with-Simple-Energy-Resolutions-for-2012.aspx.

To find out just how much energy you and your family really use and how to improve, we recommend looking into the free and reduced-cost energy audits provided by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) at http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Page-Sections/Residential/Programs/Existing-Home-Renovations/Comprehensive-Home-Assessments.aspx.

Another positive program coming out of NYSERDA is EmPower New York and, announced on January 5th, the 2012 funding for the program has increased by $18 million, making for a total of $46 million in funds to aid in the improvement of energy usage in low-income households. To read the full announcement visit: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2012-Announcements/2012-01-05-Program-to-Help-Low-Income-New-Yorkers-Reduce-Energy-Bills-Gets-Increased-Funding.aspx.

Community Development and Planning Public Hearing Scheduled

Troy residents, business owners, and organizational leaders are invited to a City of Troy public hearing on Wednesday, January 25^th at 6 pm in Conference Room A, City Hall, 1776 6^th Avenue.  Attendees will have the opportunity to address what the City’s priorities should be for use of federal funding including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), and HOME funds.  Those interested but unable to attend may also submit written comments to City Hall, 1776 6^th Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, Attention: Tim Mattice.

TNAC Meeting Scheduled

Keeping the momentum rolling into 2012!  TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, February 1 at 7 PM.  Interested residents and community leaders are invited to gather from 7-8:30 PM at The Hill Street Inn at 202 4^th Street.  Neighborhood groups are encouraged to come prepared to tell a story about something that has worked well for them so that we can celebrate our successes and share best practices among neighborhoods.  Other agenda items are welcome; please send to hilary@triponline.org ahead of time.  Hope to see you on February 1^st!