“The need for housing has never been greater.””

Sullivan County Land Bank Administrator Serra McDowall

MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Land Bank (SCLB) has completed the construction of four new affordable homes, two in Liberty and two in Monticello, that are currently for sale at $275,000. 

To bolster the efforts of the SCLB, the Legislature authorized $100,000 of financial support during the Government Services meeting on June 4; this tracks with past contributions by the county, which has allotted an annual $100,000 to fund the SCLB since its inception in 2017 (excluding 2020 and 2021, when contributions were complicated by Covid-funding shortfalls).

“The land bank was created to address vacant, abandoned and underutilized properties that often sit idle for years and become barriers to community growth,” said SCLB Administrator Serra McDowall, who identified the organization’s mission as turning blighted properties into community assets during the meeting on June 4. “Simply put, we take problem properties and help turn them into solutions.”

McDowall said one of their proudest accomplishments for the last year has been the completion of four newly constructed affordable homes, which are currently being marketed to individuals and families who live or work in Sullivan County. 

“At this time, when housing affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing our communities,” proclaimed McDowall, “these homes represent real opportunities for local residents to achieve home ownership.” 

Redevelopment efforts are also underway on Broadway in downtown Monticello where the SCLB is working to transform the historic Strong building and the Key Bank building into a mixed-use development.

McDowall said this project will create 16 affordable housing units and roughly 9,500 square-feet of commercial and community space.

When listing the SCLB’s achievements over the past year, McDowall named redevelopment planning for the former Monticello Manor, one brownfield clean-up site advancing towards redevelopment, multiple housing projects in the pipeline, and millions of dollars leveraged in state and federal funds for community revitalization. 

She thanked her community partners, including the county, local municipalities, New York State, community organizations, developers and residents for helping move these projects forward.

“The need for housing has never been greater,” said McDowall, “and the Sullivan County Land Bank remains committed to creating strong neighborhoods, more housing opportunities and brighter futures for those of Sullivan County.”

District 1 Legislator Matt McPhillips, who sits on the SCLB board, praised the organization’s efforts. “I think all the residents of the county would be well served to take a look at the website [www.sullivancountylandbank.org] and take a look at some of the things we’ve been able to accomplish through this—it’s really awesome,” said McPhillips.