LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The New York State Neighborhood and
Rural Preservation Programs upon the occasion of celebrating their 35th
Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The New York State Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs upon the
occasion of celebrating their 35th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The Neighborhood Preservation Program was established in 1977
with 50 companies receiving grants to help achieve their preservation
goals; three years later, the Rural Preservation Program was instituted,
providing grants to 14 companies and allowing them to reach their pres-
ervation goals; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Neighborhood and Rural Preservation
Program is divided into four regions: the Buffalo Region, the Capital
Region, the New York Region, and the Syracuse Region; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of the neighborhood and rural preservation
programs to promote and preserve housing for low- and moderate-income
individuals by providing planning and administrative funds to communi-
ty-based not-for-profit corporations known as Neighborhood and Rural
Preservation Companies; and
WHEREAS, Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Companies support various
preservation activities throughout New York State; some of these activ-
ities include, home improvements, rehabilitation, tenant and homeowner-
ship new construction, counseling workshops, foreclosure workshops,
management of buildings, green building initiatives, and eviction
prevention; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Companies
are important vehicles for delivering the services of New York State
Homes and Community Renewal's (HCR) local programs during tough economic
times; and
WHEREAS, Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Companies are also vital
instruments in the prevention of subprime foreclosure; and
WHEREAS, Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Companies incorporate
programs such as New York Main Street which provides financial resources
and technical assistance to communities to strengthen the economic
vitality of the state's traditional Main Streets and neighborhoods, and
the New York Affordable Housing Corporation which was established to
provide and preserve housing that is safe and decent, while at the same
time making it affordable to low- and moderate-income families; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The New York State Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs
upon the occasion of celebrating their 35th Anniversary; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The New York State Neighborhood and Rural Preservation
Programs.