Bill Text: NY A00373 | 2011-2012 | General Assembly | Amended


Bill Title: Provides for the creation and administration of land banks, for the conversion of vacant, abandoned or tax-delinquent properties into productive use.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 24-14)

Status: (Passed) 2011-07-29 - signed chap.257 [A00373 Detail]

Download: New_York-2011-A00373-Amended.html
                           S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
       ________________________________________________________________________
                                        373--A
                              2011-2012 Regular Sessions
                                 I N  A S S E M B L Y
                                      (PREFILED)
                                    January 5, 2011
                                      ___________
       Introduced  by  M. of A. HOYT, FINCH, GIGLIO, MAGNARELLI, MILLMAN, SCHI-
         MEL, JAFFEE, BROOK-KRASNY, CAHILL, LUPARDO, ENGLEBRIGHT,  SCARBOROUGH,
         P. RIVERA, PERRY, LAVINE, ABINANTI, WEPRIN, BRONSON -- Multi-Sponsored
         by  -- M. of A. BARCLAY, BOYLAND, BRENNAN, BURLING, CROUCH, GABRYSZAK,
         MAISEL, McENENY, McKEVITT, McLAUGHLIN,  MOLINARO,  MONTESANO,  MURRAY,
         ROBERTS, ROBINSON, SPANO, TENNEY, WEISENBERG -- read once and referred
         to  the Committee on Local Governments -- reported and referred to the
         Committee on Ways and Means --  committee  discharged,  bill  amended,
         ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
       AN  ACT  to  amend  the  not-for-profit  corporation  law and the public
         authorities law, in relation to providing for the creation and  admin-
         istration  of  land  banks, for the conversion of vacant, abandoned or
         tax-delinquent properties into productive use
         THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
       BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
    1    Section  1.  The not-for-profit corporation law is amended by adding a
    2  new article 16 to read as follows:
    3                                 ARTICLE 16
    4                                 LAND BANKS
    5  SECTION 1600. SHORT TITLE.
    6          1601. LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
    7          1602. DEFINITIONS.
    8          1603. CREATION AND EXISTENCE.
    9          1604. APPLICABILITY OF NEW YORK LAW.
   10          1605. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
   11          1606. STAFF.
   12          1607. POWERS.
   13          1608. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.
   14          1609. DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY.
   15          1610. FINANCING OF LAND BANK OPERATIONS.
        EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                             [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                                  LBD01212-09-1
       A. 373--A                           2
    1          1611. BORROWING AND ISSUANCE OF BONDS.
    2          1612. PUBLIC RECORDS AND PUBLIC MEETINGS.
    3          1613. DISSOLUTION OF LAND BANK.
    4          1614. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
    5          1615. CONSTRUCTION, INTENT AND SCOPE.
    6          1616. DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX ENFORCEMENT.
    7          1617. CONTRACTS.
    8  S 1600. SHORT TITLE.
    9    THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "LAND BANK ACT".
   10  S 1601. LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
   11    THE  LEGISLATURE  FINDS  AND  DECLARES THAT NEW YORK'S COMMUNITIES ARE
   12  IMPORTANT TO THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC  VITALITY  OF  THE  STATE.  WHETHER
   13  URBAN,  SUBURBAN, OR RURAL, MANY COMMUNITIES ARE STRUGGLING TO COPE WITH
   14  VACANT, ABANDONED, AND TAX-DELINQUENT PROPERTIES.
   15    THERE EXISTS A CRISIS IN MANY CITIES AND THEIR METRO AREAS  CAUSED  BY
   16  DISINVESTMENT  IN REAL PROPERTY AND RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF
   17  VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY. FOR EXAMPLE, CORNELL  COOPERATIVE  EXTEN-
   18  SION  ASSOCIATION  OF ERIE COUNTY ESTIMATES THAT THE CITY OF BUFFALO HAS
   19  THIRTEEN THOUSAND VACANT PARCELS, FOUR THOUSAND VACANT STRUCTURES AND AN
   20  ESTIMATED TWENTY-TWO THOUSAND  TWO  HUNDRED  NINETY  VACANT  RESIDENTIAL
   21  UNITS.  THIS  CONDITION OF VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REPRESENTS LOST
   22  REVENUE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND LARGE COSTS  RANGING  FROM  DEMOLITION,
   23  EFFECTS  OF  SAFETY HAZARDS AND SPREADING DETERIORATION OF NEIGHBORHOODS
   24  INCLUDING RESULTING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES.
   25    THE NEED EXISTS TO STRENGTHEN AND REVITALIZE THE ECONOMY OF THE  STATE
   26  AND  ITS LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT BY SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF VACANT AND
   27  ABANDONED PROPERTY IN A COORDINATED MANNER AND TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT
   28  OF SUCH PROPERTY AND PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH.  SUCH PROBLEMS MAY INCLUDE
   29  MULTIPLE TAXING JURISDICTIONS LACKING COMMON POLICIES, INEFFECTIVE PROP-
   30  ERTY INSPECTION, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND PROPERTY  REHABILITATION  SUPPORT,
   31  LENGTHY  AND/OR  INADEQUATE  FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS AND LACK OF COORDI-
   32  NATION AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION.
   33    THERE IS AN OVERRIDING PUBLIC NEED TO CONFRONT THE PROBLEMS CAUSED  BY
   34  VACANT,  ABANDONED AND TAX-DELINQUENT PROPERTIES THROUGH THE CREATION OF
   35  NEW TOOLS TO BE AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT  NEW  YORK  ENABLING
   36  THEM TO TURN VACANT SPACES INTO VIBRANT PLACES.
   37    LAND BANKS ARE ONE OF THE TOOLS THAT CAN BE UTILIZED BY COMMUNITIES TO
   38  FACILITATE  THE  RETURN OF VACANT, ABANDONED, AND TAX-DELINQUENT PROPER-
   39  TIES TO PRODUCTIVE USE.  THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF LAND  BANK  OPERATIONS  IS
   40  THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY THAT IS TAX DELINQUENT, TAX FORECLOSED,
   41  VACANT,  ABANDONED,  AND  THE USE OF TOOLS AUTHORIZED IN THIS ARTICLE TO
   42  ELIMINATE THE HARMS AND LIABILITIES CAUSED BY SUCH PROPERTIES.
   43  S 1602. DEFINITIONS.
   44    THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN USED IN THIS ARTICLE  SHALL  HAVE
   45  THE  MEANINGS  GIVEN  TO THEM IN THIS SECTION UNLESS THE CONTEXT CLEARLY
   46  INDICATES OTHERWISE:
   47    (A) "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" OR "BOARD" SHALL MEAN THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS
   48  OF A LAND BANK;
   49    (B)  "LAND  BANK"  SHALL  MEAN  A  LAND  BANK  ESTABLISHED AS A TYPE C
   50  NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THIS CHAPTER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
   51  PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE AND PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE;
   52    (C) "FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL  UNIT"  SHALL  MEAN  "TAX  DISTRICT"  AS
   53  DEFINED  IN  SUBDIVISION  SIX  OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED TWO OF THE REAL
   54  PROPERTY TAX LAW;
   55    (D) "MUNICIPALITY" SHALL MEAN A CITY, VILLAGE, TOWN  OR  COUNTY  OTHER
   56  THAN A COUNTY LOCATED WHOLLY WITHIN A CITY;
       A. 373--A                           3
    1    (E)  "SCHOOL  DISTRICT"  SHALL MEAN A SCHOOL DISTRICT AS DEFINED UNDER
    2  THE EDUCATION LAW; AND
    3    (F)  "REAL  PROPERTY"  SHALL MEAN LANDS, LANDS UNDER WATER, STRUCTURES
    4  AND ANY AND ALL EASEMENTS, AIR RIGHTS, FRANCHISES AND INCORPOREAL HERED-
    5  ITAMENTS AND EVERY  ESTATE  AND  RIGHT  THEREIN,  LEGAL  AND  EQUITABLE,
    6  INCLUDING  TERMS  FOR  YEARS  AND  LIENS BY WAY OF JUDGMENT, MORTGAGE OR
    7  OTHERWISE, AND ANY AND ALL FIXTURES AND IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED THEREON.
    8  S 1603. CREATION AND EXISTENCE.
    9    (A) ANY FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT MAY CREATE A LAND  BANK  BY  THE
   10  ADOPTION OF A LOCAL LAW, ORDINANCE, OR RESOLUTION AS APPROPRIATE TO SUCH
   11  FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT WHICH ACTION SPECIFIES THE FOLLOWING:
   12    (1) THE NAME OF THE LAND BANK;
   13    (2)  THE  NUMBER  OF  MEMBERS  OF  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHICH SHALL
   14  CONSIST OF AN ODD NUMBER OF MEMBERS, AND SHALL BE  NOT  LESS  THAN  FIVE
   15  MEMBERS NOR MORE THAN ELEVEN MEMBERS;
   16    (3) THE INITIAL INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIREC-
   17  TORS, AND THE LENGTH OF TERMS FOR WHICH THEY ARE TO SERVE;
   18    (4)  THE QUALIFICATIONS, MANNER OF SELECTION OR APPOINTMENT, AND TERMS
   19  OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD; AND
   20    (5) THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR THE LAND BANK,  WHICH  SHALL  BE
   21  FILED  WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES SET
   22  FORTH IN THIS CHAPTER.
   23    (B) TWO OR MORE FORECLOSING  GOVERNMENTAL  UNITS  MAY  ENTER  INTO  AN
   24  INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT WHICH CREATES A SINGLE LAND BANK
   25  TO ACT ON BEHALF OF SUCH FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNITS, WHICH AGREEMENT
   26  SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY AND BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARA-
   27  GRAPH  (A)  OF  THIS  SECTION.    SUCH INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT SHALL
   28  INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR DISSOLUTION OF SUCH LAND BANK.
   29    (C) ANY FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNITS AND ANY MUNICIPALITY MAY  ENTER
   30  INTO  AN  INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT WHICH CREATES A SINGLE
   31  LAND BANK TO ACT ON BEHALF OF  SUCH  FORECLOSING  GOVERNMENTAL  UNIT  OR
   32  UNITS AND MUNICIPALITY, WHICH AGREEMENT SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY AND BE IN
   33  ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SECTION.  SUCH
   34  INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT SHALL INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR DISSOLUTION  OF
   35  SUCH LAND BANK.
   36    (D)  EXCEPT  WHEN  A LAND BANK IS CREATED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OR
   37  (C) OF THIS SECTION, IN THE EVENT A COUNTY CREATES  A  LAND  BANK,  SUCH
   38  LAND  BANK  SHALL  HAVE THE POWER TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY ONLY IN THOSE
   39  PORTIONS OF SUCH COUNTY LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE  GEOGRAPHICAL  BOUNDARIES
   40  OF  ANY  OTHER  LAND  BANK CREATED BY ANY OTHER FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL
   41  UNIT LOCATED PARTIALLY OR ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH COUNTY.
   42    (E) A SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY PARTICIPATE IN A LAND BANK  PURSUANT  TO  AN
   43  INTERGOVERNMENTAL  COOPERATION  AGREEMENT  WITH  THE FORECLOSING GOVERN-
   44  MENTAL UNIT OR UNITS THAT CREATE THE LAND BANK,  WHICH  AGREEMENT  SHALL
   45  SPECIFY  THE MEMBERSHIP, IF ANY, OF SUCH SCHOOL DISTRICT ON THE BOARD OF
   46  DIRECTORS OF THE LAND BANK, OR THE ACTIONS OF THE LAND  BANK  WHICH  ARE
   47  SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
   48    (F)  EACH  LAND  BANK  CREATED  PURSUANT TO THIS ACT SHALL BE A TYPE C
   49  NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, AND SHALL HAVE PERMANENT AND PERPETUAL DURA-
   50  TION UNTIL TERMINATED AND DISSOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
   51  SECTION SIXTEEN HUNDRED THIRTEEN OF THIS ARTICLE.
   52    (G) NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO AUTHORIZE THE EXIST-
   53  ENCE OF MORE THAN TEN LAND BANKS LOCATED  IN  THE  STATE  AT  ONE  TIME,
   54  PROVIDED  FURTHER  THAT  EACH  FORECLOSING  GOVERNMENTAL  UNIT  OR UNITS
   55  PROPOSING TO CREATE A LAND BANK SHALL SUBMIT SUCH LOCAL  LAW,  ORDINANCE
   56  OR RESOLUTION AS REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SECTION, TO THE URBAN
       A. 373--A                           4
    1  DEVELOPMENT  CORPORATION, FOR ITS REVIEW AND APPROVAL. THE CREATION OF A
    2  LAND BANK SHALL BE CONDITIONED UPON APPROVAL OF  THE  URBAN  DEVELOPMENT
    3  CORPORATION.
    4    (H)  THE  OFFICE  OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO
    5  AUDIT ANY LAND BANK PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.
    6  S 1604. APPLICABILITY OF NEW YORK LAW.
    7    THIS ARTICLE SHALL APPLY ONLY TO LAND BANKS CREATED PURSUANT  TO  THIS
    8  ARTICLE.
    9  S 1605. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
   10    (A)  (1)  THE INITIAL SIZE OF THE BOARD SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORD-
   11  ANCE  WITH  SECTION  SIXTEEN  HUNDRED  THREE  OF  THIS  ARTICLE.  UNLESS
   12  RESTRICTED  BY  THE  ACTIONS  OR AGREEMENTS SPECIFIED IN SECTION SIXTEEN
   13  HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE, THE  PROVISIONS  OF  THIS  SECTION  SHALL
   14  APPLY.
   15    (2)  THE  SIZE OF THE BOARD MAY BE ADJUSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH BY-LAWS
   16  OF THE LAND BANK.
   17    (B) IN THE EVENT THAT A LAND BANK IS CREATED PURSUANT TO AN  INTERGOV-
   18  ERNMENTAL  AGREEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION SIXTEEN HUNDRED THREE OF
   19  THIS ARTICLE, SUCH INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT SHALL SPECIFY
   20  MATTERS IDENTIFIED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OF SECTION SIXTEEN HUNDRED THREE  OF
   21  THIS ARTICLE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT EACH FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT
   22  SHALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD.
   23    (C)  ANY  PUBLIC  OFFICER SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO SERVE AS A BOARD MEMBER
   24  AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE APPOINTMENT SHALL NEITHER TERMINATE NOR IMPAIR
   25  SUCH PUBLIC OFFICE. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "PUBLIC OFFICER" SHALL
   26  MEAN A PERSON WHO IS  ELECTED  TO  A  MUNICIPAL  OFFICE.  ANY  MUNICIPAL
   27  EMPLOYEE  OR  APPOINTED  OFFICER  SHALL  BE ELIGIBLE TO SERVE AS A BOARD
   28  MEMBER.
   29    (D) THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL SELECT  ANNUALLY  FROM
   30  AMONG  THEMSELVES  A  CHAIRMAN,  A  VICE-CHAIRMAN, A TREASURER, AND SUCH
   31  OTHER OFFICERS AS THE BOARD MAY DETERMINE,  AND  SHALL  ESTABLISH  THEIR
   32  DUTIES AS MAY BE REGULATED BY RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD.
   33    (E)  THE  BOARD SHALL ESTABLISH RULES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATIVE TO THE
   34  ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION OF MEMBERS  IN  ITS  MEETINGS,  REGULAR  OR
   35  SPECIAL.  SUCH  RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY PRESCRIBE A PROCEDURE WHEREBY,
   36  SHOULD ANY MEMBER FAIL TO COMPLY WITH SUCH RULES AND  REGULATIONS,  SUCH
   37  MEMBER  MAY  BE DISQUALIFIED AND REMOVED AUTOMATICALLY FROM OFFICE BY NO
   38  LESS THAN A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE REMAINING MEMBERS  OF  THE  BOARD,  AND
   39  THAT  MEMBER'S  POSITION SHALL BE VACANT AS OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEXT
   40  CALENDAR MONTH. ANY PERSON REMOVED UNDER THE PROVISIONS  OF  THIS  PARA-
   41  GRAPH  SHALL  BE  INELIGIBLE FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD, UNLESS SUCH
   42  REAPPOINTMENT IS CONFIRMED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE BOARD.
   43    (F) A VACANCY ON THE BOARD SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER  AS  THE
   44  ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT.
   45    (G)  BOARD  MEMBERS  SHALL  SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION, SHALL HAVE THE
   46  POWER TO ORGANIZE AND REORGANIZE THE  EXECUTIVE,  ADMINISTRATIVE,  CLER-
   47  ICAL,  AND  OTHER  DEPARTMENTS  OF  THE LAND BANK AND TO FIX THE DUTIES,
   48  POWERS, AND COMPENSATION OF ALL EMPLOYEES, AGENTS,  AND  CONSULTANTS  OF
   49  THE  LAND BANK. THE BOARD MAY REIMBURSE ANY MEMBER FOR EXPENSES ACTUALLY
   50  INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES ON BEHALF OF THE LAND BANK.
   51    (H) THE BOARD SHALL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION ACCORDING  TO  A  SCHEDULE
   52  ADOPTED BY THE BOARD, AND ALSO SHALL MEET IN SPECIAL SESSION AS CONVENED
   53  BY  THE  CHAIRMAN  OR  UPON  WRITTEN  NOTICE SIGNED BY A MAJORITY OF THE
   54  MEMBERS.
   55    (I) A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, NOT  INCLUDING  VACANCIES,
   56  SHALL  CONSTITUTE  A  QUORUM FOR THE CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. ALL ACTIONS OF
       A. 373--A                           5
    1  THE BOARD SHALL BE APPROVED BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE
    2  MEMBERS OF THAT BOARD PRESENT AND VOTING; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,  NO  ACTION
    3  OF  THE  BOARD  SHALL  BE  AUTHORIZED  ON  THE  FOLLOWING MATTERS UNLESS
    4  APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF THE TOTAL BOARD MEMBERSHIP:
    5    (1) ADOPTION OF BY-LAWS AND OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCT OF
    6  THE LAND BANK'S BUSINESS;
    7    (2)  HIRING  OR FIRING OF ANY EMPLOYEE OR CONTRACTOR OF THE LAND BANK.
    8  THIS FUNCTION MAY, BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE TOTAL  BOARD  MEMBERSHIP,  BE
    9  DELEGATED  TO  A  SPECIFIED OFFICER OR COMMITTEE OF THE LAND BANK, UNDER
   10  SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS, AND TO THE EXTENT, THAT THE BOARD MAY  SPECI-
   11  FY;
   12    (3) THE INCURRING OF DEBT;
   13    (4) ADOPTION OR AMENDMENT OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET; AND
   14    (5) SALE, LEASE, ENCUMBRANCE, OR ALIENATION OF REAL PROPERTY, IMPROVE-
   15  MENTS, OR PERSONAL PROPERTY.
   16    (J)  MEMBERS OF A BOARD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE PERSONALLY ON THE BONDS OR
   17  OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE LAND BANK, AND THE RIGHTS OF CREDITORS SHALL BE
   18  SOLELY AGAINST SUCH LAND BANK.
   19    (K) VOTE BY PROXY SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED. ANY  MEMBER  MAY  REQUEST  A
   20  RECORDED VOTE ON ANY RESOLUTION OR ACTION OF THE LAND BANK.
   21    (L)  EACH  DIRECTOR,  OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE SHALL BE A STATE OFFICER OR
   22  EMPLOYEE FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTIONS SEVENTY-THREE AND SEVENTY-FOUR  OF
   23  THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW.
   24  S 1606. STAFF.
   25    A  LAND  BANK  MAY  EMPLOY A SECRETARY, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ITS OWN
   26  COUNSEL AND LEGAL STAFF, AND SUCH  TECHNICAL  EXPERTS,  AND  SUCH  OTHER
   27  AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY, AS IT MAY REQUIRE, AND MAY
   28  DETERMINE  THE  QUALIFICATIONS  AND FIX THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS OF
   29  SUCH PERSONS. A LAND BANK MAY ALSO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS  AND  AGREEMENTS
   30  WITH  MUNICIPALITIES  FOR  STAFFING  SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO THE LAND
   31  BANK BY MUNICIPALITIES OR AGENCIES OR DEPARTMENTS THEREOF, OR FOR A LAND
   32  BANK TO PROVIDE SUCH STAFFING SERVICES TO MUNICIPALITIES OR AGENCIES  OR
   33  DEPARTMENTS THEREOF.
   34  S 1607. POWERS.
   35    (A)  A  LAND BANK SHALL CONSTITUTE A TYPE C NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION
   36  UNDER NEW YORK LAW, WHICH POWERS SHALL INCLUDE ALL POWERS  NECESSARY  TO
   37  CARRY  OUT  AND  EFFECTUATE THE PURPOSES AND PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE,
   38  INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING POWERS IN ADDITION  TO  THOSE  HEREIN  OTHERWISE
   39  GRANTED:
   40    (1)  ADOPT, AMEND, AND REPEAL BYLAWS FOR THE REGULATION OF ITS AFFAIRS
   41  AND THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS;
   42    (2) SUE AND BE SUED IN ITS OWN NAME AND PLEAD AND BE IMPLEADED IN  ALL
   43  CIVIL  ACTIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ACTIONS TO CLEAR TITLE TO
   44  PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK;
   45    (3) TO ADOPT A SEAL AND TO ALTER THE SAME AT PLEASURE;
   46    (4) TO MAKE CONTRACTS, GIVE GUARANTEES AND INCUR  LIABILITIES,  BORROW
   47  MONEY AT SUCH RATES OF INTEREST AS THE LAND BANK MAY DETERMINE;
   48    (5)  TO  ISSUE  NEGOTIABLE  REVENUE  BONDS  AND NOTES ACCORDING TO THE
   49  PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE;
   50    (6) TO PROCURE INSURANCE OR GUARANTEES FROM THE STATE OF NEW  YORK  OR
   51  FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  PAYMENTS  OF  ANY  DEBTS  OR PARTS THEREOF
   52  INCURRED BY THE LAND BANK, AND TO PAY PREMIUMS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH;
   53    (7) TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AND OTHER  INSTRUMENTS  NECESSARY  TO  THE
   54  PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES AND THE EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS, INCLUDING, BUT
   55  NOT  LIMITED  TO, INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS UNDER SECTION ONE HUNDRED
       A. 373--A                           6
    1  NINETEEN-O OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW FOR THE JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS
    2  UNDER THIS ARTICLE;
    3    (8)  TO  ENTER  INTO  CONTRACTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS NECESSARY TO THE
    4  PERFORMANCE OF FUNCTIONS BY THE LAND BANK ON BEHALF OF MUNICIPALITIES OR
    5  AGENCIES OR DEPARTMENTS OF MUNICIPALITIES, OR THE PERFORMANCE BY MUNICI-
    6  PALITIES OR AGENCIES OR DEPARTMENTS OF MUNICIPALITIES  OF  FUNCTIONS  ON
    7  BEHALF OF THE LAND BANK;
    8    (9)  TO  MAKE AND EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS NECESSARY TO
    9  THE EXERCISE OF THE POWERS OF THE LAND BANK; AND ANY CONTRACT OR INSTRU-
   10  MENT WHEN SIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN OR VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE LAND  BANK,  OR
   11  BY AN AUTHORIZED USE OF THEIR FACSIMILE SIGNATURES, AND BY THE SECRETARY
   12  OR ASSISTANT SECRETARY, OR, TREASURER OR ASSISTANT TREASURER OF THE LAND
   13  BANK,  OR  BY  AN AUTHORIZED USE OF THEIR FACSIMILE SIGNATURES, SHALL BE
   14  HELD TO HAVE BEEN PROPERLY EXECUTED FOR AND ON ITS BEHALF;
   15    (10) TO PROCURE INSURANCE AGAINST LOSSES IN CONNECTION WITH  THE  REAL
   16  PROPERTY, ASSETS, OR ACTIVITIES OF THE LAND BANK;
   17    (11)  TO INVEST MONEY OF THE LAND BANK, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD
   18  OF DIRECTORS,  IN  INSTRUMENTS,  OBLIGATIONS,  SECURITIES,  OR  PROPERTY
   19  DETERMINED  PROPER BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND NAME AND USE DEPOSITO-
   20  RIES FOR ITS MONEY;
   21    (12) TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF, THE COLLECTION  OF
   22  RENT FROM, OR THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK;
   23    (13)  TO  DESIGN, DEVELOP, CONSTRUCT, DEMOLISH, RECONSTRUCT, REHABILI-
   24  TATE, RENOVATE, RELOCATE, AND OTHERWISE IMPROVE REAL PROPERTY OR  RIGHTS
   25  OR INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY;
   26    (14)  TO  FIX, CHARGE, AND COLLECT RENTS, FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE USE
   27  OF REAL PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK AND FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE  LAND
   28  BANK;
   29    (15)  TO GRANT OR ACQUIRE A LICENSE, EASEMENT, LEASE (AS LESSOR AND AS
   30  LESSEE), OR OPTION WITH RESPECT TO REAL PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK;
   31    (16) TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP, JOINT VENTURES, AND  OTHER  COLLABORA-
   32  TIVE  RELATIONSHIPS  WITH  MUNICIPALITIES  AND  OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
   33  ENTITIES FOR THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND DISPOSITION  OF
   34  REAL PROPERTY;
   35    (17) TO INVENTORY VACANT, ABANDONED AND TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES;
   36    (18) TO DEVELOP A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TO BE APPROVED BY THE FORECLOSING
   37  GOVERNMENTAL UNIT OR UNITS;
   38    (19) TO BE SUBJECT TO MUNICIPAL BUILDING CODES AND ZONING LAWS;
   39    (20)  TO  ENTER IN AGREEMENTS WITH A FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT FOR
   40  THE DISTRIBUTION OF REVENUES TO THE FORECLOSING  GOVERNMENTAL  UNIT  AND
   41  SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND
   42    (21)  TO  DO  ALL OTHER THINGS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES AND
   43  PURPOSES OF THE LAND BANK OR OTHER LAWS THAT RELATE TO THE PURPOSES  AND
   44  RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LAND BANK.
   45    (B)  A  LAND  BANK  SHALL  NEITHER  POSSESS  NOR EXERCISE THE POWER OF
   46  EMINENT DOMAIN.
   47  S 1608. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.
   48    (A) THE REAL PROPERTY OF A LAND BANK AND ITS INCOME AND OPERATIONS ARE
   49  EXEMPT FROM ALL TAXATION BY THE STATE OF NEW YORK  AND  BY  ANY  OF  ITS
   50  POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.
   51    (B) THE LAND BANK MAY ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN REAL PROP-
   52  ERTY  BY  GIFT,  DEVISE,  TRANSFER,  EXCHANGE, FORECLOSURE, PURCHASE, OR
   53  OTHERWISE ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND IN A MANNER THE LAND BANK  CONSID-
   54  ERS PROPER.
   55    (C)  THE  LAND  BANK  MAY ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY BY PURCHASE CONTRACTS,
   56  LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, INSTALLMENT SALES CONTRACTS, LAND  CONTRACTS,
       A. 373--A                           7
    1  AND  MAY ACCEPT TRANSFERS FROM MUNICIPALITIES UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDI-
    2  TIONS AS AGREED TO BY THE LAND BANK AND THE MUNICIPALITY.  NOTWITHSTAND-
    3  ING  ANY OTHER LAW TO THE CONTRARY, ANY MUNICIPALITY MAY TRANSFER TO THE
    4  LAND  BANK  REAL  PROPERTY AND INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY OF THE MUNICI-
    5  PALITY ON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND ACCORDING TO SUCH PROCEDURES  AS
    6  DETERMINED BY THE MUNICIPALITY.
    7    (D)  THE  LAND BANK SHALL MAINTAIN ALL OF ITS REAL PROPERTY IN ACCORD-
    8  ANCE WITH THE LAWS AND ORDINANCES OF THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE  REAL
    9  PROPERTY IS LOCATED.
   10    (E)  THE LAND BANK SHALL NOT OWN OR HOLD REAL PROPERTY LOCATED OUTSIDE
   11  THE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES OF THE FORECLOSING  GOVERNMENTAL  UNIT  OR
   12  UNITS  WHICH  CREATED THE LAND BANK; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT A LAND BANK
   13  MAY BE GRANTED AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO  AN  INTERGOVERNMENTAL  COOPERATION
   14  AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER MUNICIPALITY TO MANAGE AND MAINTAIN REAL PROPERTY
   15  LOCATED WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH OTHER MUNICIPALITY.
   16    (F)  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY, ANY
   17  MUNICIPALITY MAY CONVEY TO A LAND BANK REAL PROPERTY  AND  INTERESTS  IN
   18  REAL  PROPERTY  ON  SUCH  TERMS  AND  CONDITIONS,  FORM AND SUBSTANCE OF
   19  CONSIDERATION, AND PROCEDURES, ALL AS  DETERMINED  BY  THE  TRANSFERRING
   20  MUNICIPALITY IN ITS DISCRETION.
   21   (G)  THE  ACQUISITION  OF  REAL PROPERTY BY A LAND BANK PURSUANT TO THE
   22  PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, FROM ENTITIES OTHER THAN POLITICAL  SUBDIVI-
   23  SIONS,  SHALL  BE  LIMITED  TO REAL PROPERTY THAT IS TAX DELINQUENT, TAX
   24  FORECLOSED, VACANT OR ABANDONED; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,  THAT  A  LAND  BANK
   25  SHALL  HAVE  AUTHORITY  TO  ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE OTHER REAL
   26  PROPERTY CONSISTENT WITH AN APPROVED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN.
   27    (H) THE LAND BANK SHALL MAINTAIN AND MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC  REVIEW
   28  AND INSPECTION A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF ALL PROPERTY RECEIVED BY THE LAND
   29  BANK.  SUCH  INVENTORY  SHALL  INCLUDE:  THE LOCATION OF THE PARCEL; THE
   30  PURCHASE PRICE, IF ANY, FOR EACH  PARCEL  RECEIVED;  THE  CURRENT  VALUE
   31  ASSIGNED  TO  THE  PROPERTY  FOR PURPOSES OF REAL PROPERTY TAXATION; THE
   32  AMOUNT, IF ANY, OWED TO THE LOCALITY FOR  REAL  PROPERTY  TAXATION;  THE
   33  IDENTITY  OF THE TRANSFEROR; AND ANY CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS APPLICA-
   34  BLE TO THE PROPERTY.
   35    (I) ALL PARCELS RECEIVED BY THE LAND  BANK  SHALL  BE  LISTED  ON  THE
   36  RECEIVED INVENTORY ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (H) OF THIS SECTION
   37  WITHIN  ONE  WEEK  OF ACQUISITION AND SHALL REMAIN IN SUCH INVENTORY FOR
   38  ONE WEEK PRIOR TO DISPOSITION.
   39    (J) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IN PARAGRAPHS (H) AND  (I)
   40  OF  THIS  SECTION  WITH REGARD TO ANY PARTICULAR PARCEL SHALL CAUSE SUCH
   41  ACQUISITION BY THE LAND BANK TO BE NULL AND VOID.
   42  S 1609. DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY.
   43    (A) THE LAND BANK SHALL  HOLD  IN  ITS  OWN  NAME  ALL  REAL  PROPERTY
   44  ACQUIRED BY THE LAND BANK IRRESPECTIVE OF THE IDENTITY OF THE TRANSFEROR
   45  OF SUCH PROPERTY.
   46    (B)  THE LAND BANK SHALL MAINTAIN AND MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW
   47  AND INSPECTION A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF ALL REAL PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS BY
   48  THE LAND BANK. SUCH INVENTORY SHALL INCLUDE A COMPLETE COPY OF THE SALES
   49  CONTRACT INCLUDING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS INCLUDING, BUT  NOT  LIMITED
   50  TO,  ANY  FORM  OF  COMPENSATION  RECEIVED BY THE LAND BANK OR ANY OTHER
   51  PARTY WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SALE PRICE.
   52    (C) THE LAND BANK SHALL DETERMINE AND SET FORTH IN POLICIES AND PROCE-
   53  DURES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE GENERAL  TERMS  AND  CONDITIONS  FOR
   54  CONSIDERATION  TO  BE RECEIVED BY THE LAND BANK FOR THE TRANSFER OF REAL
   55  PROPERTY AND INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY, WHICH  CONSIDERATION  MAY  TAKE
   56  THE  FORM OF MONETARY PAYMENTS AND SECURED FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS, COVEN-
       A. 373--A                           8
    1  ANTS AND CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE PRESENT AND FUTURE USE OF THE PROPER-
    2  TY, CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS OF THE TRANSFEREE, AND SUCH OTHER  FORMS  OF
    3  CONSIDERATION AS ARE CONSISTENT WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW.
    4    (D)  THE  LAND  BANK  MAY  CONVEY,  EXCHANGE, SELL, TRANSFER, LEASE AS
    5  LESSOR, GRANT, RELEASE AND DEMISE, PLEDGE ANY AND ALL INTERESTS IN, UPON
    6  OR TO REAL PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK.
    7    (E) A FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT MAY, IN ITS LOCAL LAW,  RESOLUTION
    8  OR ORDINANCE CREATING A LAND BANK, OR, IN THE CASE OF MULTIPLE FORECLOS-
    9  ING  GOVERNMENTAL  UNITS  CREATING  A SINGLE LAND BANK IN THE APPLICABLE
   10  INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT, ESTABLISH A HIERARCHICAL  RANK-
   11  ING  OF  PRIORITIES FOR THE USE OF REAL PROPERTY CONVEYED BY A LAND BANK
   12  INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
   13    (1) USE FOR PURELY PUBLIC SPACES AND PLACES;
   14    (2) USE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING;
   15    (3) USE FOR RETAIL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES;
   16    (4) USE AS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS; AND
   17    (5) SUCH OTHER USES AND IN SUCH HIERARCHICAL ORDER  AS  DETERMINED  BY
   18  THE FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT OR UNITS.
   19    (F)  A FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT MAY, IN ITS LOCAL LAW, RESOLUTION
   20  OR ORDINANCE CREATING A LAND BANK, OR, IN THE CASE OF MULTIPLE FORECLOS-
   21  ING GOVERNMENTAL UNITS CREATING A SINGLE LAND  BANK  IN  THE  APPLICABLE
   22  INTERGOVERNMENTAL  COOPERATION  AGREEMENT,  REQUIRE  THAT ANY PARTICULAR
   23  FORM OF DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY, OR ANY DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPER-
   24  TY LOCATED WITHIN  SPECIFIED  JURISDICTIONS,  BE  SUBJECT  TO  SPECIFIED
   25  VOTING  AND  APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. EXCEPT AND
   26  UNLESS RESTRICTED OR CONSTRAINED IN THIS MANNER, THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS
   27  MAY  DELEGATE  TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES THE AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AND
   28  EXECUTE AGREEMENTS, INSTRUMENTS OF  CONVEYANCE  AND  ALL  OTHER  RELATED
   29  DOCUMENTS  PERTAINING  TO  THE  CONVEYANCE  OF REAL PROPERTY BY THE LAND
   30  BANK.
   31    (G) ALL PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS SHALL BE LISTED ON THE PROPERTY DISPOSI-
   32  TION INVENTORY ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH  (B)  OF  THIS  SECTION
   33  WITHIN  ONE WEEK OF DISPOSITION. SUCH RECORDS SHALL REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR
   34  PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE PROPERTY DISPOSITION INVENTORY INDEFINITELY.
   35    (H) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IN PARAGRAPH (G)  OF  THIS
   36  SECTION  SHALL  SUBJECT  THE LAND BANK TO A CIVIL PENALTY OF ONE HUNDRED
   37  DOLLARS PER VIOLATION UP TO A MAXIMUM OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS  FOR  EACH
   38  PARCEL,  RECOVERABLE  IN  AN  ACTION  BROUGHT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR
   39  DISTRICT ATTORNEY. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR DISTRICT  ATTORNEY  MAY  ALSO
   40  SEEK RESCISSION OF THE REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTION.
   41  S 1610. FINANCING OF LAND BANK OPERATIONS.
   42    (A)  A LAND BANK MAY RECEIVE FUNDING THROUGH GRANTS AND LOANS FROM THE
   43  FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT OR UNITS WHICH CREATED THE LAND BANK, FROM
   44  OTHER MUNICIPALITIES, FROM THE STATE  OF  NEW  YORK,  FROM  THE  FEDERAL
   45  GOVERNMENT, AND FROM OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SOURCES.
   46    (B) A LAND BANK MAY RECEIVE AND RETAIN PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES RENDERED,
   47  FOR  RENTS AND LEASEHOLD PAYMENTS RECEIVED, FOR CONSIDERATION FOR DISPO-
   48  SITION OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY, FOR PROCEEDS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE
   49  FOR LOSSES INCURRED, FOR INCOME FROM  INVESTMENTS,  AND  FOR  ANY  OTHER
   50  ASSET AND ACTIVITY LAWFULLY PERMITTED TO A LAND BANK UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
   51    (C)  UPON  THE  ADOPTION  OF  A LOCAL LAW, ORDINANCE, OR RESOLUTION BY
   52  MUNICIPALITY, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR ANY TAXING DISTRICT, FIFTY  PERCENT  OF
   53  THE REAL PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED ON ANY SPECIFIC PARCEL OF REAL PROPER-
   54  TY IDENTIFIED BY SUCH MUNICIPALITY, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR ANY TAXING JURIS-
   55  DICTION  MAY BE REMITTED TO THE LAND BANK, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROCEDURES
   56  ESTABLISHED BY REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND
       A. 373--A                           9
    1  FINANCE. SUCH ALLOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX  REVENUES  SHALL  COMMENCE
    2  WITH  THE  FIRST TAXABLE YEAR FOLLOWING THE DATE OF CONVEYANCE AND SHALL
    3  CONTINUE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
    4  S 1611. BORROWING AND ISSUANCE OF BONDS.
    5    (A)  A LAND BANK SHALL HAVE POWER TO ISSUE BONDS FOR ANY OF ITS CORPO-
    6  RATE PURPOSES, THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF WHICH ARE PAYABLE FROM  ITS
    7  REVENUES  GENERALLY. ANY OF SUCH BONDS MAY BE SECURED BY A PLEDGE OF ANY
    8  REVENUES, INCLUDING GRANTS OR CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE STATE OF NEW  YORK,
    9  THE  FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT, OR ANY AGENCY, AND INSTRUMENTALITY THEREOF, OR
   10  BY A MORTGAGE OF ANY PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK.
   11    (B) THE BONDS ISSUED BY A LAND BANK ARE HEREBY DECLARED  TO  HAVE  ALL
   12  THE QUALITIES OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS UNDER NEW YORK STATE LAW.
   13    (C)  THE  BONDS  OF  A  LAND BANK CREATED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
   14  ARTICLE AND THE INCOME THEREFROM SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE FREE  FROM  TAXA-
   15  TION  FOR THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR LOCAL PURPOSES UNDER ANY PROVISION OF
   16  NEW YORK LAW.
   17    (D) BONDS ISSUED BY THE LAND BANK SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION OF
   18  THE BOARD AND SHALL BE LIMITED OBLIGATIONS OF THE LAND BANK; THE PRINCI-
   19  PAL AND INTEREST, COSTS OF ISSUANCE, AND OTHER COSTS INCIDENTAL  THERETO
   20  SHALL  BE  PAYABLE  SOLELY  FROM THE INCOME AND REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE
   21  SALE, LEASE, OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE ASSETS OF THE LAND BANK. IN THE
   22  DISCRETION OF THE LAND BANK, THE BONDS MAY BE  ADDITIONALLY  SECURED  BY
   23  MORTGAGE  OR  OTHER  SECURITY DEVICE COVERING ALL OR PART OF THE PROJECT
   24  FROM WHICH THE REVENUES SO PLEDGED MAY BE DERIVED. ANY  REFUNDING  BONDS
   25  ISSUED  SHALL  BE  PAYABLE  FROM  ANY SOURCE DESCRIBED ABOVE OR FROM THE
   26  INVESTMENT OF ANY OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE REFUNDING BONDS AND  SHALL  NOT
   27  CONSTITUTE  AN INDEBTEDNESS OR PLEDGE OF THE GENERAL CREDIT OF ANY FORE-
   28  CLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT OR MUNICIPALITY  WITHIN  THE  MEANING  OF  ANY
   29  CONSTITUTIONAL OR STATUTORY LIMITATION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SHALL CONTAIN
   30  A RECITAL TO THAT EFFECT. BONDS OF THE LAND BANK SHALL BE ISSUED IN SUCH
   31  FORM,  SHALL BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, SHALL BEAR INTEREST, SHALL MATURE
   32  IN SUCH MANNER, AND BE EXECUTED BY ONE OR MORE MEMBERS OF THE  BOARD  AS
   33  PROVIDED  IN THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF. SUCH BONDS
   34  MAY BE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF AND IN THE  MANNER  DETER-
   35  MINED BY THE BOARD IN THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF.
   36    (E) BONDS ISSUED BY THE LAND BANK SHALL BE ISSUED, SOLD, AND DELIVERED
   37  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY
   38  THE BOARD.  THE BOARD MAY SELL SUCH BONDS  IN  SUCH  MANNER,  EITHER  AT
   39  PUBLIC  OR AT PRIVATE SALE, AND FOR SUCH PRICE AS IT MAY DETERMINE TO BE
   40  IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE LAND BANK.  THE  RESOLUTION  ISSUING  BONDS
   41  SHALL  BE  PUBLISHED  IN  A  NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION WITHIN THE
   42  JURISDICTION OF THE LAND BANK.
   43    (F) NEITHER THE MEMBERS OF A LAND BANK NOR ANY  PERSON  EXECUTING  THE
   44  BONDS  SHALL  BE  LIABLE  PERSONALLY  ON ANY SUCH BONDS BY REASON OF THE
   45  ISSUANCE THEREOF.  SUCH BONDS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A LAND BANK  SHALL
   46  NOT BE A DEBT OF ANY MUNICIPALITY OR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND SHALL
   47  SO  STATE  ON THEIR FACE, NOR SHALL ANY MUNICIPALITY OR THE STATE OF NEW
   48  YORK NOR ANY REVENUES OR ANY PROPERTY OF  ANY  MUNICIPALITY  OR  OF  THE
   49  STATE OF NEW YORK BE LIABLE THEREFOR.
   50  S 1612. PUBLIC RECORDS AND PUBLIC MEETINGS.
   51    (A)  THE  BOARD SHALL CAUSE MINUTES AND A RECORD TO BE KEPT OF ALL ITS
   52  PROCEEDINGS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, THE LAND BANK
   53  SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW AND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
   54  LAW.
   55    (B) A LAND BANK SHALL HOLD A PUBLIC  HEARING  PRIOR  TO  FINANCING  OR
   56  ISSUANCE  OF BONDS. THE LAND BANK SHALL SCHEDULE AND HOLD A PUBLIC HEAR-
       A. 373--A                          10
    1  ING AND SOLICIT PUBLIC COMMENT. AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEAR-
    2  ING AND COMMENTS, THE LAND BANK SHALL CONSIDER THE RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC
    3  HEARING AND COMMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED ACTIONS. SUCH  CONSID-
    4  ERATION  BY  THE LAND BANK SHALL INCLUDE THE ACCOMMODATION OF THE PUBLIC
    5  INTEREST WITH RESPECT TO SUCH ACTIONS; IF SUCH ACCOMMODATION  IS  DEEMED
    6  IN  THE  BEST  INTEREST  OF THE COMMUNITY PROPOSED ACTIONS SHALL INCLUDE
    7  SUCH ACCOMMODATION.
    8    (C) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REPORT REQUIRED BY THIS CHAPTER, THE LAND
    9  BANK, THROUGH ITS CHAIRPERSON, SHALL ANNUALLY DELIVER, IN ORAL AND WRIT-
   10  TEN FORM, A REPORT TO THE MUNICIPALITY. SUCH REPORT SHALL  BE  PRESENTED
   11  BY  MARCH  FIFTEENTH  OF EACH YEAR TO THE GOVERNING BODY OR BOARD OF THE
   12  MUNICIPALITY. THE REPORT SHALL DESCRIBE IN DETAIL THE PROJECTS UNDERTAK-
   13  EN BY THE LAND BANK DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE  MONIES  EXPENDED  BY  THE
   14  LAND BANK DURING THE PAST YEAR, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE
   15  LAND  BANK  DURING  THE  PAST YEAR. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE REPORT, THE
   16  CHAIRPERSON OF THE LAND BANK SHALL BE PREPARED TO ANSWER  THE  QUESTIONS
   17  OF  THE  MUNICIPALITY  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THE PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE
   18  AUTHORITY DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE MONIES EXPENDED BY THE  MUNICIPALITY
   19  DURING  THE  PAST YEAR, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE MUNICI-
   20  PALITY DURING THE PAST YEAR.
   21  S 1613. DISSOLUTION OF LAND BANK.
   22    A LAND BANK MAY BE DISSOLVED AS A TYPE  C  NOT-FOR-PROFIT  CORPORATION
   23  SIXTY   CALENDAR  DAYS  AFTER  AN  AFFIRMATIVE  RESOLUTION  APPROVED  BY
   24  TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  SIXTY  CALENDAR
   25  DAYS  ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF DISSOL-
   26  UTION SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT OR UNITS  THAT
   27  CREATED THE LAND BANK, SHALL BE PUBLISHED IN A LOCAL NEWSPAPER OF GENER-
   28  AL  CIRCULATION,  AND SHALL BE SENT CERTIFIED MAIL TO THE TRUSTEE OF ANY
   29  OUTSTANDING BONDS OF THE LAND BANK. UPON DISSOLUTION OF  THE  LAND  BANK
   30  ALL  REAL  PROPERTY, PERSONAL PROPERTY AND OTHER ASSETS OF THE LAND BANK
   31  SHALL BECOME THE ASSETS OF THE FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL  UNIT  OR  UNITS
   32  THAT  CREATED  THE  LAND BANK. IN THE EVENT THAT TWO OR MORE FORECLOSING
   33  GOVERNMENTAL UNITS CREATE A LAND BANK IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION SIXTEEN
   34  HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE, THE WITHDRAWAL OF ONE OR MORE FORECLOSING
   35  GOVERNMENTAL UNITS SHALL NOT RESULT IN THE DISSOLUTION OF THE LAND  BANK
   36  UNLESS  THE  INTERGOVERNMENTAL  AGREEMENT  SO  PROVIDES, AND THERE IS NO
   37  FORECLOSING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT THAT DESIRES TO CONTINUE THE EXISTENCE  OF
   38  THE LAND BANK.
   39  S 1614. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
   40    NO  MEMBER  OF  THE BOARD OR EMPLOYEE OF A LAND BANK SHALL ACQUIRE ANY
   41  INTEREST, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN REAL PROPERTY OF THE LAND BANK, IN  ANY
   42  REAL  PROPERTY  TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE LAND BANK, OR IN ANY REAL PROPERTY
   43  TO BE ACQUIRED FROM THE LAND BANK. NO MEMBER OF THE BOARD OR EMPLOYEE OF
   44  A LAND BANK SHALL HAVE ANY INTEREST, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT
   45  OR PROPOSED CONTRACT FOR MATERIALS OR SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED  OR  USED
   46  BY  A  LAND BANK. THE BOARD MAY ADOPT SUPPLEMENTAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
   47  ADDRESSING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND  ETHICAL  GUIDELINES  FOR
   48  MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND LAND BANK EMPLOYEES.
   49  S 1615. CONSTRUCTION, INTENT AND SCOPE.
   50    THE  PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED LIBERALLY TO EFFEC-
   51  TUATE THE LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND THE PURPOSES AS COMPLETE AND  INDEPEND-
   52  ENT  AUTHORIZATION  FOR  THE PERFORMANCE OF EACH AND EVERY ACT AND THING
   53  AUTHORIZED BY THIS ARTICLE, AND ALL  POWERS  GRANTED  SHALL  BE  BROADLY
   54  INTERPRETED  TO  EFFECTUATE THE INTENT AND PURPOSES AND NOT AS A LIMITA-
   55  TION OF POWERS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE,
   56  IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS AND DUTIES  UNDER  THIS  ARTICLE  AND  ITS
       A. 373--A                          11
    1  POWERS  RELATING  TO PROPERTY HELD BY THE LAND BANK, THE LAND BANK SHALL
    2  HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL AS FULLY AND COMPLETELY AS  IF  IT  REPRESENTED  A
    3  PRIVATE  PROPERTY OWNER AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED
    4  BY  THE  CHARTER,  ORDINANCES, OR RESOLUTIONS OF A LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERN-
    5  MENT.
    6  S 1616. DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX ENFORCEMENT.
    7    THE MUNICIPALITY MAY ENTER INTO A CONTRACT TO SELL SOME OR ALL OF  THE
    8  DELINQUENT TAX LIENS HELD BY IT TO A LAND BANK, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
    9  CONDITIONS:
   10    (A)  THE  CONSIDERATION  TO  BE PAID MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THE FACE
   11  AMOUNT OF THE TAX LIENS SOLD.
   12    (B) PROPERTY OWNERS SHALL BE GIVEN AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS ADVANCE NOTICE
   13  OF SUCH SALE IN THE SAME FORM AND MANNER AS IS PROVIDED  BY  SUBDIVISION
   14  TWO OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED NINETY OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW. FAIL-
   15  URE  TO  PROVIDE  SUCH NOTICE OR THE FAILURE OF THE ADDRESSEE TO RECEIVE
   16  THE SAME SHALL NOT IN ANY WAY AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF ANY SALE OF  A  TAX
   17  LIEN OR TAX LIENS OR THE VALIDITY OF THE TAXES OR INTEREST PRESCRIBED BY
   18  LAW WITH RESPECT THERETO.
   19    (C)  THE  MUNICIPALITY  SHALL  SET  THE  TERMS  AND  CONDITIONS OF THE
   20  CONTRACT OF SALE.
   21    (D) THE LAND BANK MUST THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE  COMMENCEMENT  OF  ANY
   22  FORECLOSURE  ACTION  PROVIDE  TO  THE MUNICIPALITY A LIST OF LIENS TO BE
   23  FORECLOSED. THE MUNICIPALITY MAY, AT ITS  SOLE  OPTION  AND  DISCRETION,
   24  REPURCHASE  A  LIEN OR LIENS ON THE FORECLOSURE LIST FROM THE LAND BANK.
   25  THE REPURCHASE PRICE SHALL BE THE AMOUNT OF THE LIEN OR LIENS  PLUS  ANY
   26  ACCRUED INTEREST AND COLLECTION FEES INCURRED BY THE LAND BANK. THE LAND
   27  BANK  SHALL PROVIDE THE FORECLOSURE LIST TO THE MUNICIPALITY, ALONG WITH
   28  THE APPLICABLE REPURCHASE PRICE OF EACH LIEN, BY CERTIFIED MAIL, AND THE
   29  MUNICIPALITY SHALL HAVE THIRTY DAYS FROM RECEIPT TO NOTIFY THE LAND BANK
   30  OF ITS OPTION TO PURCHASE ONE OR MORE OF THE LIENS.  IF THE MUNICIPALITY
   31  OPTS TO PURCHASE THE LIEN, IT SHALL PROVIDE PAYMENT WITHIN  THIRTY  DAYS
   32  OF  RECEIPT OF THE REPURCHASE PRICE OF SAID LIEN OR LIENS.  IF THE MUNI-
   33  CIPALITY SHALL FAIL TO OPT TO REPURCHASE THE LIEN OR LIENS THE LAND BANK
   34  SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMMENCE A FORECLOSURE ACTION IMMEDIATELY.
   35    (E) THE SALE OF A TAX LIEN PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT  OPERATE
   36  TO  SHORTEN  THE  OTHERWISE  APPLICABLE  REDEMPTION PERIOD OR CHANGE THE
   37  OTHERWISE APPLICABLE INTEREST RATE.
   38    (F) UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THE REDEMPTION PERIOD  PRESCRIBED  BY  LAW,
   39  THE  PURCHASER  OF  A DELINQUENT TAX LIEN, OR ITS SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS,
   40  MAY FORECLOSE THE LIEN AS IN  AN  ACTION  TO  FORECLOSE  A  MORTGAGE  AS
   41  PROVIDED  IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX
   42  LAW. THE PROCEDURE IN SUCH ACTION SHALL BE THE PROCEDURE  PRESCRIBED  BY
   43  ARTICLE  THIRTEEN  OF  THE REAL PROPERTY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS LAW FOR
   44  THE FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGES.  AT ANY TIME FOLLOWING THE COMMENCEMENT OF
   45  AN ACTION TO FORECLOSE A LIEN, THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO REDEEM  THE  LIEN,
   46  OR THE AMOUNT RECEIVED UPON SALE OF A PROPERTY, SHALL INCLUDE REASONABLE
   47  AND  NECESSARY  COLLECTION  COSTS,  ATTORNEYS' FEES, LEGAL COSTS, ALLOW-
   48  ANCES, AND DISBURSEMENTS.
   49    (G) THE PROVISIONS OF TITLE FIVE OF ARTICLE ELEVEN OF THE REAL PROPER-
   50  TY TAX LAW SHALL APPLY SO FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE TO A  CONTRACT  FOR  THE
   51  SALE OF TAX LIENS PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.
   52    (H)  IF  THE  COURT  ORDERS  A  PUBLIC SALE PURSUANT TO SECTION ELEVEN
   53  HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW, AND  THE  PURCHASER  OF
   54  THE  PROPERTY  IS THE LAND BANK, THEN THE FORM, SUBSTANCE, AND TIMING OF
   55  THE LAND BANK'S PAYMENT OF THE SALES PRICE  MAY  BE  ACCORDING  TO  SUCH
   56  AGREEMENT  AS IS MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PLAINTIFF AND THE LAND BANK.
       A. 373--A                          12
    1  THE OBLIGATION OF THE LAND BANK  TO  PERFORM  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  SUCH
    2  AGREEMENT  SHALL  BE  DEEMED TO BE IN FULL SATISFACTION OF THE TAX CLAIM
    3  WHICH WAS THE BASIS FOR THE JUDGMENT.
    4    (I) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY, IN THE
    5  EVENT  THAT  NO  MUNICIPALITY  ELECTS  TO  TENDER  A BID AT A JUDICIALLY
    6  ORDERED SALE PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED  THIR-
    7  TY-SIX  OF  THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW, THE LAND BANK MAY TENDER A BID AT
    8  SUCH SALE IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALL MUNICIPAL CLAIMS
    9  AND LIENS WHICH WERE THE BASIS FOR THE JUDGMENT. IN THE  EVENT  OF  SUCH
   10  TENDER  BY  THE  LAND BANK THE PROPERTY SHALL BE DEEMED SOLD TO THE LAND
   11  BANK REGARDLESS OF ANY BIDS BY ANY OTHER THIRD PARTIES. THE BID  OF  THE
   12  LAND  BANK SHALL BE PAID AS TO ITS FORM, SUBSTANCE, AND TIMING ACCORDING
   13  TO SUCH AGREEMENT AS IS MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE TO  THE  PLAINTIFF  AND  THE
   14  LAND  BANK.    THE  OBLIGATION OF THE LAND BANK TO PERFORM IN ACCORDANCE
   15  WITH SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE IN FULL  SATISFACTION  OF  THE
   16  MUNICIPAL  CLAIM WHICH WAS THE BASIS FOR THE JUDGMENT. THE LAND BANK, AS
   17  PURCHASER AT SUCH SALE SHALL TAKE AND FOREVER THEREAFTER HAVE, AN  ABSO-
   18  LUTE  TITLE  TO  THE  PROPERTY  SOLD, FREE AND DISCHARGED OF ALL TAX AND
   19  MUNICIPAL CLAIMS, LIENS, MORTGAGES, CHARGES AND  ESTATES  OF  WHATSOEVER
   20  KIND.  THE  DEED  TO  THE  LAND BANK SHALL BE EXECUTED, ACKNOWLEDGED AND
   21  DELIVERED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF THE SALE.
   22    S 1617. CONTRACTS.
   23    (A) THE LAND BANK MAY, IN ITS DISCRETION, ASSIGN CONTRACTS FOR  SUPER-
   24  VISION  AND COORDINATION TO THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR ANY SUBDIVISION OF
   25  WORK FOR WHICH THE LAND BANK RECEIVES BIDS.  ANY  CONSTRUCTION,  DEMOLI-
   26  TION,  RENOVATION  AND  RECONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE LAND BANK
   27  SHALL CONTAIN SUCH OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS THE LAND BANK MAY  DEEM
   28  DESIRABLE.   THE LAND BANK SHALL NOT AWARD ANY CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION,
   29  RENOVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION CONTRACT GREATER THAN TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
   30  EXCEPT TO THE LOWEST BIDDER WHO, IN ITS OPINION, IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM
   31  THE WORK REQUIRED AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE AND  RELIABLE.  THE  LAND  BANK
   32  MAY,  HOWEVER,  REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS OR WAIVE ANY INFORMALITY IN A BID
   33  IF IT BELIEVES THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE  PROMOTED  THEREBY.  THE
   34  LAND  BANK  MAY  REJECT  ANY  BID, IF, IN ITS JUDGMENT, THE BUSINESS AND
   35  TECHNICAL ORGANIZATION, PLANT, RESOURCES, FINANCIAL STANDING, OR EXPERI-
   36  ENCE OF THE BIDDER JUSTIFIES SUCH REJECTION IN VIEW OF THE  WORK  TO  BE
   37  PERFORMED.
   38    (B)  FOR  THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE FIFTEEN-A OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW ONLY,
   39  THE LAND BANK SHALL BE DEEMED A STATE AGENCY AS THAT  TERM  IS  USED  IN
   40  SUCH  ARTICLE,  AND ALL CONTRACTS FOR PROCUREMENT, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION,
   41  SERVICES AND MATERIALS SHALL BE DEEMED STATE CONTRACTS WITHIN THE  MEAN-
   42  ING OF THAT TERM AS SET FORTH IN SUCH ARTICLE.
   43    S  2.  Subdivision  2  of  section 2 of the public authorities law, as
   44  added by chapter 766 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
   45    2. "local authority" shall mean (a) a public authority or public bene-
   46  fit corporation created by or existing under this chapter or  any  other
   47  law of the state of New York whose members do not hold a civil office of
   48  the  state,  are  not  appointed by the governor or are appointed by the
   49  governor specifically upon the recommendation of the local government or
   50  governments; (b) a not-for-profit corporation affiliated with, sponsored
   51  by, or created by a county, city, town  or  village  government;  (c)  a
   52  local industrial developmental agency or authority or other local public
   53  benefit  corporation;  [or] (d) an affiliate of such local authority; OR
   54  (E) A LAND BANK CORPORATION CREATED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE SIXTEEN  OF  THE
   55  NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION LAW.
   56    S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
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