Print
Share page with AddThis

Batavia Home Fund

Posted on: September 18, 2023 - 1:12pm

The City of Batavia, Genesee County Economic Development Center and the Town of Batavia are pleased to announce the creation of the Batavia Home Fund (BHF).  The collaborative fund is being supported by a Host Benefit Agreement from associated new housing projects and land sales located in the City and Town of Batavia.  The fund will capitalize certain infrastructure and housing program related expenditures. 

All for profit, non-religious not for profit organizations and individuals are eligible to apply for the grant after meeting the following conditions:

  1. Properties must be located in City of Batavia.
  2. The applicant must be current on all municipal taxes including property, water and sewer and any other obligations to the municipalities.The applicant will obtain a City of Batavia building permit prior to constructionThe applicant will have the ability to finance the entire project and submit for reimbursement to the BHF when the project is complete.
  3. No costs can be claimed against the Batavia Home Fund, in advance of the official project grant approval date.
  4. Proposals should provide proof of readiness such as proof of ownership, deed, or purchase agreement, and documentation that 100% of the financing for the project is in place. Please provide quotes from a licensed contractor.

Project Guidelines include the following:

  1. Projects should include a visual improvement to property to be eligible.
  2. Projects can be rehabilitation or new builds
  3. Grant awards are not to exceed 40% of the total project.
  4. The funding is on a project-by-project basis.  In-kind match is not eligible.
  5. Costs incurred prior to the official grant approval date are not eligible for reimbursement and not eligible as a match.
  6. Grant funds will be released once Certificate of Occupancy is issued or Permit Closeout is completed, and proper documentation of expenditures is received.

Projects will be scored by a committee that includes representatives from the City, Town and GCEDC based on the following criteria:

1.  City Priorities- projects that advance the priorities of Batavia including the BOA Strategy, and  are located in either opportunity zone (Ward 3 & 6), or in the flood zone are eligible for additional points in this category (up to 20 points).

2. Visual Impact- projects that are visually prominent, have historic value, are in danger of being lost, in-part or totally to disrepair and damage (up to 40 points).

3. Neighborhood impact- projects that are aesthetically pleasing to the surrounding neighborhood and are designed to eliminate blight. Preference will be given to a collaborative neighborhood improvement plan with multiple residences involved.  (up to 40 points).

Please Note: It is the committee’s discretion to award an amount less than requested in the funding application.

Additional Policies and Applications are available on the City of Batavia website www.batavianewyork.com in the Citizen Action Center on the homepage of the website.