Community Development Block Grants Help Revitalize City of Rensselaer
Deputy Commissioner Joe Rabito Tours New Headstart Program
The City of Rensselaer, in conjunction with CDBG grants from DHCR's Office of Community Renewal, and the Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region (CEO) has redeveloped the former St. Joseph's Academy School into a Family Resource Center to help meet the educational, social, and health needs of residents.
Included at the center is a new Headstart Program. DHCR Deputy Commissioner Joe Rabito visited recently and got a first-hand look at the difference this program and the center are making in the lives of children and families in Rensselaer.
In 2004, CEO undertook a Community Assessment to evaluate challenges faced by low- to moderate-income households in the city. Among its findings was the need to make public services more readily available. The city has invested in several revitalization efforts in the Lower Third Street Neighborhood. This effort had been hampered by the deterioration of the former St. Joseph's Academy, a private academy that closed its doors in 2003. But now, the adaptive reuse of this building is helping transform a blighted area and stabilize the surrounding neighborhood.
Funding included $400,000 in CDBG grants, $70,971 of CEO funds and $1,000,000 in loans.
Last updated on 06/09/08