§ 920. Statement of legislative findings and purpose. The legislature
hereby finds and declares that there exists in New York state a serious
need for the restoration and improvement of housing, local commercial
areas and public facilities in distressed urban neighborhoods and that
the state should encourage the revitalization of such neighborhoods;
that not-for-profit community-based organizations and charitable
organizations that have a direct interest in improving the health,
safety and economic viability of a distressed urban neighborhood can
play a crucial role in such revitalization; the legislature therefore
finds that a program should be established to fund not-for-profit
community-based organizations and charitable organizations to improve
distressed urban neighborhoods by preserving existing housing units,
generating new housing units, upgrading commercial and retail areas, and
by creating innovative approaches to neighborhood and community
revitalization which improve cultural and community facilities and
spirit.