920 - Statement of legislative findings and purpose.

§  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.