ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Throughout Monroe County, folks can spot numerous vacant and abandoned properties. Some of them have been more problematic than others, including prompting safety risks. With that in mind, affordable housing has become a hot topic for county leadership, with hopes to expand efforts throughout all of the county's rural and suburban communities. To help address both issues, a new "transformative" initiative was introduced. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced that the Monroe County Land Bank Corporation (MCLBC) is expected to help acquire, rehabilitate and sell properties to homebuyers across Monroe County. This is the 29th land bank created in New York State. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello made the announcement Tuesday at a home sold in Greece as part of the county's ongoing initiative to help first-time homebuyers. Gov. Hochul gives New York budget presentation "This is the kind of program that needs to be expanded across Monroe County to create more pathways to homeownership while eliminating the risks posed by zombie properties that sit vacant for far too long," Bello said Tuesday. "Together, we're not just renovating houses, we're building stronger neighborhoods, expanding opportunities and securing the future of homeownership in our county." The initiative is funded using $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. "Typically, Monroe County was only able to do, really only a small handful of projects like this a year. Now, with the American Rescue Plan Act funding, and a fully operational land bank, we can take action throughout the county, all 19 suburban and rural communities across Monroe County," Bello said. This initiative will complement existing programs, like the First Time Homebuyer and Make Monroe Home programs.