Schenectady, Albany get aid for lead cleanup

Chips, dust can cause developmental delays in younger children

Albany and Schenectady are among five communities in the state set to receive between $2 and $3.5 million each from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to clean up lead for property owners who otherwise could not afford to do it.

Matthew Smith, a senior planner with Schenectady, said Tuesday that HUD awards the money every three years.

The Electric City is slated to get $3.4 million in leadbased paint hazard reduction grant monies to eliminate the danger in 203 housing units, while Albany will receive $3.5 million for 160 units, according to a HUD news release.

Smith, who noted Schenectady works closely with the county on the work, said the city is currently on pace to complete 168 units at an average unit cost of $11,272 and that the coronavirus pandemic “had a negative impact” on their goal of completing 205 units.

Faye Andrews with Albany Community Development did not respond to calls and an email last week seeking comment.

Smith said households with children under the age of 6 are a priority because they are most susceptible to the health hazards of lead. Lead-based paint, which was declared dangerous and banned in the U.S. in 1978, can still exist on surfaces and cause developmental delays in young children if ingested. Paint chips and dust can happen particularly around windows that repeatedly open and shut.

Remediation, which can include anything from new siding to windows, ceilings, and walls, are 100 percent covered by the funds, if the person is approved for the program.

HUD indicates that municipalities that were awarded the grant will also work with other medical and social service providers.

The grant is also open to homeowners and rental property owners.

The cities of Buffalo and New York, and Chautauqua County, are also in line to receive the HUD grant.