NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — ​A new loan program in Niagara Falls will improve neighborhoods. It’s thanks to the New York Attorney General’s Cities Rise Loan Program.

The loans will be used for exterior home upgrades, beautifying neighborhoods and addressing possible building code violations.

The loans range from $5,000 - $15,000.

To qualify, a property owner must have a clean deed with no back taxes owed and a credit score of at least 530.

“Very little is accomplished when the only thing that we do is cite people and send them county. Sometimes that’s the only way out, but if we can get homeowners in their owner-occupied properties, to get those improvements we can help them along, we think that’s a much more productive way of using our resources and improving our neighborhoods,” Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino said.

This program finances 100% of renovations up to $15,000 at a 3% rate, with monthly payments for ten years.

Applications can be made through the city’s Community Development Department.