The Homes and Community Renewal Connection | |
2023: A Pivotal Year for Housing in New York | |
Dear Friends,
The past twelve months have shone a much-needed, and long overdue, spotlight on the impact the nation’s housing crisis is having here in New York. But as we close the books on 2023, we remain confident about what the future holds in store for our state. Working alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, we have taken bold steps and implemented innovative strategies to do what is within our control to address New York’s diverse housing needs.
As you will see from the video below and throughout this newsletter, HCR and our partners have made a meaningful impact on the lives of countless New Yorkers and on the communities in which we all call home. I thank the Governor, our elected leaders, my talented team at HCR, and all of our partners for everything we’ve achieved together on behalf of New Yorkers, and I'm looking forward to a productive 2024.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Warmest regards,
RuthAnne
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Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Progress Achieved Through Executive Actions
Governor Hochul recently updated New Yorkers on progress achieved through the Executive Actions she announced in July to address New York’s housing crisis and increase the housing supply. A program to accelerate housing development in Gowanus has already received 19 applications that could yield up to 5,500 housing units. And as part of the effort to convert state-owned sites into housing, the former Lincoln Correctional facility in Manhattan will be transformed into a 105-unit development and the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens will become a vibrant community with more than 2,800 homes.
“The lack of housing in New York is an urgent crisis, and we can't afford to wait for legislative solutions. Five months ago today, I took Executive Action to promote housing growth, and we're making real progress to increase the housing supply across New York. Until the Legislature is ready to come back to the table with a real plan to increase housing supply, I'll continue fighting for New Yorkers using every tool I have as Governor.” —Governor Hochul
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Increasing Housing Supply | |
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This year, HCR awarded nearly $2 billion in bonds, subsidy, and tax credits to create and preserve more than 6,000 affordable, supportive, energy-efficient homes in communities across New York. These developments will help fight homelessness and housing insecurity, and increase housing opportunities for individuals, families, seniors, and veterans. Visit HCR’s pressroom for more information on these and other projects.
First Hotel Conversion Project Announced
HCR’s December bond closings included the first hotel conversion made possible by the Housing Our Neighbors With Dignity Act, which allows underutilized commercial and hotel space to be converted to residential use. The JFK Hilton Hotel in Queens will transformed into Baisley Pond Residences with 318 affordable and supportive homes.
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Governor Hochul Announces New Initiative to Preserve Additional Housing
Governor Hochul unveiled a new initiative making up to $50 million available to help preserve up to 500 Single Room Occupancy apartments. The funding, available through HCR's Supportive Housing Preservation program, will be used for preservation projects that rehabilitate SRO units and add private bathrooms where possible.
“By creating this program, we are adding an important tool to our toolbox as we work to combat the housing crisis, particularly in New York City where these types of apartments provide a safe, secure, affordable home for thousands of residents.” —Governor Hochul
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Strengthening Downtowns
In November, HCR announced $5 million was awarded through the New York Main Street program to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to support 23 projects that will enhance and revitalize Main Streets and strengthen local economies. The grants will improve residential and commercial spaces, preserve historic properties, and help communities build the capacity required to grow their downtowns.
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Funding Local Infrastructure and Planning
Governor Hochul announced nearly $23 million in New York State Community Development Block Grants have been awarded to 33 village, town, and county-wide applicants. The funds will be used for projects that range from comprehensive planning studies and community facilities to sewer and water main replacements.
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$26 Million in Grants Help 24 Land Banks Revitalize
New York Communities
In June, Governor Hochul announced nearly $26 million in grant funding has been awarded to 24 land banks across New York. The Land Bank Initiative is helping to eliminate blight, increase housing supply, assist local economic development efforts, create homeownership opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities that have experienced disinvestment.
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Supporting Small Multifamily Developments
HCR awarded $6.7 million in Small Rental Development Initiative funds to help not-for-profits create or preserve 52 affordable rental apartments across five separate developments in Syracuse, Rochester, Binghamton, and the town of Wilmington in Essex County.
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Building A Greener, More Sustainable New York | |
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Helping Communities Recover from Flooding
As flooding and severe weather have become more commonplace in New York and around the country, HCR is working to provide relief and protect communities against extreme weather.
Following historic flooding last summer, the Governor announced $3 million in emergency relief for eligible homeowners in Orange County and an additional $3 million to assist homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residence in areas of the North Country, the Finger Lakes, and the Hudson Valley. And earlier this year, HCR teamed up with Home HeadQuarters to provide relief to eligible homeowners impacted by flooding in Erie County.
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Office of Resilient Homes and Communities Update
HCR’s Office of Resilient Homes and Communities helps families and essential community facilities recover from extreme weather and make long-term improvements to adapt to our changing climate.
Resiliency upgrades are underway in the Bronx’s Edgewater Park co-op and volunteer firehouse that will ensure the facility can function as an emergency shelter during major storms and as a cooling center during extreme heat. Improvements are also being made at the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center in Red Hook, Brooklyn that will allow the building to remain open and provide emergency services during major storms.
In August, Governor Hochul announced that two of RHC’s Hurricane Ida recovery programs are available for non-profits to help make Hudson Valley communities and homes safer and more resilient against future storms.
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Fighting For Fair Housing | |
HCR is committed to combating discrimination when it comes to housing. This year, Governor Hochul announced a $2.2 million expansion of New York’s Fair Housing Testing Program and the release of Fair Housing Matters NY, a comprehensive examination of housing segregation and discrimination in New York State. | |
2023 Development Highlights | |
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Marketview Apartments
Opens on Ithaca's Waterfront
Marketview Apartments in Ithaca is a new four-story development with 42 affordable apartments on the city's waterfront.
The all-electric, energy-efficient building stands in Cayuga Park next to the city’s community gardens and offers numerous family-friendly amenities.
Marketview Apartments complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development.
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School 75: Life-Changing for Veterans in East Buffalo
The long-vacant School 75 in East Buffalo was repurposed to offer 65 affordable homes and supportive services for veterans and military service-disabled individuals, and will be home to the new corporate offices for the Western New York Veterans’ Housing Coalition.
The former school building has been dedicated as The Charlie Bush Building in honor of SPC Charles E. Bush, Jr., who was killed in action on December 19, 2003, in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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2050 Grand Concourse Brings Affordable and Supportive Apartments to Fordham Heights
2050 Grand Concourse brings 96 apartments and community facility space to the Bronx’s Fordham Heights neighborhood. The all-electric development was awarded funding from the state's Buildings of Excellence competition.
"This highly sustainable and affordable housing development will be transformative for nearly 100 households and the entire Fordham Heights community. 2050 Grand Concourse will undoubtedly improve lives and move us closer to our goal of achieving a greener New York for the future.”
—Commissioner Visnauskas
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Northside Village Revitalization Offers 300 Modern Homes in Schenectady
Northside Village, the extensive redevelopment of a public housing complex in Schenectady, is now complete and provides 300 modern, affordable, and energy-efficient homes.
"When aging public housing is replaced with high quality homes, we not only protect our housing supply for the long-term, but also create more vibrant communities and enable residents to succeed."
—Commissioner Visnauskas
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Construction Complete at The Green at Garvies Point
in Nassau County
The Green at Garvies Point offers 55 affordable apartments in Glen Cove on Long Island's North Shore. The development is part of the city's revitalization effort that is transforming its waterfront into a vibrant, new, mixed-use area.
“The completion of The Green at Garvies Point is exciting not just for the 55 individuals and families who will call this new development home, but for everyone who will benefit from the continued transformation of Glen Cove’s waterfront.”
—Commissioner Visnauskas
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Artspace Utica Lofts Now Under Construction in Utica
Construction has begun on Artspace Utica Lofts, a 43-unit development in downtown Utica that will offer energy-efficient apartments for local artists and will include nearly 800 square feet of gallery space.
"This development is a testament to the strong partnership between state and city officials, and by working together we can continue to enhance quality of life and walkability in Utica while providing secure, affordable, and sustainable homes for a talented and diverse population of artists.”
—Governor Hochul
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Sunset Park Library and Apartments Opens in Brooklyn
The new Sunset Park Library and Apartments is the first of its kind in New York City, establishing a new development model that pairs affordable housing with new and expanded public library facilities.
"Libraries are where New Yorkers can go to learn, interact with neighbors, and discover new opportunities. By including affordable apartments, this innovative public-private partnership will help Sunset Park remain an inclusive and vibrant community."
—Commissioner Visnauskas
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Mosaic Apartments Breaks Ground in Schenectady’s Mont Pleasant Neighborhood
Mosaic Apartments, a two-building development that will create 60 apartments in Schenectady’s Mont Pleasant neighborhood, is under construction. The all-electric, energy-efficient development will include 30 apartments with onsite support services for seniors and people with disabilities.
“Our investment in Schenectady will create dozens of much-needed affordable, energy-efficient apartments in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant communities.”
—Governor Hochul
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Applications Open for the $100 Million Affordable Housing Connectivity Program | |
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Governor Hochul recently announced that applications are now open for the $100 million Affordable Housing Connectivity Program, a partnership led by Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Office in consultation with HCR to design and install broadband infrastructure at 100,000 affordable housing units across New York.
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