The Homes and Community Renewal Connection | |
Meeting Challenges, Making Housing Affordable for All New Yorkers | |
Dear Friends,
At HCR, our mission is to create and preserve the safe, healthy, energy-efficient, supportive, and affordable homes that New York residents deserve—through every age and phase of life, and in the communities they choose. By increasing housing supply, forging new paths to homeownership, and investing in projects that make neighborhoods inviting places to live and work—HCR and our partners are making a difference.
We are starting 2025 with more than 50,000 homes created or preserved toward our goal of 100,000 under our $25 billion Housing Plan! These are more than housing units--they're high quality homes in vibrant communities that provide the foundation families need to thrive. Examples of this initiative and more are highlighted in the video below and throughout this newsletter.
Thank you to Governor Hochul, our elected leaders, my dedicated team at HCR, and to all of our partners for bringing housing home.
Warm Regards,
RuthAnne
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Landmark State Budget Agreement Sets Stage for Productive 2024
2024 got off to a strong start with a FY 2025 State Budget in place that grew New York's housing stock through new tax incentives to create affordable housing statewide, tools for New York City to generate more housing, $500 million to build up to 15,000 new homes on state land and a stronger Pro-Housing Communities Program.
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List of Certified Pro-Housing Communities Climbs:
270 Municipalities Commit to Growing Housing Supply
More than 400 municipalities have applied for Pro-Housing Community certification, and 269 are already certified, including major cities in every region of the State. That number continues to climb as more and municipalities commit to growing their housing supply.
The Pro-Housing Communities Program launched last year to recognize municipalities for their commitment to housing growth. The FY25 Enacted Budget expanded the PHC program, making certification a requirement to access up to $650 million in State discretionary funding.
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Unlocking Opportunity:
421-a Extension Creates 71,000 New Homes
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In October, Governor Hochul announced that 71,000 new apartments in New York City, including 21,000 affordable units, will be able to move forward by extending the construction deadline for the 421-a Tax Incentive Program. The extension was part of the groundbreaking budget agreement the Governor secured.
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Creating Green, Sustainable Affordable Homes | |
Clean Energy Initiative:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
HCR's partnership with NYSERDA made a total of $100 million available for CEI Funding. HCR has awarded funding to 68 projects, or 6,367 units, to date, committing just over $60 million. The remaining funds will be committed to HCR projects by December 31, 2025.
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Climate Friendly Homes Fund Makes Electrification Measures Accessible for Small Multifamily Properties
The CFHF Program has awarded 19 projects, totaling 267 units, awarding just over $7 million in funds. HCR's partner, the Community Preservation Corporation has an additional 3,600 units in the pipeline!
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WAP: Making Homes More Comfortable and Affordable
HCR's Weatherization Assistance Program is putting its regular annual allocation tp work, along with $289 million in BiPartisan Infrastructure Law funds. The BIL funding allowed HCR to award an additional $23M this year to new temporary Subgrantees and and more than 1,100 units have been weatherized to date.
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Green and Sustainable Development | |
By integrating high standards for greener, more sustainable construction, HCR invested in affordable, energy-efficient homes for residents across the State.
See some examples below:
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Former School Transformed into Sustainable, Affordable Homes in Hornell
The former Bryant School in the Southern Tier city of Hornell has been transformed into 39 affordable homes for working families. With energy-efficient features to reduce energy use and lower utility costs, the apartments offer convenient access to public transit and downtown. This project provides sustainable housing while supporting an eco-friendly lifestyle for the community.
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Upgrades at McCarley Gardens Result in Quality, Green Homes in Buffalo
The renovation of McCarley Gardens Apartments in East Buffalo has upgraded the 46-year-old complex with energy-efficient features that will reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and maintain affordable rents--offering long-term benefits for both residents and the environment.
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From Historic Factory to Sustainable Homes in Syracuse
Moyer Carriage Apartments in Syracuse transformed a historic factory into a 128-unit mixed-use development. This project provides affordable housing and supportive services, combining sustainable design with the preservation of a local landmark. The development offers eco-friendly living options while contributing to the city's revitalization.
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White Plains Unveils
Eco-Friendly Housing for Seniors
Construction is underway on Mt. Hope Plaza, a 56-unit affordable housing development for seniors in White Plains. The project will provide sustainable, energy-efficient homes, promoting healthy living for the community. In partnership with Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church, this development aims to offer affordable housing while supporting sustainability.
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Renovated Lyceum Brings 42 Green Units to Buffalo
The Lyceum, a historic school in Buffalo, has been converted into 42 affordable, energy-efficient apartments. The project also includes a community hub offering programs in culinary arts, job readiness, and healthy eating.
Completed under New York’s Clean Energy Initiative, the building now operates without fossil fuels. Key architectural features, such as the vaulted ceiling in the historic auditorium, were preserved during the renovation.
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Green Construction Underway at All-Electric Commodore Perry Homes
Construction has begun on Commodore Perry Homes in Buffalo, a new development with 27 all-electric buildings and 405 affordable homes.
The development replaces a vacant 24-building complex and will provide energy-efficient, sustainable housing while reducing carbon emissions.
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Historic Building in Rochester Now Eco-Friendly Affordable Homes
Canal Commons in Rochester has transformed a historic 19th-century manufacturing building into 123 affordable apartments, with 70 offering on-site support services. This sustainable development blends historic charm with modern, energy-efficient features, providing eco-friendly housing for the community.
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Net Zero Housing Project Unveiled in Rome
Colonial II Apartments in Rome, Oneida County, has been renovated to offer 74 affordable, net-zero carbon homes for seniors and people with disabilities. The project, supported by $1 million from the State’s Buildings of Excellence Competition, features energy-efficient design that reduces utility costs and promotes sustainability.
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Fighting Hunger in the Hudson Valley
Food Bank of the Hudson Valley Opens New Distribution Center in Orange County with $10.7 Million in CDBG Cares Funding
A new 50,000-square-foot food distribution center has opened in the town of Montgomery, Orange County. Operated by the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, the center will serve 179,000 people in need, featuring expanded cold storage and improved distribution systems. The distribution center was funded by a $10.7 million award from the Community Development Block Grant CARES program from New York State Homes and Community Renewal which addresses pandemic-related food insecurity and health challenges.
"This brand-new facility will better ensure families and communities in the Hudson Valley have reliable access to fresh and nutritious food, and that we can meet the region’s food security needs well into the future."-Governor Hochul
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Senior Housing Project Completed
in Brooklyn
Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the completion of Sunset Ridge, a $65 million senior housing development in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The 84-unit project will provide affordable housing for older adults and preserve historic features from a church that once stood on the site.
Sunset Ridge also includes space for five prekindergarten classrooms, benefiting local families. The development is part of New York's ongoing efforts to meet affordable housing needs and strengthen communities.
"Sunset Ridge is a perfect example of a community-focused development that blends the neighborhood’s history with the need for growth and sustainability."
-Governor Hochul
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St. James Terrace Now Open
in the Bronx
Commissioner Visnauskas cut the ribbon at St. James Terrace, a $64 million development in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx. The new building, located next to the historic St. James Episcopal Church, offers 102 affordable apartments and will provide a variety of community programs, including a weekly food pantry.
“Not only does St. James Terrace bring more than 100 homes to this neighborhood, but it also allows the church and other organizations to expand services to children and adults and provides a solid base of support for the entire community."
-Commissioner Visnauskas
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Iconic Buffalo Record Theatre Becomes The Monroe Apartments
Commissioner Visnauskas marked the completion of The Monroe, an $8.4 million redevelopment that converted the historic Record Theatre complex in Buffalo into 17 affordable housing units and 11,400 square feet of retail and commercial space. The building’s new name reflects its history as a 1920s dealership for the Monroe Motorcar Company.
The Monroe’s 17 apartments, eclectic mix of restaurants and commercial space, and its proximity to transportation makes it a destination spot for all of Buffalo."
-Commissioner Visnauskas
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Golden Hill Apartments Brings 164 Homes to Kingston
Construction has started on Golden Hill Apartments, a new development offering 164 affordable and supportive housing units in Kingston. The $87 million project will provide essential services for seniors, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Investing in building supportive, environmentally friendly and inclusive communities is one of our top priorities. We look forward to welcoming residents to their new home once the project is complete."
-Governor Hochul
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Opal 115 in Mount Vernon
Commissioner Visnauskas recently marked the groundbreaking of Opal 115, a 315-unit, mixed-use affordable housing development in the city of Mount Vernon, Westchester County. The $223 million project will feature a community facility, along with ground-floor retail space.
“Opal 115 will give more than 300 households the opportunity to enjoy an affordable, modern, and family-friendly home."-Commissioner Visnauskas
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The Green at Gardiner's Point Apartments in East Hampton
Commissioner Visnauskas helped welcome residents to The Green at Gardiner’s Point Apartments in East Hampton, Suffolk County. The $33 million development will create 50 affordable and energy-efficient homes, and it provides affordable housing opportunities in the high-performing East Hampton Union Free School District.
“The completion of The Green at Gardiner’s Point provides 50 new, energy-efficient and affordable apartments in a beautiful community in need of more housing choices."-Commissioner Visnauskas
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Grant Awards Support Homeowners
In December, HCR's Office of Community Renewal awarded $51 million in grants to support homeownership around the State. The awards will help more than 1,000 low and moderate-income homeowners make homes safe and accessible; provide assistance for first-time homebuyers.
Block by Block Program Launches in Upstate Cities
The new $40 million Block-By-Block Program supports affordable homeownership in five Upstate cities. Up to $400,000 will be available per project to nonprofit organizations to develop new single-and two-family homes on vacant or underutilized lots in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. The program will ensure that homes can be sold at an affordable purchase price to buyers who earn up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
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Office of Resilient Homes and Communities:
Helping Families and Communities Recover from Extreme Weather and Adapt to Climate Change
In November the Governor announced that $20 million is available for eligible homeowners in flood prone areas to make proactive flood mitigation and energy-efficiency improvements to their homes as part of a new round of funding for the Resilient Retrofits Program.
The office is also helping homeowners recover from previous floods. The Resilient & Ready Home Repair Program is now reviewing applications from eligible homeowners who incurred damage during last summer’s storms. The Hurricane Ida Homeowner Repair and Reimbursement Program is accepting applications. The program will help income-eligible homeowners make repairs or be reimbursed for completed repairs following the storm.
RHC recently complete construction on twenty-four low-to-moderate income households participating in the Mount Vernon Healthy Homes pilot program. The $3 million program installed residential sewer-related improvements in neighborhoods at high-risk for wastewater backflow.
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TPU Investigation Results in $514 Million Settlement for Tenants
An investigation by HCR’s Tenant Protection Unit found landlord Steven Croman illegally advertised rent regulated units as short-term rentals, removing them from the housing supply in the midst of a statewide housing crisis. The Governor announced a $514,000 settlement in February against Croman of Centennial Properties who violated the rent laws by leasing rent regulated units for terms of less than one or two years, and for overcharging occupants of nine rent regulated units in five buildings, over the course of approximately 11 months.
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