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June 2022 Edition

The Homes and Community Renewal Connection

Top News

Housing Plan

Governor Hochul Signs Historic Legislation for Housing

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul signed into law two major pieces of legislation that will support the construction and preservation of affordable housing for New Yorkers.


The first law creates more flexible rules for converting underutilized hotels and commercial space in New York City into permanent housing. The second law establishes the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, paving the way for the overdue repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of 25,000 apartments under control of the New York City Housing Authority. 


We applaud Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and New York City Mayor Adams for taking bold action to help ensure that New Yorkers can access safe, livable, and quality affordable housing. Both of these news laws complement the State's new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.

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National Homeownership Month

Throughout National Homeownership Month in June, HCR promoted awareness of our innovative programs designed to make first-time homeownership more affordable. 


Accruing enough assets to close on a new home is one of the largest barriers to homeownership. HCR's State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) is now offering a limited, enhanced down payment assistance loan called DPAL PLUS, designed to help low-income New Yorkers achieve their homeownership dream.


Learn more about SONYMA's numerous programs and add-on features here.

Promoting Housing Choice and Equity

This June, HCR celebrated both Juneteenth and Pride Month. At HCR, we are all too familiar with the ongoing discrimination that people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals face in both rental housing and homeownership. 


Similarly, these New Yorkers may face additional challenges in accessing affordable and quality health care and discrimination in the workplace. In other states and at the federal level, we’re seeing renewed attempts to undermine basic human rights. 


HCR's Fair and Equitable Housing Office works closely with the New York State Division of Human Rights to ensure that New Yorkers can access the housing of their choice. Through our many housing programs, we strive to build more inclusive and diverse communities, invest in under resourced neighborhoods, and correct a long history of discriminatory housing practices.


As we carry out our mission of building and preserving healthy and sustainable affordable housing, we at HCR reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, acceptance, and respect for all New Yorkers.

Development Highlights

Over the last two months, HCR has broke ground and cut the ribbon on 17 multifamily developments across the State. Read below for some highlights. 

Ithaca Arthaus


Ithaca Arthaus is a 123-apartment development offering arts-related community facilities and 40 homes with supportive services for young people aging out of foster care. The $32 million development is part of city of Ithaca's efforts to make the Cherry Street District on the Cayuga Inlet waterfront a vibrant cultural destination.

Edgemere Commons

Edgemere Commons


Construction began in May on the 11-phase Edgemere Commons, a major new mixed-use housing housing development in Far Rockaway, Queens. The $100 million first phase will deliver 194 affordable homes, including 59 with supportive services, and 23,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. 

Olbiston Apartments


Construction is underway on the gut rehabilitation of the 124-year-old Olbiston Apartments in Utica. The historic building was the largest apartment building in Upstate New York when it opened in 1898, but gradually fell into a state of disrepair until closing last year. Upon completion, the building will offer 153 affordable homes.

West Side Homes


The $21 million West Side Homes in Buffalo will provide 49 affordable homes, including 16 reserved for adults experiencing homelessness. The community-wide development will feature 11 newly constructed buildings, including a NYSERDA Building of Excellence, and the rehabilitation of two others. 

Landy Court


The newly completed Landy Court is a $49 million development featuring 80 affordable homes in downtown Yonkers. The seven-story residence includes 48 apartments set aside for formerly unhoused adults who have access to on-site supportive services.

Colonial II Apartments


Construction has begun on the $41 million Colonial II Apartments in Oneida County's city of Rome. When complete, Colonial II will be the first carbon-zero public housing development in New York State and will provide 74 homes for seniors and people with disabilities. 

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