48-unit Affordable Housing Complex to be Built in Canandaigua

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of construction on a $10.7 million supportive housing development for veterans in the Town of Canandaigua. Veterans Housing for Canandaigua will provide affordable housing and on-site services with 48 units for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“These brave men and women defended our nation, and helping to ensure they have a safe, affordable and decent place to call home is one small way to thank them for their service,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am proud to help create this housing for New York veterans in need and thank our local partners for this very important project.”

The development will include five, two-story residential buildings with 48 apartments. A separate community building will house a maintenance garage, laundry room, and Veterans Administration service delivery office. Twenty-five units will be set aside for veterans eligible for benefits from the Canandaigua VA Medical Center who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and their dependents.

The development is a partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Rochester Housing Authority, The Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency, Inc., Geneva Housing Authority, and the Canandaigua Veterans Administration.

James S. Rubin, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “Governor Cuomo has taken a leadership role in both honoring and supporting veterans and their families. This development, Veterans for Canandaigua, will provide permanent, quality homes along with support services to promote independent living. This new complex joins projects including the state-financed Cadence Square, which opened last year on the grounds of the Canandaigua Veterans Administration Medical Center, to meet a housing need in Canandaigua. HCR is proud to be a part of this effort.”

Samuel D. Roberts, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said, “Governor Cuomo has long been a leader in the development of supportive housing programs, something he is continuing to do with Veterans for Canandaigua. Supportive housing is a critical and proven tool in helping to stabilize the lives of homeless families. This project will address an important need among veterans and their families in Canandaigua and the region.”

Support services will be provided by the Veterans Administration, and by the Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency. The development will include a meeting room, tenant storage, a conference room, playground, a community garden and an area designated for a memorial park to honor veterans. Tenants will receive services provided by the Geneva Housing Authority Service Coordinator, the Veterans Administration and Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency.

The gross rents (rent plus utilities) will range from $640 to $864 a month, and will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income. All 48 units will receive Project-Based Rental Assistance Vouchers from the Rochester Housing Authority.

Homes and Community Renewal provided $2.45 million in New York State HOME funds and $5.16 million in Low-Income Housing Credits. Due to the extensive energy saving measures incorporated into the design, the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority allocated $121,000 in incentives to be applied to development cost. The Rochester Housing Authority awarded Project Based Section 8 Rental Assistance for 100% of the units ensuring that the housing will be affordable to the veterans that need it most.

Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, affordable housing for Veterans has been created around the State. In 2014 alone, six projects have been awarded state funding to develop 210 units of supportive housing for veterans, with four projects being completed. Homelessness among Veterans saw its sharpest drop in New York between 2013 and 2014, declining 45 percent.

Eric J. Hesse, Director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Governor Cuomo’s commitment to this project demonstrates still another example of his continued leadership in developing programs for the Veterans of New York State. For the Veterans in need of sustainable housing, this project, combined with critical supportive services, will assist our most vulnerable Veterans and their families in becoming a part of the community. It is a privilege to be part of this program led by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which will serve to provide Veterans and their families affordable and sustainable housing.”

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb said, “With Veterans Day upon us, it is fitting that we celebrate an initiative to assist and improve the quality of life for the men and women who served our nation so bravely. It is our responsibility to help our local veterans any way we can. This collaborative effort to provide new veterans housing is an endeavor of which our community can be proud.”

Pamela A. Helming, Town of Canandaigua Town Supervisor said, “The Town of Canandaigua is extremely thankful to partner with the many agencies, organizations and individuals who have worked together to make this vision a reality. We commend Governor Cuomo for his leadership and support of our Veterans, and we thank our state representatives, Senator Mike Nozzolio and Assembly Leader Brian Kolb, for their tireless work as Veteran’s advocates. To the Geneva Housing Authority we offer a sincere thank you for the commitment to our servicemen and women that has brought this project to fruition.”