Plans for Supportive Housing Project Move Forward Thanks to New Funding
Eastman Commons Community (ECC), an organization focused on building a rental housing community that is affordable and supportive of adult low-income and homeless individuals has been awarded approximately $9 million toward its important housing development project.
David Agostinelli, ECC president, said the not-for-profit charitable corporation, is “elated” to receive the news of this new capital financing. “It is critical to advancing the development of a residential community that will provide safe and attractive supportive rental housing that is affordable for low-income individuals and homeless adults with the assistance they need to live independently,” said Agostinelli. He added that “This award will allocate low income housing tax credit financing from the New York State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and is expected to provide approximately $ 9 million toward ECC’s $16 million development plan.”
Governor David A. Paterson announced the awarding of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits administered by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and noted, “this critical funding will not only improve access to quality, affordable housing, but also help put New York back to work by creating new jobs.” The Governor went on to say, "In these difficult economic times, it is especially important that we do everything we can to help return our State to prosperity and improve the lives of everyday New York families."
ECC will be developing its supportive housing at 1630 Dewey Avenue in the City’s Northwest quadrant in the Historic Maplewood Neighborhood. This project will include the environmental site cleanup and demolition of the existing vacant and contaminated building. Then a newly constructed building will be erected including 80 one-bedroom apartments and a host of amenities including a community room, laundry areas, library and computer room, recreation area, an outdoor garden area and space for offices and meeting rooms. Half of the apartments will be reserved for formerly homeless individuals who have been referred as ready for independent living. The rest of the apartments will be available for low-income adults. “We are proud to be part of the historic Maplewood Neighborhood,” said Agostinelli. “We are very pleased to be investing in this area and contributing to the revitalization planning underway in the community”.
DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said the need for tax credits to encourage the development and preservation of housing for low - and - moderate income people is high. She also noted, “Governor Paterson's leadership has helped keep the creation of affordable housing a priority, even in these turbulent economic times. This commitment will result in quality, decent housing for thousands of New Yorkers.”
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter also expressed their support of this funding. “ It is critical that we provide safe and affordable housing for the most vulnerable,” said Schumer. “ We cannot thrive without quality, affordable housing.” Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter added that this funding “will go a long way to help ensure affordable housing for those in our community who need it most. What's more, these key construction projects will generate quality jobs for hard-working New Yorkers to strengthen our region and economy for the long-term."
Agostinelli said this DHCR award “significantly boosts ECC’s overall funding.” He said this award adds to the capital funding previously committed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Rochester’s designation of federal capital dollars. The addition of funding from the NYS Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation rounds out the capital financing needed to advance the Project in 2010.
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