Albany, NY – April 16, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — On April 7, Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen, DHCR staff, and Michael Skrebutenas, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Housing, joined Omni Housing Development, LLC, The Wesley Community, and Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson to break ground on the $18 million rehabilitation of Embury Apartments.
Embury is a 200-unit affordable housing development for low-income seniors aged 62 and older. Originally constructed over 35 years ago, it is located on the Wesley Health Care Community campus in Saratoga Springs. Residents have easy access to health care services and social activities. Public bus transportation is available for the half-mile trip to the heart of Saratoga.
The renovation will help lower utility costs for residents and make the complex safer and more affordable to maintain. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010 and includes updates to fire safety and energy conservation systems, replacement of windows and insulation, installation of handrails, a W-Fi hub to provide free Internet access to all tenants, and Energy Star appliances and light fixtures in every unit.
Financing is provided by DHCR’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Embury Apartments, Inc., Community Preservation Corporation, M&T Bank and grants from the New York Energy research and Development Authority.
Governor Paterson said, “Embury Apartments is a wonderful example of the government and private sector coming together to make a difference in people’s lives. We must create more opportunities for senior citizens to live independently in decent, safe, and affordable homes. Embury Apartments will offer easy access to services and the comfort and security that is particularly important in times of economic uncertainty.”
Commissioner VanAmerongen said, “Developments like Embury Apartments are extremely important for senior citizens who want to remain independent in the communities they call home. I commend Duncan Barrett and Omni Development for their vision and thank them for working with DHCR to preserve this complex. I applaud Brian Nealon, The Wesley Community and its founders for their foresight in building and sustaining The Embury Apartments for more than 35 years. And I want to thank the dedicated DHCR staff who worked to find creative ways to make this extensive rehabilitation a reality, despite current economic challenges and uncertainties. By working together we will ensure a more modern, more energy-efficient, and more affordable home for Saratoga seniors.”
“This is a proud moment for our City as we continue to improve the role of Wesley and Embury Apartments in meeting the needs of our seniors for affordable, yet dignified living.” Mayor Scott T. Johnson.
“Governor Paterson and state officials whose commitment to Embury will insure its viability as a senior housing complex for the next 50 years,” said Wesley Community CEO Brian Nealon. “Our founders would be honored to witness these improvements which are indeed a validation of their original concept to provide independent housing for seniors without the burden of home ownership.”
