14 Units to Offer Supportive Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
Project Complements Finger Lakes Forward, Region’s Successful Upstate Revitalization Initiative to Grow the Economy and Create New Opportunities
New York – (RealEstateRama) — New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) joined Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Lifetime Housing Development Corporation and local partners to celebrate the groundbreaking for the $11.8 million Frances Apartments in the Town of Sweden, Monroe County. When completed in 2017, the 56-unit affordable housing development will offer affordable housing for low-income individuals and residential based services for residents with developmental disabilities.
This new project will involve the construction of eight buildings, including one stand-alone community building and seven two-story buildings containing eight units each. Fourteen of the units will be set aside for people with developmental disabilities. Lifetime Assistance, Inc., an affiliate of Lifetime Housing Development Corporation, will offer supportive services to the residents with developmental disabilities served by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
The development’s amenities including a community room, service provider’s office, computer area and common laundry room with Energy Star washers and dryers.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner James S. Rubin said, “When we create good homes that people can afford, and combine them with support services people need, we build a brighter future and make it possible for people to live independently in their communities. Governor Cuomo is committed to investing in supportive housing because it works. I look forward to seeing this development come to life.”
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Kerry Delaney said, “When completed, these new units will provide people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in the home of their choice with the people they want to live with, be closer to their families, take control of their own daily activities and participate fully in their communities,” said Kerry A. Delaney, OPWDD Acting Commissioner. “As we continue our efforts to transform OPWDD’s service system away from institutional care and towards fully integrated community-based living and supports, it is evident that more and more people with developmental disabilities are enjoying a greater quality of life.”
The project is being funded by a $1.8 million grant from HCR’s Housing Trust Fund Corporation and $716,973 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will produce more than $7.4 million in equity for the project. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provided $1.46 million in capital subsidy and funding for support services, including rental subsidy for people residing in the OPWDD assisted units. The project also received additional funding from NYSERDA, Monroe County, Lifetime Corporation and CPC.
Partners in the development include Lifetime Housing Development Corporation as owner and developer; Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd. as developer; Cornerstone Property Managers, LLC as management agent; Lecesse Construction Services as General Contractor; and SWBR Architects as Architects.
Roger W. Brandt, Jr., President of Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd said, “Lifetime Assistance, Inc. and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd. join together with our funders to commence the construction of 56 energy efficient, modern and affordable homes for families in Sweden. We appreciate the new partnership with New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and New York State Homes and Community Renewal in committing to this much needed housing community.”
“The Lifetime Community Development Corp.’s Frances Apartments project advances Lifetime Assistance, Inc.’s commitment to foster independence, dignity, and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities in an inclusive community, while providing affordable, accessible housing and meeting this most fundamental and basic of human needs, a warm and safe home,” said James Branciforte, President of Lifetime Assistance. “Lifetime Assistance is especially gratified by the overwhelming support by the Town of Sweden!”
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities State Senator Rob Ortt said, “Frances Apartments will increase access to affordable housing for families with mixed incomes while also providing inclusive housing for our most vulnerable residents in the I/DD communities. This project will help them achieve independence, fill the need for affordable living and supportive housing, and contribute to the economic growth of the area.”
County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo, said, “Frances Apartments is an excellent example of a local business looking to expand while giving back to our community. Monroe County is proud to join with New York State, Lifetime Housing Corporation and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group to provide housing for individuals and families with developmental disabilities while continuing to invest in our local economy. I look forward to the success of Frances Apartments.”
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement accelerates “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to support its plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
About New York State Homes and Community Renewal
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) includes the Affordable Housing Corporation, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the Housing Finance Agency, State of New York Mortgage Agency, Housing Trust Fund Corporation and others. 2016 marks the fourth year of Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion statewide House NY program, whose goal is to create or preserve 14,300 affordable units by 2018. In 2015, HCR set a record for financing the creation or preservation of more than 11,000 affordable homes and apartments and was the #1 bond issuer in the nation with $2.5 billion issued. The agency stands ready to make good on the Governor’s new $10 billion 100,000 unit House NY 2020 commitment. For more information on HCR programs and initiatives, please visit: http://www.nyshcr.org/
About New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides services for more than 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including; intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. Services are coordinated directly through the state and through a network of approximately 750 nonprofit service providers, with about 80 percent of services provided by not-for-profit provider agencies and 20 percent provided by state-run services. OPWDD strives to assist people with developmental disabilities to enjoy meaningful relationships, experience personal health and growth, live in the home of their choice and fully participate in their communities. Compassion, dignity, diversity, excellence and honesty are the values we embrace as we pursue our mission. OPWDD also provides leadership and excellence in the field of research and in developing public policy in the field of developmental disabilities.
