A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week for CDS Housing's new affordable housing development for seniors and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Maple Avenue in Elmira.

AIM Independent Living Center is a partner in the project.

The housing community will have 50 one-bedroom apartments and amenities such as a computer lab, fitness center and community room. It will be open to income-qualifying seniors age 55 and older and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Preference will be given to veterans and those on waiting lists for public housing.

Ten of the apartments will be reserved specifically for adults of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and AIM Independent Living Center will have staff on site to provide supports and services to the residents.

Representatives from AIM, CDS Housing and its parent company, CDS Life Transitions, as well as the CDS Wolf Foundation, were on hand for the ceremony.

Representatives from state agencies that provided funding and support for the project also attended, including New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Elmira Mayor Daniel Mandell also spoke, as did representatives for U.S. Rep. Tom Reed and state Senator Tom O'Mara.

"The lack of affordable, accessible housing is a significant barrier to independence for people with disabilities and seniors. This project will increase opportunities for integration and independence," said René Snyder, AIM's executive director. "AIM's role will be to provide on-site supports for the residents. We believe in person-centered, self-directed services, so residents will receive only the support they desire, and they'll have the opportunity to choose the providers they want. AIM is excited to join the neighborhood and to help people be as successful as possible."

Construction is expected to be done in fall 2018, and applications will be accepted beginning in spring 2018. For more information, go to  cdshousing.org or call (585) 341-4600. CDS Housing is based in the Rochester area and has several similar housing communities there.

The Allies in Disguise 5K and Mile has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Craig Park in Painted Post.

Cindy Hamilton has been named AIM's Employee of the Month for October.

Hamilton is a community transitions facilitator in AIM's Money Follows the Person program. She helps seniors and people with disabilities who reside in nursing homes transition into the community.

Hamilton also coordinates the American Sign Language courses that are offered throughout the year by AIM.

Congratulations, Cindy!