March 2024

The Homes and Community Renewal Connection

Top News

Earlier this month HCR awarded over $260 million in tax credits and subsidies to create or preserve 1,852 affordable, supportive, and sustainable homes in 29 developments across New York State. The projects will expand or protect the housing supply in every region, upgrade and modernize public housing, further local economic development initiatives, and include sustainable features that advance the State's climate goals.

"The $260 million announced today is part of our $25 billion Housing Plan and will result in affordable, supportive, energy efficient homes that improve the lives of more than 1,800 individuals, families, and vulnerable New Yorkers, while strengthening communities in every region of the State.” -Commissioner Visnauskas

Celebrating New York's First Pro-Housing Communities

As part of her long-term strategy to support local efforts to build more housing statewide, Governor Hochul celebrated the certification of New York’s first Pro-Housing Communities in February. The State’s first 20 Pro-Housing Communities include localities in the Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Central New York, Western New York, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, North Country, and Capital Regions.

As of the end of March, HCR has received 167 Letters of Intent and 42 additional communities have begun their applications.

“The only way to solve the housing crisis is to build hundreds of thousands of new homes, and through the Pro-Housing Communities program, my administration is continuing to put its full-fledged support, including up to $650 million, behind communities that are serious about housing growth.” -Governor Hochul

HCR Investigation Leads to $514,000 Victory for Tenants

Governor Hochul recently announced a significant victory for tenant protection efforts in New York State when HCR's Tenant Protection Unit secured a $514,000 settlement against Manhattan landlord Steven Croman of Centennial Properties for unlawfully defrauding renters amid a statewide housing crisis.

An investigation conducted by the TPU revealed that listed rents and fees improperly exceeded the legal regulated rent. Further investigation uncovered violations of lease agreements, and rent laws governing areas such as security deposits, subletting and rent registrations.

Development Highlights

HCR and OMH Cut Ribbon on 245 Homes in The Bronx

Commissioner Visnauskas and New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan celebrated the completion of River Avenue, a 245-unit affordable and supportive housing development in the concourse section of the Bronx.

“River Avenue will provide a safe, modern, and affordable place for individuals and families to call home and will be nothing short of transformative for those experiencing homelessness.” -Governor Hochul

Major Initiative to Address Housing Crisis in Brooklyn

The Gowanus Neighborhood Mixed Income Housing Development Program is a significant initiative advancing 18 proposals for the development of more than 5,300 housing units in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn.

“New Yorkers are facing the lowest vacancy rates in six decades while costs continue to rise — they can’t afford to wait for solutions to the housing crisis.” -Governor Hochul

Colonial II Apartments Opens in Oneida County

Colonial II Apartments is a 74-unit affordable housing net-zero carbon emissions homes for seniors and people with disabilities in the city of Rome in Oneida County.

“The rehabilitation of Colonial II Apartments preserves a vital community asset and exemplifies our dedication to the development of zero-carbon buildings across the state through the use of modern solutions like geothermal heating and on-site solar energy. ”

-Commissioner Visnauskas

Rehabilitation Now Complete at McCarley Gardens in Buffalo

Governor Hochul announced the completion of a rehabilitation project at McCarley Gardens Apartments in East Buffalo.

The renovation project included energy efficiency, weatherization, and other necessary safety upgrades to the 46-year-old development, while preserving affordable rents for 149 households.

“For the 149 households who call McCarley Gardens Apartments home, this long-overdue project provides them with a healthier and more comfortable living environment that remains affordable."

-Commissioner Visnauskas

Former School Transformed into Affordable Housing for Hornell Families

A former elementary school in the city of Hornell was repurposed to offer 39 affordable homes and supportive services for working families.

The energy-efficient Bryant School Apartments is adjacent to public transit and within a mile of the city’s growing downtown district.

“The city of Hornell is in tune with our statewide, multi-pronged efforts to solve the housing crisis and create communities with strong local economies that people of all income levels can be proud to call home."

-Governor Hochul

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