Hubbard Springs Apartments Will Provide 72 Energy-Efficient and Affordable Homes for Families in the Town of Chili
Project Advances “Finger Lakes Forward” and is Part of the Governor’s Unprecedented $20 Billion, Five-Year Affordable Housing Plan
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of construction on a $21 million affordable housing development in the Monroe County town of Chili. Hubbard Springs Apartments will provide 72 energy-efficient homes for families, including 11 apartments reserved for individuals with physical disabilities or who are recovering from a traumatic brain injury.
“All New Yorkers deserve to have a safe, stable home and New York’s unprecedented $20 billion affordable housing plan has been essential in ensuring that vulnerable New Yorkers, like the disabled community or those individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury, have a place to live,” Governor Cuomo said. “Supportive housing developments like the Hubbard Springs Apartments play a critical role in this effort as they not only ensure individuals have a roof over their head but are surrounded by the resources they need to thrive in their communities. As we move forward into a post-pandemic world, the state will continue to make these types of investments as part of our work to rebuild and revitalize New York.”
“Everyone deserves a roof over their heads and access to the support services needed to help enhance quality of life,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “As the Finger Lakes region gears up for a post-pandemic economic recovery, Hubbard Springs Apartments will help provide safe, quality and affordable housing to all in the Chili community.”
The Hubbard Springs Apartments project is part of Governor Cuomo’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year affordable housing plan. The Governor’s plan will provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing.
The project also builds on the Governor’s overall strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy across the state, including “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $688 million in the Finger Lakes region to create or preserve nearly 8,000 affordable homes.
The Hubbard Springs Apartments development will consist of seven buildings in total at two separate sites. Six buildings, each containing eight apartments, will be located at 165 Union Square Boulevard. A two-story building with 24 apartments will be located at 154 Union Square Boulevard.
All apartments will be affordable to households with incomes between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income or less. Eleven apartments will feature onsite supportive services and be reserved for individuals with physical disabilities or a traumatic brain injury. The project is being developed by Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd., and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc.
Amenities will include a 24/7 laundry and fitness area, a community room with kitchenette available for tenant use, a computer room, and office space for the supportive service provider, the Center for Disability Rights, Inc. Each tenant will also be provided bulk storage space.
The two development sites will be linked by crosswalks and sidewalks. Outdoor amenities will include a fenced-in recreation area for children. There will be 145 parking spaces for the tenants, employees, and visitors.
The town of Chili and hamlet of North Chili are considered higher opportunity neighborhoods due to their access to a high-performing school district and lower poverty rate, among other factors. The development is about a half-mile to the hamlet center of North Chili with pharmacies, a post office, grocery store, gas station and other retail shopping, with Hubbard Park located only a quarter mile away.
State support for Hubbard Springs Apartments includes the allocation of federal low-income housing tax credits that will generate about $10.9 million in equity and $6.4 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is providing approximately $60,000 in grant funding to the project. In addition, the Community Preservation Corporation is providing a $2.8 million permanent loan through its partnership with the New York State Common Retirement Fund.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “We are proud to partner with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation on this $21 million development that will provide 72 households, including some with disabilities, with much-needed affordable homes. Located in a higher opportunity neighborhood, Hubbard Springs Apartments will offer families access to good schools, employment, and amenities. By building a brighter future for families in the town of Chili, we will help keep the Finger Lakes moving forward.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is pleased to provide support for the Hubbard Springs Apartments project which utilizes energy efficiency and building construction techniques to provide well-insulated, durable residences for occupants who will enjoy reduced energy cost burdens and increased comfort and safety. Providing healthy and affordable living spaces for low-income New Yorkers supports the state’s goal to ensure that no one is left behind in our clean energy transition, as is directed by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.”
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said, “The Hubbard Springs development is a great addition to the Rochester community, at a time when affordable housing is an urgent need across our state. Investing in Hubbard Springs not only ensures the state pension fund’s commitment to making smart investments for its members, but it also creates a vital resource of stable and affordable housing for the Rochester community. Today’s groundbreaking is a positive step as this development moves forward. I am pleased to have partnered with the Community Preservation Corporation and others on this investment.”
Senator Edward A Rath III said, “I am always happy to see investments being made in our upstate communities. The centralization of this project in the town is very exciting, I look forward to seeing its completion.”
Assemblyman Harry Bronson said, “I applaud Rochester Cornerstone Group and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation for their vision and developing this unique housing community. Hubbard Springs Apartments will provide its residents with accessible amenities such as a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, and other services that will allow the residents to thrive in this community. I want to thank New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their investment in Hubbard Springs and for their continued support for the families of Chili. Our families are struggling, with its focus on housing those with low-incomes and people with physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries, Hubbard Springs will now offer them a safe place to call home.”
Chili Supervisor David Dunning said, “It’s time we make a real commitment in our suburban communities. Building affordable housing is one such commitment we must make in order to provide opportunities for all to be afforded the opportunity to live in great communities such as Chili. I welcome the Hubbard Springs housing development and those who eventually reside here, together they will serve to strengthen our community.”
Rochester’s Cornerstone Group President Roger Brandt said, “Rochester’s Cornerstone Group is pleased to have been afforded the opportunity to develop Hubbard Springs Apartments with Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc. Providing quality, low-cost housing for the workforce in this community with the high quality school district will reap benefits for many years to come. Our financial partners, including New York State Homes and Community Renewal and Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, have again provided the necessary funding for this major investment in the Town of Chili.”
Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation Board Member Patrick L. Cusato said, “Sheen Housing is pleased to partner with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group in the development of Hubbard Springs. At Sheen Housing, we seek to promote the self-worth and dignity of those we serve in our community. Hubbard Springs will fulfill this mission by providing vital, safe, and affordable housing for families in Chili.”
Community Preservation Corporation Mortgage Officer Miriam Zinter said, “Quality affordable housing is the foundation of strong, thriving communities. It provides residents with peace of mind, and the opportunity put down roots and live with the dignity they deserve. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work again with our partners at Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation on a project that will provide 72 new affordable apartments to hardworking Rochester families. At CPC, when we invest in housing, it’s an investment in our partners, in the community, and in the people who will soon call it home. My thanks to Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, the Center for Disability Rights, and Comptroller DiNapoli and our partners at the State Pension Fund.”
Chase Community Development Banking Executive Director Sharmi Sobhan said, “Hubbard Springs Apartments is critical to providing Chili residents with safe and affordable housing options. There continues to be a need for affordable housing in our local communities and we’re proud to work with local leaders like Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc., who are committed to community development.”
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The state has already invested more than $8 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. This funding has incentivized private business to invest well over $2.5 billion to the effort, which anticipates creating more than 8,000 jobs in the region. More information is available here.