Wellington North Provides 50 New Affordable and Energy-Efficient Homes for Older Residents in the Town of Clarkson
Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction is complete at Wellington North, a $16 million, 50-apartment affordable and supportive housing development for seniors in the town of Clarkson in Monroe County. Sixteen of the homes are reserved for seniors in need of supportive services to live independently.
“All New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable residents, deserve a good and safe home that they can afford,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration’s $25 billion investment in housing will help promote healthy and secure housing opportunities, and new developments like Wellington North will support our long-standing mission of providing quality homes for seniors in communities big and small across New York State.”
Wellington North complements Governor Hochul’s sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
Wellington North is a two-story, L-shaped, elevator-serviced building. There are 50 apartments – 46 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom – for people aged 62 and older. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Six of the apartments are accessible for people with mobility impairments and two units are available for residents with visual or auditory impairments.
The Rochester Housing Authority is providing 50 Project Based Section 8 Vouchers to assist with rent payments. Lifespan, a local senior services provider, will provide case management, in-home health and personal care aides, and financial counseling available as needed.
Amenities include patios and balconies, laundry rooms on each floor, a community room, rental office space, lounges, and resident storage rooms. The property is in a wooded area with access to walking trails and benches, and is close to medical facilities, public transportation, grocery stores and retail opportunities.
Wellington North meets both the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency’s Low Rise New Construction program requirements for energy efficiency and the LEED Green Building standards. A ducted air source heat pump system has been installed to provide an affordable and sustainable source of heating and cooling for the entire building.
Wellington North was developed by ODS Management.
Financing for Wellington North included Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $8.2 million in equity and an additional $5.4 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA provided $50,000 in support. The Community Preservation Corporation and Chase are providing an $11.7 million construction loan for the project. CPC also provided $1.7 million in permanent financing through a Freddie Mac Optigo Targeted Affordable loan. Monroe County is providing an additional $250,000 in HOME funding to support the project.
Over the last decade, HCR has invested more than $500 million in Monroe County to support nearly 6,000 homes. including the newly completed 270 on East on Rochester’s growing Inner Loop and the Irondequoit Senior Apartments, which creatively re-purposed the Irondequoit Mall into 157 affordable and supportive homes for seniors.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “All New Yorkers deserve to age in place in the communities they call home, and Wellington North provides 50 seniors with reliably affordable homes in a comfortable, safe and supportive environment. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s new housing plan and the invaluable commitment of our local partners, we will continue to deliver affordable homes and secure New York’s reputation as a welcoming, caring, and sustainable place to live.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The completion of Wellington North will provide safe, efficient and comfortable housing to many seniors in the Town of Clarkson, while serving as an example of what can be done with new construction and through community collaboration to provide affordable and sustainable options to New York residents. Projects like this are exactly what we need to advance Governor Hochul’s commitment of achieving two million climate-friendly homes across the Empire State by 2030.”
Representative Joe Morelle said, “The Wellington North housing community provides a valuable service for older residents, allowing them to remain independent and secure. I’m proud to have delivered funding for this project through the American Rescue Plan, and grateful to Governor Hochul for her work to provide safe housing for our aging population.”
Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “More affordable senior housing is essential to our community’s well-being. Wellington North provides sustainable living options and comprehensive services that promote quality of life for Clarkson’s residents. I am pleased to celebrate the completion of this housing development and grateful to the federal, state, and community partners that made funding possible.”
Assemblymember Steve Hawley said, “The completion of the Wellington North development is fantastic news and will enable many of our seniors on low-incomes to live more safely and independently than ever before. As residents begin moving into their new homes, I want to thank all who labored to complete this development for their hard-work to ensure seniors from all walks of life have a safe and comfortable residence to call home.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “All of our seniors deserve access to safe, quality, affordable housing in order to live their lives to the fullest while aging in place with dignity and independence. Wellington North and the supportive services offered there will make a real difference in people’s lives. Projects like this are a key part of my administration’s commitment to better infrastructure for all, and it is a privilege to support this effort. I thank Governor Hochul, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and NYSERDA for their forward-thinking investment and making this project a reality.”
Town of Clarkson Supervisor Christa Filipowicz said, “Wellington North is a welcome addition to this important neighborhood in the town of Clarkson. We’re beyond pleased to have this investment in our community where being good neighbors is what sets us apart from others.”
ODS Management President Mark Ogiony said, “ODS Management is proud to continue its track record of delivering another project on schedule and under budget despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its downstream effects. We are happy to bring more affordable housing to residents in Monroe County and look forward to continuing our commitment to Western New York. ODS strives to ensure our residents have a safe, high quality, and affordable place to live and the Wellington North Apartments embodies that goal.”
RBC Community Investments Director Stephen Lee said, “RBC Community Investments is proud to be the equity investor in Wellington North, which represents our third affordable housing investment with ODS Management. Through an allocation of the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, RBC was able to provide $8.27 million of equity to support the construction of this important senior affordable housing project in Clarkson. Wellington North continues our strong history of affordable housing investment in New York State, with over $650 million of equity invested in 50+ development projects which have created more than 6,400 homes for residents.”
Mortgage Officer at The Community Preservation Corporation Assistant Vice President Miriam Zinter said, “With many seniors living on lower, fixed incomes and facing higher than ever cost burdens, it is critical that we work together to provide safe, stable and affordable housing that meets their unique needs. Wellington North will be that anchor and haven of affordability, where our seniors can age in place without having to worry about paying for rising rents or paying for other necessities. I would like to thank ODS Management, our funding partners at Chase, and our longtime partners HCR for their commitment to this project.”
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