Hochul announces completion of 20M housing development in Utica

UTICA — A $20 million housing community in Utica — the Link at Sunset — has been completed, according to information from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.

The project replaced the long-vacant Sunset School with 60 affordable apartments including 12 apartments reserved for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who will have access to on-site supportive services while residing in units seated in a single four-story building with 60 apartments.

Forty-eight apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 80% of the area median Income, notes project details.

Further, 12 apartments are reserved for individuals who will have access to on-site supportive services. Services and rental subsidies are funded through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Integrated Supportive Housing program. The service provider is The Kelberman Center, also the project’s developer. The Kelberman

Center provides habilitation services for people with autism.

The building’s ground floor includes a 7,000 square feet commercial space for use by The Kelberman Center for administrative offices and year-round programming for the people they support, including events and activities for everyone living at The Link.

“State financing includes Federal

and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $13 million in equity and $3.7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. OPWDD provided $1.8 million in capital and NYSERDA provided $60,000 in support. The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council recommended a Round 9 Capital Fund Grant through Empire State Development for $380,000 to be used toward demolition and construction costs in exchange for the creation of 12 jobs. The city of Utica provided $300,000,” a statement notes.

The project followed compliance with the Enterprise Green Communities, the standard for sustainable futures and the nation’s only national green building program designed explicitly for green affordable housing construction & the EPA’s Version 3.1 of the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program.

Reaction

In statements, local elected officials weighed in on the project:

• “This project is a great example of a public-private partnership that helped address a major need in our community. I thank all the state agencies and organizations who worked together to turn an eyesore into new housing units for Utica residents,” Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said.

• Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “The Kelberman Center does tremendous work throughout Oneida County and the new Link at Sunset is a prime example of the benefit they bring to our community. This project brought new life to a long-vacant property, and is not only fulfilling the need of an underserved population by providing housing and services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, but is also delivering affordable housing that is greatly needed by others. I applaud this project and thank everyone who had a role in making it happen.”