Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than $22.9 million has been awarded to four affordable housing developments in the Mid-Hudson Valley communities of Thompson, Newburgh, Port Chester, and Liberty to build or preserve 250 affordable rental homes. The funding is part of $175.4 million the State is awarding to build or preserve more than 2,185 affordable apartments and revitalize communities across New York's 10 regions.

"These critical investments will strengthen communities in every corner of the state by creating and preserving affordable homes for families, veterans, seniors and some of our most vulnerable neighbors," Governor Cuomo said. "By strategically revitalizing neighborhoods throughout New York, we can breathe new life into these communities, making them more vibrant places to live for generations to come."

"This significant funding is part of our efforts to add and retain affordable housing across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "We want to make sure that all New Yorkers have access to affordable, quality apartments while contributing to the revitalization of communities. The investment is part of our $20 billion housing plan to add affordable and supportive housing in neighborhoods to combat homelessness and enhance quality of life."

The Governor's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing is reflected in the State's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving 100,000 units of affordable housing, and 6,000 units of supportive housing.

The funds were made available through New York State Homes & Community Renewal's 2018 Unified Funding Application, a streamlined process to apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and low-interest loans for affordable, multifamily developments. Projects are funded in every region of the state.

The Mid-Hudson Valley awards address senior housing needs in Westchester County, continue affordable and supportive housing investments in the Village of Monticello, and sustain the revitalization of the City of Newburgh with housing and community facilities that are key components to Governor Cuomo's CORE initiative. Awards announced today include:

* $5.1 million for Golden Ridge IV, 81 apartments in two new three-story buildings, the fourth and final phase of the Golden Ridge supportive and workforce housing campus in the Town of Thompson. 25 of the apartments will be designated for people in need of specialized supportive services, including formerly homeless individuals.
* $11.6 million to renovate 12 historic buildings and construct 12 new in-fill buildings in the City of Newburgh. In addition to creating 62 affordable apartments, 10 of which will provide supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals, an historic church and school will be transformed into a multipurpose space that includes a theater/community event space, education and training spaces, restaurant and coffee roaster, and flexible office spaces. An historic brick house will be renovated into a daycare facility.
* $5 million for Regent Street Senior Apartments, the construction of a four-story elevator building with 34 senior affordable housing units in the Village of Port Chester. Built on vacant land, project site is in a mixed-use neighborhood with commercial retail centers, municipal services, and the Carver Community Center nearby.
* $1.08 million for Chestnut Street Apartments, the new construction of two buildings with a total of 73 new apartments in the Village of Liberty. 37 of the apartments are targeted to individuals with mental illness who will receive supportive services.

A full list of funding awarded statewide is available here http://www.hcr.ny.gov/2018-unified-funding-awards.

RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, "The investments announced today are part of $175 million awarded across the State that builds on the momentum and unprecedented resources that Governor Cuomo has committed to improving New York's communities since 2011. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, we are doing more than ever to increase access to affordable and supportive housing, reduce homelessness, revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen local economies."

Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee said, "We need to make sure New Yorkers across the state have access to good, safe and affordable housing, and today's Unified Funding awards announcement marks an important step toward revitalizing our communities. This funding will help create and preserve affordable housing, and keep people in the neighborhoods they call home."

Senator Shelley Mayer said, "This crucial $5 million investment in the Regent Street Senior Apartments will provide dozens of seniors much needed affordable housing. These investments are particularly important in high cost communities like Westchester where there is so much need for low-income and affordable housing. I thank Governor Cuomo for his continued leadership in the fight for affordable housing across the state."

Senator Jen Metzger said, "There is a serious need for adequate affordable housing in the 42nd district. The over $6 million in investments that will be coming to Sullivan County are critical to begin to fill gaps in available workforce and supportive housing. These funds will help to revitalize and grow local economies by making it easier for workers to live and participate in the communities where they are employed, and will begin to address some of the systemic causes of homelessness and housing insecurity."

Senator James Skoufis said, "This vital funding is demonstrates the state's newfound commitment to the City of Newburgh. Not only will this aid restore many of Newburgh's incredible historic sites, but it will also provide the city with new affordable housing units to support the formerly homeless population. As we continue to invest in this city, we are reviving long-dormant programs and strengthening its economy. I thank the Governor for his support of this important funding."

Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee said, "This initiative moves forward our continued commitment to create and preserve affordable and supportive housing stock for all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable. I'm pleased that this project will provide seniors, young adults and other New Yorkers with the ability to remain vital and engaged members of our communities."

Assembly Member Aileen Gunther said, "I want to thank Governor Cuomo for making supported housing in New York State a priority. A home is more than just a place to live. It gives people a foundation on which to build a healthy and happy life."

Assembly Member Jonathan G. Jacobson said, "This funding will help contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the City of Newburgh. It will provide quality housing and help improve and stabilize neighborhoods."

Assembly Member Steve Otis said, "Governor Cuomo and our state agencies have again demonstrated their support for the economic growth and infrastructure needs for Port Chester. State housing funding to provide 34 affordable units for seniors will help address the high costs senior citizens face. Congratulations to the Lazz Development team in putting together a successful application."