Durand Senior Apartments to Replace Blighted Buildings with 70 Quality, Affordable Homes for Residents Over 55
Investment Complements ‘Finger Lakes Forward’ – Region’s Successful Upstate Revitalization Initiatives to Grow Economy, Create New Opportunities
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of construction at Durand Senior Apartments in Irondequoit, a new $17.5 million affordable housing development for seniors age 55 and over. Durand Senior Apartments will replace two abandoned churches with 70 affordable units, and will be the home of St. Ann’s Adult Day Service at Durand, which will provide medical and social adult day care services to residents and the community at large. The announcement complements Finger Lakes Forward, the region’s strategy for revitalizing communities and growing the economy.
“The construction of these new apartments furthers our efforts to increase quality, affordable housing across New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our seniors deserve a safe, affordable place to call home, and with the addition of the new Durand Senior Apartments in Irondequoit, we are supporting the transformation of blighted buildings while moving the entire Finger Lakes region forward.”
“This administration is dedicated to ensuring all New Yorkers have a safe and affordable place to live. That’s why we’re investing billions of dollars to construct and rehabilitate affordable housing developments across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony. “This senior housing project will provide a much needed inclusive living option for Irondequoit’s senior community and add to the region’s economic resurgence as part of the Finger Lakes Forward plan.”
The development of Durand Senior Apartments involves the demolition of two abandoned churches, the former St. Salome Church and former Durand United Church of Christ, and the construction of two new buildings. All apartments at the new development will be handicap accessible or adaptable. Durand will also offer seven fully wheelchair accessible units, and three units built for residents with hearing or visual impairments. Every apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen, Energy Star appliances, central air conditioning, individually controlled heat and electric, off-street parking, emergency call system, Intercom entry, and elevator access. Each floor will house laundry facilities and residents will also have a community room and an outdoor courtyard to enjoy. Rent plus utilities will range from $463-$928 a month for income eligible seniors.
St. Ann’s Adult Day Service at Durand will offer medical and social day services to eligible seniors. Some of the services will include hot midday meals, exercise and wellness programs, and skilled nursing and health monitoring.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal provided $4.7 million in financing for the development, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate more than $13 million for the development. Additional financing includes $63,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development and $350,000 in Monroe County HOME funds.
This investment is part of the Governor’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan, which is on its way to building and preserving 112,000 affordable homes across the New York. A comprehensive approach to addressing the state’s housing needs, the plan includes multifamily and single-family housing, as well as community development.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “HCR’s $4.7 million investment in Durand Senior Apartments is another example of the Governor’s commitment to move the Finger Lakes forward and help seniors live safely and affordably in their communities. This forward-thinking development will provide not only homes, but a central place for Irondequoit seniors to gather with friends, enjoy a good meal, and access the health and wellness services that add to quality of life.”
Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle said, “Far too many families and individuals in our community and across the state are struggling to obtain adequate and stable housing. That is why we must continue to aggressively advance projects and programs that address the affordable housing shortage and provide much-needed hope and security to the most vulnerable in our community. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo and the many government and community partners who came together to make the Durand Senior Apartments a reality and a provide our aging population and their families the peace of mind they deserve.”
Senator Rich Funke said, “Affordable senior housing continues to be in high demand throughout the Rochester area. I congratulate Providence Housing Development Corporation for adding these 70 additional units here at St. Salome in Irondequoit.”
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo “As County Executive and a long-time resident of Irondequoit, I am thrilled that Durand Senior Apartments will fill a growing need for affordable and accessible senior housing in our community. I am especially proud that we were able to play a role in helping to make this exciting addition possible by investing $350,000 in Monroe County HOME funds towards the development of the project. I thank New York State Homes and Community Renewal, St. Ann’s Community, and all of our partners involved for their commitment to this project and Monroe County.”
Irondequoit Town Supervisor Dave Seeley said, “Longtime Irondequoit residents have a deep desire to stay in the community they love, and the Durand Senior Housing development will help us diversify our housing stock to meet that growing demand. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York has made historic investments to provide quality and affordable housing in communities throughout our state, like Irondequoit. I applaud Providence Housing, St. Anns’ Community and all stakeholders involved for their hard work to see this exciting, transformative project come to fruition.”
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 $3.4 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. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
The region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The state’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
