Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on Community View Apartments in the Madison County village of Morrisville. The $19 million development will create 61 apartments for New Yorkers aged 55 and older, including 20 with supportive services for those who have experienced homelessness.
“Community View Apartments demonstrates New York’s commitment to caring for our most vulnerable residents and providing them with them safe, quality housing opportunities they need and deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in healthy, affordable senior housing developments like this one, we are tackling the housing crisis head on and helping to ensure that New Yorkers in every region of the state have a place to call home.”
Community View Apartments is part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 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.
The development’s three-story building will include 61 one-bedroom apartments affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
There will be 20 apartments reserved for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and in need of supportive services to live independently. Services and rental subsidies are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Department of Health.
The supportive service provider is the Crouse Community Center, located on a neighboring property to the new development. Crouse Community Center will provide service coordination, home aides, personal care attendants, skilled nursing, nutrition services, palliative care, wellness activities, outpatient therapy services and transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, banks, and entertainment venues.
The building is designed with features that promote an aging in place model. These include a centrally located elevator, handrails on both sides of the hallway, roll-in showers and grab bars in all units, easily adjustable/removable cabinetry, wide hallways and doorways, non-slip surfaces, lever handles, improved lighting, no step entries, contrasting colors and finishes for greater depth, an emergency call system, and automatic door openers in trash rooms.
Additionally, the building is designed to meet the requirements of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction - Housing program. To meet those requirements, the building will be all-electric and exceptionally energy efficient. Additionally, the project will be certified to both the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction and the Indoor airPLUS program. Those standards ensure building durability and resilience, as well delivery of healthy and high-quality indoor air to the building’s occupants. All appliances will be ENERGY STAR.
Residential amenities will include a community room, wellness room with fitness equipment, laundry facilities, computer facilities, free building-wide Wi-Fi, bike storage, and an outdoor patio.
The developer is Christopher Community, Inc.
State financing for Community View Apartments includes $12 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $3.8 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $2.8 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. NYSERDA is expected to provide $244,000 in support.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “This new $19 million development will provide 61 apartments for older adults to live affordably and independently in the community they call home. The building’s thoughtful design will provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment with access to an array of services and resources on site and at the neighboring Crouse Community Center. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are addressing the urgent need for more low-income senior housing in Madison County and across the state. Congratulations to Christopher Community for getting this project off the ground.”
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “Older New Yorkers should be able to age with dignity and thrive in their community without the fear of housing instability looming overhead. Developments like the Community View Apartments provide the affordable homes and supportive services older adults can rely on to live in independent settings. I commend Governor Hochul's continued focus on expanding our state's supportive housing offerings so that all New Yorkers can access safe, affordable homes.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is pleased to see construction begin on the Community View Apartments, which will provide healthy, affordable and all-electric housing to vulnerable seniors in Madison County. Projects like the Community View Apartments are helping to ensure all New Yorkers benefit from clean energy investments while supporting Governor Hochul’s commitment to achieving 2 million climate friendly homes.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The conditions under which people live, grow, work, and age—known as social determinants of health—have a significant impact on health outcomes. Governor Hochul understands the importance of ensuring access to stable housing and supportive services that will allow more New Yorkers to live independently and age with dignity. I thank the Crouse Community Center for their compassionate work and partnership on this important development.”
Justin Rudgick, President & CEO of Christopher Community, Inc., said, “Community View Apartments will focus on meeting the diverse needs of our residents, including seniors at risk of homelessness and unstably housed in the Morrisville community. We are proud to collaborate with Crouse Community Center, state agencies and local service providers on this new construction project, and to build a vibrant community where individuals aged 55 and older can thrive and access vital resources for a fulfilling life.”
State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “I am happy to say these apartments will provide affordable, suitable housing for our seniors who need it. I am also happy to see these apartments will promote an aging-in-place model that allows for increased accessibility for seniors. I look forward to seeing the project completed and I know it will be positive for the community.”
Assemblymember Joe Angelino said, “I am happy to say these apartments will provide affordable, suitable housing for our seniors who need it. I am also happy to see these apartments will promote an aging-in-place model that allows for increased accessibility for seniors. I look forward to seeing the project completed and I know it will be positive for the community.”
Town of Eaton Supervisor Joe Wicks said, "We are so excited to be able to have these amenities in our community. It is long overdue and will meet the needs of many of our neighbors. Housing continues to be a major issue and we are glad to see leaders moving forward with projects like these that provide long term solutions for people in need."
Madison County Board Chairman John M. Becker said, “Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our Madison County residents, especially our seniors. The groundbreaking on the Community View Apartments is a great step forward to provide comfortable and secure housing for our aging population. This centrally located community will also provide supportive services that will allow our seniors to keep their independence. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the time these 61 apartments are complete, and we are welcoming our seniors to the next chapter of their lives.”
Village of Morrisville Mayor Thomas Lane said, “The village of Morrisville welcomes the addition of the new senior residence Community View Apartments. We appreciate the efforts of Christopher Community in partnership with Crouse Community Center to make these affordable senior housing units available to our community with the support service from Crouse Community Center. Thank you to NYS Homes and Community Renewal, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, and Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative for the necessary funding through the NYS Office of Mental Health.”
DJ Raux, President & CEO, Crouse Community Center, said, “Bringing this type of senior apartment with supportive living for Central and Southern Madison County is truly needed. It allows our area seniors to continue to reside independently where they have lived most of their lives and call home.”
Accelerating CNY Rising Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.