March 2, 2023
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments, a new $15 million affordable housing development in Cayuga County that features 60 energy-efficient homes for New Yorkers aged 55 and older, including 18 with supportive services for seniors and veterans with physical disabilities.
"With 60 units of affordable, energy-efficient housing and wraparound services for seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities, Sennett Meadows will provide exactly the kind of housing New York needs," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is committed to increasing the housing supply across the state and ensuring that every New Yorker has a safe, affordable place to call home."
Today's announcement complements Governor Hochul's Housing Compact, a multi-faceted strategy designed to address New York's historic housing shortage by helping to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade. The Housing Compact will encourage growth by removing barriers to housing production, incentivizing new construction, and setting local housing targets across every community. The Housing Compact follows last year's launch of the Governor'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.
Located on a previously vacant parcel on East Genesee Street Road in the town of Sennett, Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments provides 56 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom units in a newly constructed two-story building. All apartments are affordable to residents aged 55 and older with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
There are 18 apartments reserved for seniors and veterans with physical disabilities who will have access to rental subsidies and services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) administered by the New York State Department of Health. The service provider for the 18 ESSHI apartments is ARISE. Support services include technological literacy support, financial and benefits advisors, care coordination, peer counseling, employment services, and crisis management.
Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments was constructed using green building practices, and the development meets the criteria for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) New Construction - Housing Program. The project is seeking certification paths through LEED and ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction. The development utilizes Energy Star-rated central air conditioning and appliances.
Residents will have access to community gardens, media room, laundry facilities, and common balcony. The development has also been added to Central New York Regional Transportation Authority bus lines.
Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments was co-developed by Rochester's Cornerstone Group, Ltd. and Genesis Housing Development Corporation.
State financing includes federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $10.4 million in equity and $3.6 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA provided $60,000 in support. The Federal Home Loan Bank provided $571,000.
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested nearly $30 million to create or preserve over 400 affordable apartments in multifamily buildings in Cayuga County.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The completion of Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments represents a significant milestone in our efforts to provide modern, affordable housing options for seniors in Cayuga County and across New York. This investment will ensure 60 households can safely age in place with access to the services and care they require today and into the future. Thank you to our partners in government at the Office of Mental Health and to the Cornerstone Group and Genesis Housing Development Corporation for their work on this life-changing development."
New York State Energy Research and Development President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "With the completion of construction on Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments, Cayuga County residents have more access to affordable housing that showcases energy-efficient appliances and high-performance equipment and materials. This project is a great example of how green building practices can create healthier and more comfortable independent living options for seniors and veterans."
New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, "The newly completed Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments is a prime example of the work we are doing in New York State to foster age-friendly, affordable, sustainable, and supportive housing to help older adults thrive. Governor Hochul's five-year, comprehensive housing plan presents an unprecedented opportunity to advance this goal for older adults and people of all ages, further supported by the state's Master Plan for Aging. NYSOFA is proud to work together with our partners at HCR on the state's Master Plan for Aging Council to help fulfill the Governor's vision, setting a path to create new housing opportunities for older adults statewide, similar to the offerings now being made available for older adults in Cayuga County."
Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Everyone should have access to safe and affordable housing, and these senior supportive housing apartments will not only improve residents' overall health, but will allow them to remain in and engaged with their community. The Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments is another example of Governor Hochul's commitment to the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative which moves individuals from homelessness to housing in their community."
Assemblymember John Lemondes said, "The addition of this safe, 60-unit senior apartment complex is wonderful news for our community. Thank you to Homes and Community Renewal for your efforts to realize the American Dream for so many New Yorkers, and for inviting me to be part of this celebration. It is my honor to welcome home the new residents living here."
Sennett Town Supervisor Tom Blair said, "The Sennett Town Board is extremely happy to have attracted a high-quality affordable senior housing project such as Sennett Meadows. The number of town's citizens 55 and older has grown substantially in recent years and residents of the town, as well as surrounding communities, will realize the immediate benefits of having this quality house option available to them, especially when there is such a lack of safe, well-constructed senior housing in Central New York. The town of Sennett is continuously looking to improve the lives of its residents, and especially our aging residents. To this end, we found an outstanding and willing partner in Rochester's Cornerstone Group to meet an important need. We congratulate Rochester's Cornerstone Group for developing and constructing Sennett Meadows. This project is one our townspeople and broader communities can be proud of."
Cayuga County Legislature Chair David Gould said, "On behalf of Cayuga County, and myself, I would like to thank New York State for granting us the funds to complete the Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Cayuga County. I would also like to thank both Rochester's Cornerstone Group, Ltd. and Genesis Housing Development Corporation for all of their hard work and dedication, building affordable and supportive housing for County residents. This $15 million housing development that includes, 60 energy-efficient homes for residents aged 55 and older, with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income is a huge asset to our community. This complex also includes 18 homes which are reserved for both seniors and veterans with physical disabilities, giving them access to rental subsidies and services funded through the ESSHI. It is with our upmost importance that we provide housing within our County for residents no matter their social status or physical disability. With the development of Sennett Meadows Senior Apartments, I am looking forward to our continued efforts to promote and support affordable and supportive housing into the future."
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.