Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $17 Million Affordable Housing Development in Syracuse

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $17 million affordable and supportive housing development in Syracuse. Supported with funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Star Park Apartments offers 50 newly constructed homes with 30 supportive units reserved for adults who have experienced homelessness.

"Supportive housing is a crucial component in our efforts to reduce homelessness and ensure all New Yorkers have access to a safe, affordable place to call home," Governor Hochul said. "Star Park Apartments provides its tenants with the stable, supportive environment they need to live independently while addressing the underlying causes of their housing insecurity. These developments, like many others occurring in Central New York and across the state, reaffirm our commitment to making affordable housing a reality for all New Yorkers."

Located on State Fair Boulevard, the three-story Star Park Apartments includes 40 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom apartments -all reserved for individuals and families earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income. Building amenities include a common room with kitchenette and laundry facilities on each floor.

Developed by CSD Housing and Helio Health, the apartments include 30 supportive units reserved for adults who have experienced homelessness. Services provided by Helio Health include on-site counseling by psychiatrists, credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, and social workers.

The development is within walking distance of a grocery store, convenience stores, pharmacy, public library, church facility, bank and several bus routes. Energy efficient features include Energy Star heating equipment, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and low-emitting materials for paints and sealants.

State financing for Star Park Apartments included $10.8 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds and $7.2 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Mental Health provided construction capital, grant funding and an annual debt service payment.

Star Park Apartments is part of the state's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 with supportive services.

HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The COVID pandemic has made our fight against homelessness and housing insecurity even more urgent. The $17 million Star Park Apartments provides healthy, life-enhancing affordable homes for more than 50 low-income New Yorkers with tailored supportive services from HelioHealth. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, we will continue to take care of our vulnerable neighbors so that they can achieve stability and break the cycle of homelessness once and for all."

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Assisting vulnerable New Yorkers on the road to recovery is a top priority for the Office of Mental Health and we’re proud to have provided capital and operating funding for 30 units of safe housing with supportive services for people with behavioral health issues. Supportive housing developments like State Park Apartments allow residents to receive the help they need in their own homes, and to be successful and productive members of their communities.”

CSD Housing Program Development Director Mike Newman said, "Star Park Apartments is CSD Housing's second project in Syracuse working with Helio to address an unmet need for quality housing for individuals and families with income challenges. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. HKK Architects and Christa Construction overcame some difficult site conditions to create this great project. We appreciate the support of our government partners, New York State Homes and Community Renewal and New York State Office of Mental Health, as well our lender, JP Morgan Chase, and our legal team at Barclay Damon."

Helio Health President and C.E.O. Jeremy Klemanski said, "The need for integrated, supportive, and affordable quality housing in our community is critical. Safe and stable housing is a positive life change, particularly for those recovering from mental illness. Prior to affiliating with Helio Health, Central New York Services, Inc. and its Executive Director, John Warren, recognized the importance of meeting this need. In 2016, with its partners, CNYS initiated the development and construction of Star Park. We are delighted that together we have completed this significant project. It expands Helio Health's continuum of Mental Health Residential Services and brings new Affordable Housing resources to our area. Star Park's opening will add to the overall health of individuals and our community. We are all proud to offer safe, stable supportive housing that is truly transformational."

Accelerating CNY Rising

The development complements "CNY Rising," the region's comprehensive blueprint 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.

The region is now accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. 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 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.