The Port Byron Apartments Replaces Outdated Building With New, Energy-Efficient Apartments, and On-Site Support Services
Investment Complements 'CNY Rising' - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced completion of The Port Byron Apartments, a new development in the Cayuga County village of Port Byron that replaces a smaller, outdated apartment building with 69 affordable apartments, including 30 units that will be eligible to receive on-site support services.
“This development enhances Cayuga County’s existing housing stock and creates affordable homes that will increase housing opportunities for all and provide services that will allow older New Yorkers and those in need of support to live independently,” Governor Hochul said. “As Central New York's economy grows, I remain fully focused on improving affordability in communities both big and small. By replicating developments like The Port Byron Apartments, we can increase housing supply and create opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive for years to come.”
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 550 affordable homes in Cayuga County. Port Byron Apartments continues this effort and 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 project involved the construction of a new, three-story building adjacent to an existing 39-unit building known as Church Street Apartments that had previously served as the Port Byron Central School. Upon completion of construction, residents of the older building were moved into the new complex, with the previous building demolished and transformed into an outdoor recreation area for residents.
All apartments are affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty of the apartments include supportive services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. On-site staff will help connect residents with health and education services available throughout the county and region.
Port Byron Apartments was designed to comply with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Low Rise New Construction - Housing program. Sustainable features include Energy Star appliances, water‐conserving plumbing fixtures, and an electric vehicle charging station.
Residents have access to on-site transportation services, a pet park, walking paths, community garden, and playground. All units will feature free, high-speed internet service.
DePaul Properties, Inc. is the developer and service provider.
State financing includes $16 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $8.7 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA provided $69,000 in project incentives. The Office of Mental Health provided $235,250 in Program Development Grant funding to help cover start-up costs for the supportive housing units. The Community Preservation Corporation provided $14.5 million in construction financing.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The completion of The Port Byron Apartments is another achievement in our ongoing efforts to provide safe, affordable, and supportive housing in Central New York. This new development not only replaces outdated housing, but it provides modern apartments and on-site supportive services that will benefit older New Yorkers and other vulnerable populations for years to come. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued determination to create homes and make Central New York and the entire State a more affordable place to live.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Incorporating energy efficient features such as ENERGY STAR appliances, air sealing, and high-performance ceiling and floor insulation into newly constructed affordable homes is pivotal to creating the next generation of healthy and modern buildings in New York State. NYSERDA is proud to be a partner on the now completed redevelopment of the Port Byron Apartments which will expand access to comfortable, quality living spaces for those in Cayuga County that need it most.”
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Port Byron Apartments is a great addition to the neighborhood, providing a beautiful new building and green space. More importantly, the development’s supportive housing units with wrap-around services will allow people with mental illness to live successfully and independently in their own community. Once again, I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to supportive housing, which has helped thousands of individuals and families to live and thrive in their own safe, stable, and affordable homes.”
State Senator Rachel May said, “It is absolutely crucial that every individual has access to a safe and supportive place to live. The Port Byron Apartments will play a vital role in transforming the lives of dozens of people, offering them shelter and a solid foundation from which they can receive comprehensive services to help them create a brighter future. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her unwavering support for Central New York and commitment to ensuring that every resident has a comfortable space they can call home.”
Assemblymember John Lemondes said, “I’m happy to see the construction of these new affordable and supportive housing units in Cayuga County. Whenever we rally together as a community to help those in need, it is a win for everyone. This is another great step forward in making sure everyone has access to housing and basic necessities. I look forward to seeing the impact this new housing will have on our community as we continue to work toward a better and more affordable New York for all.”
Tracy Conley, Vice President, The Community Preservation Corporation, said, “As a nonprofit, housing finance company, we believe that providing high-quality housing is central to the health and vitality of our neighborhoods and to the people who live here. The Port Byron Apartments turn that idea into a bricks and mortar reality for this community, and for the residents who call it home now and for those who will live here in the future. We’re fortunate to have had such extraordinary partners at DePaul, and we’re proud to support their mission of creating strong, resilient neighborhoods here in Port Byron. My thanks to DePaul, HCR Commissioner Visnauskas, NYSERDA President and CEO Harris, and all of the stakeholders who helped make this possible.”
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.