Governor Hochul Announces Rehabilitation of 52-Unit Affordable Housing Development in Wyoming County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of rehabilitation of Silver Lake Meadows, a 52-unit affordable housing development in the Wyoming County village of Perry. The project ensures the long-term viability of critically needed housing in a rural community.

“In order to address our state’s housing shortage, it is essential that we protect and preserve our existing supply of affordable homes across all of our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Our investment in Silver Lake Meadows will ensure this development remains accessible and affordable for the Wyoming County community for decades to come. I remain committed to improving access to affordable homes and resources for New York families, especially with our state’s growing workforce.”

In the last five years, HCR has created or preserved over 9,000 affordable homes in the Finger Lakes region, including more than 200 in Wyoming County. The renovation of Silver Lake Meadows continues this effort and complements 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.

Silver Lake Meadows was originally constructed in 1978 through the USDA Rural Development Section 515 program. All 52 apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income, and all households are provided project-based rental assistance by the USDA-RD program.

The scope of rehabilitation for the seven-building campus included kitchen upgrades for each unit; a community recreation area; the installation of new gutters, windows, and siding; roof replacement; installation of lampposts with LED lighting; electric vehicle charging stations; and sidewalk replacement.

The buildings were rehabilitated in conformance with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Multifamily Performance Program to reduce overall utility use by a project specific goal of 22 percent.

Regional Transit Service’s Perry line makes daily public bus stops on weekdays at Silver Lake Meadows, and there are multiple grocers within one mile of the site with sidewalks connecting residents’ walking path for the entire route. Silver Lake Meadows is also 1.5 miles from Silver Lake public beach and five miles away from Letchworth State Park.

The project was developed by Wyoming County Community Action, Inc., and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group.

Financing for the rehabilitation included $5.1 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $930,000 in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA has committed funding up to $36,400. Additional financing was provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank and Rose Community Capital.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Our investment in the 45-year-old Silver Lake Meadows development ensures that these homes will remain a safe and comfortable place to live and importantly provides an affordable housing option for over 50 families in Wyoming County for years to come. Under Governor Hochul’s housing plan, we are committed to preserving and expanding housing opportunities for New Yorkers in every community, both rural and urban. Congratulations to Wyoming County Community Action and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group for the successful completion of this project.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The rehabilitation of Lake Meadows is another concrete example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to creating safe, affordable housing for vulnerable and low-income New Yorkers. Energy efficiency measures such as air sealing insulation, replacement windows, a refurbished heating system, and LED lighting – along with access to EV charging stations – will help residents realize the benefits of these sustainable building upgrades while enjoying comfortable and quality living spaces.”

State Senator George Borrello said, “Congratulations on this great addition to the community! Silver Lake Meadows will be an ideal housing option for families and individuals seeking attractive and affordable housing and a benefit to the area’s economy and quality of life. My thanks go out to co-developers, Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Wyoming County Community Action, for partnering in support of this valuable project.”

Assemblymember Marjorie Byrnes said, “This project represents a wonderful collaboration between the developers which will ensure affordable housing for many families and benefit the entire Perry community.”

Village Trustee Ernie Lawerence said, “Having good quality, affordable housing is a priority for any community. Having good partners like Rochester’s Cornerstone Group helps our community meet this mission.”

President of Rochester’s Cornerstone Group Roger Brandt said, “Rochester’s Cornerstone Group is proud to celebrate the completion of the rehabilitation of Silver Lake Meadows. We’re grateful that our funding partners of Homes and Community Renewal, USDA – Rural Development, and others have demonstrated continued investment in the importance of rural housing.”

Wyoming County Community Action Executive Director Carrie Johnson said, “Securing quality, modern, affordable housing for the people we serve continues to be one of the biggest challenges we face in our rural community. We are very grateful and proud of the advocacy and partnership with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, and the various federal, state and local agencies that worked very hard to turn this beautiful rehab into reality.”

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here.