New 60-Unit Dominic Hollow Apartments in Town of Ballston will Include On-Site Supportive Services for 30 Residents
Sustainably Designed Development to Offer Free Broadband Wi-Fi for All Residents
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on Dominic Hollow Apartments, a $21 million affordable and supporting housing development that will create 60 homes, including 30 reserved for adults in need of supportive services, in the town of Ballston in Saratoga County.
"Saratoga County is one of the fastest-growing counties in New York, and the Dominic Hollow Apartments will help fulfill the rising need for affordable housing," Governor Hochul said. "As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, my Administration will continue to prioritize investments that allow New Yorkers to find safe, secure, and sustainable housing so they can live healthy and successful lives in the communities they love."
Dominic Hollow Apartments will be affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty apartments will be reserved for adults who will receive on-site services provided by RISE Housing and Support Services. RISE is also the project's developer with CSD Housing in a consulting role.
Services and rental subsidies for 18 supportive units will be funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and 12 supportive units will be funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. OMH is providing $416,000 annually in operating expenses for the 18 ESSHI units, as well as $477,000 annually for the 12 supportive units.
Dominic Hollow Apartments is designed to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Low-Rise New Construction program and EPA's ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program Version 3.1. Sustainable features will include Energy Star or equivalent heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and light fixtures; water-conserving plumbing fixtures; and low- or no-VOC paints, primers, adhesives, and sealants.
Additional residential amenities will include a community room with kitchen, laundry facilities, a mail/package room, and a gym area. Outdoor amenities will include a gazebo, patio, and playground.
State financing for Dominic Hollow Apartments includes Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $11.5 million in equity and $4.6 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. OMH is providing debt service on Community Preservation Corporation's bank loan of $3.9 million and a $106,500 Program Development Grant. NYSERDA will provide $56,000 in support. JP Morgan Chase provided $9.6 million in construction financing and the Richman Group is the tax credit syndicator.
Dominic Hollow Apartments is part of the state's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan to make housing accessible and to combat homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 homes with supportive services. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested more than $490 million in the Capital Region, which has created or preserved over 5,500 affordable homes.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Our $21 million investment in the Dominic Hollow Apartments is an important model for the kind of high-quality affordable housing developments that can make New York an even better and more equitable place to live. With sustainable features and free broadband access, we can help lower costs for residents and close the digital divide that too often impacts lower-income New Yorkers."
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Dominic Hollow Apartments will provide beautiful new homes with supportive services that will allow individuals living with mental illness to live full, productive and fulfilling lives. In supportive housing individuals live safely in their community, close to family and friends, and can actively contribute to their community. OMH is proud to partner with our colleagues at HCR, NYSERDA, and RISE Housing and Support Services to provide safe, stable housing to our fellow New Yorkers."
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO at NYSERDA, said, "Dominic Hollow Apartments will provide Saratoga County low-income residents with healthy, supportive and affordable housing that incorporates energy efficient appliances and advanced building materials. Projects like this are showcasing that new construction can be clean and green in support of our efforts to fight climate change, while at the same time cost-effective to ensure access for all New Yorkers and we are excited to see this break ground."
Sybil Newell, Executive Director of RISE, said, "As an active community partner since 1978, RISE is proud to serve as a leader in meeting the housing and recovery needs of our neighbors through the Dominic Hollow Apartments project. These 60 new units will make distinct progress in closing affordable housing gap in Saratoga County, while simultaneously enabling people living with mental health, substance use, and other life challenges to remain safe and healthy in the community through housing and supportive services.
Mike Newman, Director of Program Development, CSD Housing, said, "Rise has assembled a great development team, and CSD Housing is proud to be part of the RISE team. As a long-time property owner and service provider in Saratoga County, RISE's Dominic Hollow project will expand the housing opportunities for county residents who have income challenges. CSD Housing looks forward to working with RISE to not only complete the Dominic Hollow project, but also on future housing development initiatives.
Senator Jim Tedisco said, "As ranking member of the Senate's Mental Health Committee, I understand how important the kind of supportive housing services are that will be available to assist and empower residents of the Dominic Hollow Apartments get the help they need and deserve to turn their lives around."
Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh said, "Making sure that members of our community have access to affordable housing, particularly in challenging life circumstances or transitions is critical. Dominic Hollow Apartments, which will be located just outside the Village of Ballston Spa, will offer 18 units as supportive housing, 12 as transitional apartments and 30 designated as affordable housing for the general community - meaning 60 homes for individuals or families who have otherwise been faced with adversity. Best of luck to RISE Services as they take the next steps with this meaningful project."
Town of Ballston Supervisor Eric Connelly said, "I am looking forward to seeing all of the lives positively impacted by this unique and much needed project."