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These photos document the amazing transformation that has occurred on Morton Avenue in just the past 5 months. Seemingly overnight, 43 apartments have risen from once vacant lots and abandoned buildings along this South End corridor and adjacent side streets. The Albany Housing Authority, its developer-partner Omni Housing Development and construction manager AOW Associates are using prefabricated wall panels and trusses shipped to the construction site as a way to cut the construction schedule nearly in half, in order to have the first apartments ready for occupancy before the end of the year. The effort is Phase 2 of a multi-year project to stabilize the neighborhood surrounding Lincoln Square Homes, in preparation for its redevelopment according to the city’s Capital South Plan. Phase 1, completed in 2009, consisted of the wildly successful rehabilitation of Eagle Court Apartments at the corner of Morton and Eagle Street and the establishment of a new cluster of quality housing at Jared Holt Mews on Third Avenue and Clinton and Broad Streets. Phase 2 aims to reinforce those initial housing investments and further instill faith in the South End’s revitalization for homeowners and responsible landlords.
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Albany 2030
What kind of city do you want to live in for the next 20 years?
You know this city like no one else does! We need your input for Albany’s first ever comprehensive plan. This project will set the direction for how the City looks and feels for the next 20 years.
You have big ideas about what Albany needs. Don’t miss out on making those ideas a reality! Come to one of out Fall workshops – this time we’ll be setting policy, investment & project priorities. Find more ways to participate at www.Albany2030.org
Participate!
Those engaging workshops are open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. Kids are welcome.
Thursday, September 30th from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at the Albany High School Cafeteria, 700 Washington Ave.
Friday, October 1st from 9:00 AM to noon at the North Albany YMCA Gymnasium, 16 North Pearl St.
Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Hackett Middle School, Delaware Ave.
Jazz Festival 2010!
Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany present the 2010 free Jazz Festival at Albany’s riverfront park on Saturday September 11th from 12:30 to 8:00 p.m. There will fireworks at 7:30 p.m. For more information please call 518-434-2032 or visit albanyevents.org.
National Night Out 2010 – Update!
Update: The Albany Housing Authority would like to share with everyone a complimentary letter of appreciation that was just received on behalf of the South End Neighborhood Association. We’d also like to thank everyone who pitched in and helped out to make this such a wonderful event. Thank you.
South End Neighborhood Association Letter
This years National Night Out was another success! The 2010 celebrations were held at many AHA locations with a good time had by all. Please see our photo gallery below which contains many photos of the event.
Passage of Unemployment Insurance by Congress
Click here to find out more information
South End Phase Two Groundbreaking
Ground Broken for Second Phase of $22 Million South End Revitalization.
State and city officials joined Albany Housing Authority and Omni Housing Development LLC today to break ground on the second phase of the South End Neighborhood housing revitalization project. The Honorable Gerald D. Jennings, Mayor of Albany; New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Regional Director Lynn Kopka; Albany Housing Authority Executive Director Steven T. Longo and Omni Housing Development LLC Chief Executive Officer & Managing Member I. David Swawite ceremoniously kicked-off the construction of one of the new apartment buildings on Morton Avenue.
Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings said: “Congratulations to my team and thank you to everyone involved with this project – especially the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal for their continued support of our efforts throughout the city. This is a win for not only for our Capital City, but also the residents of the South End, who will be uplifted by the promise of greater employment and housing opportunities this project is sure to bring.”
South End Revitalization Phase II consists of 43 units of new and rehabilitated affordable housing on Morton Avenue and nearby streets in Albany’s historic South End neighborhood. To meet the needs of small families, four apartment buildings in a row house style with two-bedroom units are being constructed along Morton Avenue. In addition, four of the vacant historic row houses on Morton Avenue between Elizabeth and Eagle Streets are being rehabilitated to meet historic preservation guidelines. Nine, 3-bedroom single-family homes are being built on Catherine, Broad and Clinton Streets and will serve larger families.
The second phase of the South End Revitalization is the continuation of the housing revitalization project that began in 2008 with the rehabilitation of Eagle Court Apartments on Morton Avenue and the construction of Jared Holt Mews townhomes on Broad and Clinton Streets. Residents have occupied these properties, both managed by Albany Housing Authority, since early 2009. Albany Housing Authority will also lease and manage the Phase II units.
Steven T. Longo, Executive Director Albany Housing Authority said, “The start of this important project marks a hard fought victory for the South End. In these tough economic times, there are many communities competing for scarce affordable housing dollars. Residents, investors, and the State of New York chose to support this project because of the clear vision and unity of purpose set forth in the Capital South Plan and the proven track record under Mayor Jennings for getting the job done.”
The five 1-bedroom, twenty nine 2-bedroom and nine 3-bedroom apartments and homes are being constructed to comply with New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s Green Building Initiative and will receive NYSERDA’s Energy Star Labeled Home designation for their energy efficient design, building materials, heating and ventilation systems, lighting and appliances.
Monthly rents for the units will range from $220 to $843, according to income. Individuals and families with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income are qualified to rent the units in Phase II. Applications for the units are accepted at the Albany Housing Authority offices.
Financing for the $10.1 million revitalization project is provided to the Albany Housing Authority by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s Housing Trust Fund Corporation and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. PNC Bank, NA provided the construction and bridge loans and PNC Real Estate invested the tax credit equity.
Brian Lawlor, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and CEO and President of “nyhomes” said, “By combining historic renovations with new construction, Albany’s $22 million South End Revitalization Plan is bringing positive change to this neighborhood and the entire City of Albany. Last year we celebrated the completion of the 52-unit Phase I, which included the rehabilitation of Eagle Court Apartments on Morton Avenue and the construction of Jared Holt Mews Townhouses. Together, the first two phases will bring 95 new and rehabilitated affordable homes to the South End and stimulate additional neighborhood revitalization and economic activity. It takes a steadfast commitment and a strong partnership to make projects of this magnitude come together, particularly in these difficult economic times. I want to congratulate Mayor Jennings, Omni Development, the Albany Housing Authority, and all of our partners for their hard work and vision.”
Experienced affordable housing developer Omni Housing Development LLC of Albany is assisting Albany Housing Authority with the development of South End Revitalization Phase II. I. David Swawite, Chief Executive Office and Managing Member of Omni Housing Development LLC, said, “Since 1973 Omni has been committed to the revitalization of downtown Albany by restoring important historic structures for modern day use; and partnering with dedicated stakeholders to redevelop historic areas of downtown into safe affordable, energy-efficient homes that residents and the entire city can be proud of
Construction on South End Revitalization Phase II will continue through early 2011. All 43 units will be completed and occupied by summer 2011.
For the complete press release click here.
Stakeholders Breaking Ground. L to R Willie White, Morton Avenue Resident; Steven T. Longo, Executive Director Albany Housing Authority; Lester Freeman, Councilman Second Ward Albany Common Council; Lynn Kopka, Assistant Commissioner Capital District Regional Office, New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal; Lucille M. McKnight, Albany County Legislator, 2nd Legislative District; Ron Canestrari, New York State Assembly Majority Leader; Neil D. Breslin, New York State Senator, 46th Senate District; Gerald D. Jennings, Mayor, City of Albany; Michael G. Breslin, Albany County Executive; Carolyn McLaughlin, President, Albany Common Council
South End Phase Two Groundbreaking Program
Additional News Coverage
Capital Woods Feature Video
Capital Woods Final from ALBHousingAuthority on Vimeo.
Ezra Prentice Tenant Testimonials
Ezra Prentice Tenant Testimonials:
Eddie Lee:
“I have been living here 12 years, this remodel is beautiful!!!! I can’t ask for anything better, it’s been a long time coming it’s finally coming true. This will add to the appearance of the neighborhood.”
Bebe Williams:
“The remodel is very nice. I love it!!!! I am looking forward to moving in my new unit with my son. They have really done a nice job!! The exterior looks great. It’s nice and quiet and I plan on staying her for years to come (as he cleans fresh fish on the front porch for dinner).”
Merry Williams:
“I am overjoyed!!! I’ve been here over 30 years and have been looking forward to this. I can’t wait to move and sit in my lawn chair on the front porch. I am looking forward to seeing everyone coming together as a community!!”
Michelle Tucker:
“The buildings are coming along beautifully!!!! This is a great new look for the south end. I am looking forward to moving into y new unit and having family and friends over.”
