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

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By Darren Scott, Director of Planning and Development

Ida Yarbrough Homes was built in the early 1970’s as 129 low-rise residential apartments surrounding a series of courtyards and parking lots on a hillside overlooking North Pearl Street.  For the next 40 years it would undergo several major renovations, never overcoming latent problems in its layout and construction, yet housing hundreds of families in need of decent affordable homes.  Love it or hate it, residents are in agreement that it’s time to rebuild it.

There is a sense of community at the low-rise development.  It is a family site with many places to play without worry of children going in the street.  People know each other and have a sense of community.  Over several meetings held in late 2009, residents told Authority staff and consultants what worked and what didn’t about Ida Yarbrough.  While there is community, there are too many apartments and too many children with too little adult supervision.  The apartments are well maintained, but they are outdated.  And while there remains the need for affordable rental housing, there is a strong desire for homeownership.

From these observations, a new vision was created.  The apartments will be demolished in phases and fewer new apartments constructed in their place.  In total, approximately 80 rental apartments and 20 houses for sale will be built.  They will be attractive, spacious and energy efficient, offering amenities often found in market rate housing.  The site is designed to capitalize on the sense of community amongst its residents while providing security from those who would take advantage of it.

Residents will be provided with robust relocation assistance and encouraged to rent and purchase the new homes to the greatest extent possible when they are complete.  In the interim, the Authority is developing additional apartments throughout the neighborhood on vacant lots and in abandoned buildings to replace housing that cannot be accommodated on-site.  Also, residents will have the choice of using portable Section 8 vouchers to find housing in the private rental market.

Ida Yarbrough Homes will be reborn, insuring that its residents continue to have a place in Arbor Hill.  For more information on redevelopment plans and the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan, please download the following files;

Ida Yarbrough Homes Reborn.

Partner on Pilot Rehab Project

Albany, NY – Capital District Habitat for Humanity (CDHfH) is actively seeking sponsors for a rehabilitation project of a vacant building in the South End of the City.  The Albany Housing Authority (AHA) has partnered with Habitat in a demonstration project to re-establish the Habitat model for affordable homeownership in renovation construction rather than the more typical new construction Habitat has embraced since 2004.  AHA has committed $20,000 to jump start this project.

The vacant building was recently acquired by Habitat and was donated to the affiliate by Albany County.  The County secured the property through foreclosure in 2007.  Located at 19 Odell Street, this building has been vacant for only 18 months has been assessed as a viable rehab project by the partners.  Odell Street has been the construction zone for Habitat since 2007 and Habitat just recently completed their 5^th home on this block in the South End.   This building sits across the street from the 5 homes now occupied by qualified low income families, and while in rough shape visually, it seems structurally sound and has not sustained any significant water damage, which is typical of abandoned and vacant buildings.

As Habitat wound down its work in North Albany in 2007, where they have completed 17 homes since 2004, in partnership with the City of Albany they set their sights on the South End.  This renovated home will be part of Capital District Habitat for Humanity’s South End Renewal Project — a community revitalization project in Albany’s South End.  Habitat sits on the South End Action Committee (SEAC) along with AHA and other community partners.  The Committee is chaired by Hon. Carolyn McLaughlin.  There are over 700 buildings on the City’s Vacant Building Registry and the support of the community for Habitat to take on a rehabilitation project is seen as an important step toward the sort of reinvestment that is required to turn the liability of vacant buildings into a city asset.

“Our partnership with AHA is significant because it includes not only the starting cash investment to gut and rewire the home, but also the demonstration of the commitment by the City of Albany to support reinvestment in its building stock,” said Steve Haggerty, Executive Director at Capital District Habitat for Humanity.  The work of rehabilitation of existing vacant stock historically has proven to be more costly to Habitat, and less volunteer friendly.  Habitat’s model relies on volunteer labor to build affordable homes, and frequently with rehabilitation there is a higher skill level and craftsmanship required to restore the home.

Now Habitat is seeking a sponsoring partner to support the construction.  Typically, Habitat secures a sponsor in the amount of $40,000 and then through existing banking relationships borrows the balance of $42,000 to meet materials, and required contract labor costs.  Occasionally, several sponsors will partner to achieve the $40,000 donation.  Recent sponsors include State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU), the United Methodists Churches, Siena College, and First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany (FUUSA).  Since taking the helm at Habitat as the Executive Director in 2005, Mr. Haggerty has frequently answered the question of why Habitat does new construction rather than renovations.  “As I explain the variable costs and increased craftsmanship required folks often take me to task regarding the need for reinvestment in the existing building stock.  It is now our hope that the AHA funds will leverage from these interested parties the additional commitment and support needed to bring the project to fruition,” he said.  “Habitat is eager to start such a rehab project and we are pleased it could happen here in the City of Albany,” he added.

“We are excited to find out if the successful model employed by Habitat utilizing private donations of money and labor on new home construction can be replicated in existing older vacant structures in need of renovation,” said Steve Longo, AHA’s Executive Director.

The vacant building located at 19 Odell Street is slated for Rehabilitation by capital District Habitat for Humanity.

Each year during National Historic Preservation Month, Historic Albany Foundation celebrates excellence in preservation throughout the City of Albany by presenting exemplary preservation projects with Preservation Merit Awards. Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) joined them to present Albany Housing Authority with the 2^nd Elizabeth P. Griffin Award for Preservation Leadership for their many contributions to Albany’s historic districts for both stellar rehabilitation projects and for their sensitive infill housing. “It was a pleasure to present the Elizabeth Griffin Award for Preservation Leadership to Albany Housing Authority and to acknowledge just how responsive and effective the agency has been in addressing the needs of the city. In recent years, DHCR has partnered with the Albany Housing Authority on a number of significant projects, including the revitalization and redevelopment of the South End and Arbor Hill. They have been excellent partners and we look forward to working with them in the future,” said Commissioner VanAmerongen.

The seven awardees were being honored for beautifully restored homes, a successfully rehabilitated public space, four redeveloped and revitalized historic districts, a converted commercial to residential building and a very special project called the “Ronald McDonald House.” Historic Albany Foundation’s Executive Director, Susan Holland states, “Our award winners during Historic Albany’s 35^th anniversary year, represent different organizations, individuals and companies that have been at the restoration game for months and perhaps, years. The projects really highlight what can be done to revitalize the city, even in the current ‘historic’, economic climate.”

Preservation Merit Awards

• Albany Housing Authority, 155 Clinton Avenue for Rehabilitation
• William S. Hackett Middle School, 45 Delaware Avenue for Rehabilitation of a Significant Public Building
• 116 Lancaster Street for Restoration & Rehabilitation
• Ronald McDonald House, 137-139 South Lakes Avenue for Exterior Rehabilitation & Stewardship

Preservation Initiative Awards

• 48A Dove Street for Creative Renovation
• Knox Street Apartments for Neighborhood Stabilization
• 240 Sheridan Avenue for Neighborhood Stabilization

Historic Albany Foundation asked for a $10 suggested donation. The cocktail reception began at 5:30pm. More information about this workshop and the Foundation can be found at www.historic-albany.org.

Historic Albany Foundation celebrated 35 years as a private, not-for-profit membership organization working to promote the preservation and appreciation of the built environment in and around the city of Albany. Since 1974, the Foundation has fulfilled its mandate through public education, promotion and membership, provision of design and technical assistance, community projects, advocacy for endangered buildings, publications, tours, lectures and operation of an architectural parts warehouse.

Apartment 301, Kitchen

Apartment 301

At 155 Clinton Ave. there are three apartments available in this first round of rent up. Apartment 201 is on the second floor and apt. 301 is on the third floor and shares an entrance door on Clinton Ave. to a common staircase that leads to each apartment. Each apartment is a fully rehabbed two bedroom unit with features that include; original restored architectural millwork such as crown moldings, and fireplace mantels, as well as all new; hardwood floors and windows, kitchens with Energy Star rated appliances including dishwashers, bathrooms, wall to wall carpet in the bedrooms, new lighting and electric service, central air conditioning, individual gas fired hot air furnaces and energy saving instantaneous gas fired hot water heaters.

155 Clinton Ave, Kitchen, Apartment 202

155 Clinton Unit 202

The third apartment located at the rear of the building (unit 202) with an entrance door from the North Swan Street side has all the same features of the units described above and is a two story apartment with bedrooms and bathroom on the third floor and a half bath on the second floor.

59 North Swan Street

59 North Swant St., Kitchen

At 59 North Swan St., two 1 bedroom units are located on the second and third floor.

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