Private investors are reacting to the Authority’s work in the South End by acquiring and rehabbing abandoned buildings. An example of this is at 41 Catherine Street, a 2-unit abandoned rowhouse, where investors are using their own money and sweat equity to rehabilitate the structure. Authority representatives referred them to the City’s lead abatement program for additional funds to assist with the project. The same investors are rehabilitating a garage across the street at 40-44 Catherine Street. They said their decision to invest in those buildings and in the South End neighborhood was a direct result of seeing the Authority’s work just down the street. The combined effect of public and private investment is that more improvements are made, which result in a stronger and more vibrant community.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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