Governor Kathy Hochul announced renovations are complete on Parkedge Townhomes in Utica, a 184-unit Mitchell Lama development for families. Each unit at the 50-year-old complex received major upgrades and the project also funded a new community building, two playground areas, and sustainable infrastructure improvements.
“By rehabilitating Parkedge Townhomes, we are continuing our investment in Utica’s future and furthering the State’s efforts to protect Mitchell-Lama housing which has been a valuable source of affordable, secure housing for families for generations,” Governor Hochul said. “Preserving New York’s existing housing stock is a vital component of my administration’s commitment to ensuring every community can provide the types of homes that will help more our communities thrive.”
In the last five years, HCR has created or preserved over 1,000 affordable homes in Utica. Parkedge Townhomes 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.
Originally constructed in 1973, the development consists of 27 two- and three-story townhouses with a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
All units received new kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring. The work also included construction of a community building with a computer center, installation of two new playgrounds, replacement of all sidewalks and parking areas, and improvements to the drainage system.
Each townhome was upgraded to meet criteria for certification from Enterprise Green Communities. To meet these requirements, the development’s hot water system was upgraded, insulation was added, and Energy Star appliances and LED lighting were installed.
The developer is Liberty Affordable Housing.
State financing for the $47 million rehabilitation included $8.3 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $9 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $14 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner Ruth Anne Visnauskas said, “The $47 million renovation project at Parkedge Townhomes is yet another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to revitalizing Utica through both new construction and the modernization of long-existing properties. For fifty years, this development has provided Utica’s families with affordable housing opportunities, and now the 184 households living at Parkedge will benefit from lower energy costs, new amenities, and improved safety. We thank our partners at Liberty Affordable Housing for their work preserving this valuable Mitchell Lama development for future generations.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Every Utica family deserves access to safe, affordable housing. I am proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit I have worked long and hard to protect has supplied the millions needed to transform this development into over 180 newly renovated affordable homes for Utica families with community resources to help our most vulnerable residents. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to increasing access to affordable housing in Utica and across New York State, and I will never stop fighting to ensure that every single New Yorker has a roof over their head.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Affordable housing is becoming increasingly hard to find, and we need to rethink how we support low-income families. This rehabilitated housing development will help ensure that families in Utica have access to safe, quality housing options. I am proud to support Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand affordable housing options for families in Utica and throughout the state.”
State Senator Joe Griffosaid, “It is important that New Yorkers have access to a variety of housing options. As a result of this rehabilitation project, those living at Parkedge Townhomes and future residents and families will have access to modern and updated housing in an enhanced setting.”
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon said, “I am appreciative of the investment in housing in the Mohawk Valley. Financing in housing contributes to economic growth and stability as well as improvement in living conditions. The addition of a new community room and playgrounds creates a wonderful family environment.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “This rehabilitation project will greatly improve the living situation of the current and future residents of the Parkedge Townhomes in North Utica. These affordable housing units provide updated energy-efficient livings spaces and new amenities that provide a higher quality of life for Oneida County residents. I applaud Liberty Affordable Housing for making these improvements and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for providing funding toward this worthwhile project.”
