NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on THRIVE Cornhill, an $80 million, 102-unit mixed-use affordable housing development in the city of Utica, Oneida County.
The project will increase access to health, wellness and social services, and help the continued revitalization of the city’s Cornhill neighborhood.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 1,300 affordable homes in Oneida County. THRIVE Cornhill continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“THRIVE Cornhill will help revitalize one of Utica’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods and make it a place where families, children, seniors and young professionals can live and thrive side by side,” Governor Hochul said.
“Together with our local partners, we are bringing more than 100 affordable homes, access to health and wellness services, and two brand-new community centers that will put residents and this neighborhood on a path to success.”
“THRIVE,” which stands for “To Heal and Revitalize an Innovative Vibrant Economy,” is developed by People First and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, in partnership with Edgemere Development. The Community Foundation led a community engagement process to solicit input on the project from local community members.
The development will include two newly constructed buildings, each of which will include a Community Impact Center, space that will be open to all community residents. Amenities spread across the two impact centers will include meeting spaces, a business incubator, dedicated arts and media studios, and a gym and wellness facility. The development will also include a courtyard. By emphasizing arts, history and recreation, the project will enhance the community and foster neighborhood pride.
The project will be affordable for households earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income.
There will be 19 supportive housing units for eligible seniors with disabilities and youth transitioning to independence from foster care, with on-site services provided by Integrated Community Alternatives Network.
These apartments are supported by an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) award provided through the New York State Department of Health.
The development will be all-electric, featuring Energy Star appliances, electric heating and cooling, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
The project is conveniently located near downtown Utica, close to other residential buildings, commercial services, employment, schools, medical care, public transportation and recreational activities such as the Utica Zoo and the Utica Public Library.
There will be seven units to accommodate individuals with mobility disabilities and three units adapted for residents with sensory disabilities.
HCR is supporting THRIVE Cornhill with $24 million in equity from the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, $14 million in equity from the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, and $18.5 million in program funding.
Additional State financing includes $6.5 million from Empire State Development through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, including the Capital Improvement Grants for Pro Housing Communities program, and $5.1 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
The project is also supported by $4 million from the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and $1.6 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. The city of Utica will provide $922,000 from its ARPA program and $350,000 from its HOME program.
“As we break ground on this ambitious $80 million revitalization effort, we are grateful to be working alongside elected officials and community members to create enduring opportunities through THRIVE Cornhill. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and the efforts of our development partners, these 102 affordable homes and two Community Impact Centers will make a lasting impact on Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood by providing important resources and safe places for community connection,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas.
“The THRIVE Cornhill development in Utica demonstrates how affordable housing featuring energy efficient design and onsite solar energy can be integrated with community spaces to improve the way residents live, work and gather. By investing in projects like THRIVE Cornhill, New York is creating buildings that are more resilient, require less energy and are built to serve generations to come,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris.
“I applaud Governor Hochul for this investment in affordable housing for Oneida County. Everyone deserves to have a place to call home. Stable housing is an essential social determinant of health and access to stable, affordable housing helps improve health, well-being, and quality of life. Through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, the Department is proud to support this development and the services that will help residents thrive,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
