Geneva to receive $45 million in affordable housing funds

The Geneva Housing Authority is set to receive $45 million in Housing and Urban Development funding to upgrade and preserve 215 affordable homes in the area.

The financing agreement is part of the state’s efforts to revitalize federal public housing and protect long-term affordability through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program, which allows housing authorities to access private financing to meet capital needs.

“No family should face the fear of losing their home, and we are committed to ensuring public housing across the state meets the needs of all New Yorkers,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “By revitalizing and preserving over 200 homes in Geneva, we are investing in the future of the families they serve and building a strong community to move the Finger Lakes forward.”

The project includes 199 apartments at Elmcrest Senior Apartments and Courtyard Apartments, which will undergo extensive renovations. In addition, the former St. Francis de Sales School will be converted into 16 new affordable homes. The Geneva Housing Authority will continue to manage the properties.

“This is an exciting project that will elevate the quality of life for seniors in our community, while providing a welcomed boost to the local economy,” said Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua. “This $45 million investment sends a strong message that those in need of affordable housing will be provided the accommodations and support they deserve.”

The former St. Francis de Sales School was constructed in 1823 and will be preserved to protect the original architecture to meet state and federal historic preservation requirements. Each of the three properties will include improvements to energy efficiency, while Elmcrest and Courtyard will receive updated kitchens and baths, electrical and plumbing upgrades and elevator improvements, among other things.

“This investment will improve the standard of living for 215 seniors and families in Geneva,” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal. “Gov. Cuomo’s $20 billion housing plan is bringing much-needed public and private investments to public housing across the state to preserve this crucial source of affordable housing for New Yorkers. By preserving and upgrading these homes for future generations, we are building a stronger economy in Geneva and keeping the Finger Lakes moving forward.”

New York State’s five-year housing plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing.

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