Construction begins on 70-unit affordable and supportive housing development

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and New York Homes and Community Renewal have announced construction has begun on True North Apartments, a 70-unit affordable and supportive housing development and wellness clinic on Rochester’s northeast side. The $38 million development will create apartments for low-income residents, including 35 units with supportive services for older adults, individuals, and families who have experienced homelessness.

Developed by DePaul Properties, Inc., with Christa Construction as lead, True North will include two residential buildings on two separate sites as well as a wellness clinic on a third site that will be operated by the Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA). The sites are located on Central Avenue, North Street and Portland Avenue. Services at the wellness clinic will be provided by DePaul Community Services, Inc. and Person-Centered Housing Options (PCHO), and will include life skills training, health care education and assistance, and community reintegration activities.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “This project is a symbol of what we can achieve when our city, county, state, and community partners unite with a shared mission to provide stable, affordable, and supportive housing. Thanks to New York State, DePaul, and our many public and private partners, we are building a Rochester where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, creating neighborhoods of pride and possibility.”

True North Apartments will be affordable to households with incomes ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent of Area Median Income. The development is located near retail and services, and amenities will include on-site property manager and staff offices, community rooms, computer labs, lounges, and in-unit resident storage.

The project is also a collaborative partnership with the Rochester Interfaith Development Corporation, FLACRA, and PCHO, which furthers the goals and objectives of the city’s Faith in Action initiative to develop affordable housing.

Capital funding for True North Apartments includes $5.5 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $30 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and a $750,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME grant through the city of Rochester.

HCR’s investment consists of $10.5 million in subsidy, including $2 million under the Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund for the Wellness Clinic, as well as Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $19.4 million in equity.

In addition, operating funding for the project is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello said, “We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s commitment to supportive and affordable housing in Monroe County as evidenced by this investment in the True North housing project. This will be an important addition to the housing options we have available for people with limited incomes, and the inclusion of the on-site wellness clinic and support services will mean that residents will have the help they need to stay safe, healthy and housed.”