Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $17 Million Housing Development in Onondaga County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $17.2 million affordable housing development in the Onondaga County town of Camillus. The new complex offers 60 affordable and energy-efficient homes with family-friendly amenities. Camillus Heights is designated a Housing Opportunity Project, as it is located in a well-resourced area with a high-performing school district.

"My administration continues to be laser focused on revitalizing downtowns and increasing the supply of affordable housing for all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "By delivering new affordable homes to communities across the State, we can help ensure that New York's families have access to the tools they need to succeed today and into the future. Affordable housing developments like Camillus Heights are essential to enhancing quality of life and providing a more affordable and secure future for generations of New Yorkers."

Camillus Heights complements Governor Hochul's sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. The Governor has introduced and successfully secured, in the 2022-23 State Budget, a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 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.

The development consists of 16 two-story residential buildings with a total of 60 apartments and a standalone community building. Apartments are affordable to households earning between 30 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The developer is Christopher Community, Inc.

Camillus Heights was designed to meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Low Rise New Construction program requirements and is expected to achieve LEED silver certification. Energy efficient features include Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, high-performance space conditioning equipment, windows, insulation, and air sealing.

Camillus Heights is less than one mile from the village of Camillus where there is a grocery store, pharmacy, banks, restaurants, and retail. The development has its own bus stop shelter on site. The development is located within the West Genesee Central School District.

State financing for Camillus Heights included Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $11.9 million in equity and $3.6 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA provided $63,000 in support. The Community Preservation Corporation provided a SONYMA-insured $1.2 million permanent loan.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Camillus Heights allows 60 families the opportunity to live affordably in a community with high-performing schools and easy access to public transportation, grocery stores, and restaurants. Along with energy-efficient features and recreation space, the development provides a healthy and comfortable environment for families to grow and thrive. Congratulations to Christopher Community for making this project possible and helping us expand the housing supply in Onondaga County."

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO at NYSERDA, said, "With the completion of the Camillus Heights project, Onondaga County residents now have greater access to safe, highly efficient, and resilient affordable housing with numerous features, from heating and cooling equipment to state-of-the-art appliances, that provide a healthier, more comfortable living environment. This project and others like it will ensure all New Yorkers can benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy and supports Governor Hochul's commitment to achieving 2 million climate friendly homes in communities across the state by 2030."

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Every Onondaga County family and senior deserves safe, affordable housing, and I am proud that the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, that I fought hard to expand, has supplied the millions needed to revitalize this area with 60 new, energy-efficient and affordable homes. I commend Governor Hochul on this essential affordable housing push, and will keep fighting to get every dollar of federal support needed to lay the foundation for a brighter future for Central New York."

State Senator John W. Mannion said, "Affordable housing is the cornerstone to strong families and a strong Central New York. The completion of the $17 million Camillus Heights housing development means 60 new units - all energy efficient - are now available to serve the needs of our community. I commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to expanding affordable housing options across the state and for working with the legislature to make record investments to support New York's comprehensive housing plan."

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, "Camillus Heights only adds to the value of our community by offering affordable, energy efficient housing options near the center of the village. Christopher Communities and New York State are coordinating efforts to increase economic growth and community development while developing affordable, secure places to live."

Camillus Town Supervisor John Fatcheric said, "The town of Camillus is proud of its comprehensive planning to include the addition of Camillus Heights affordable and energy efficient homes in its well-rounded variety of housing for the community. The balance of affordable housing, senior housing and single-family housing; alongside apartments, condominiums, and town homes is a testament to the commitment that the Town seeks to accommodate the needs of all its residents. Diverse housing, access to an exceptional school district, along with the many amenities the town provides, are just a few of the reasons Camillus is a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

Jaime Tuozzolo, Vice President & Mortgage Officer at the Community Preservation Corporation, said, "As a nonprofit housing finance company, CPC is proud to invest in projects like Camillus Heights that help to meet the unique housing and development goals of the region and community. We are proud to be part of a project that will be a catalyst for bringing people together, providing stability to its tenants, and which will serve as a critical resource of affordability for the Camillus community. My thanks to Christopher Community for their vision and commitment to this project, to Governor Hochul, HCR Commissioner Visnauskas, NYSERDA, and all of our partners and stakeholders."

Justin Rudgick, President and CEO at Christopher Community, Inc., said, "We are extremely excited about the completion of the new $17 million construction project at Camillus Heights. This affordable housing initiative in the town of Camillus, provides families with 60 beautiful units, within 16 two-story townhouses. We greatly appreciate the partnership with New York State's Homes and Community Renewal, Community Preservation Corporation and everyone that has made this housing opportunity project possible."

Accelerating CNY Rising

Today's announcement complements "CNY Rising," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.