March 14, 2019
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of Skybird Landing Apartments, a 60-apartment, $17 million affordable housing development in the Village of Geneseo. Half of the apartments are reserved for individuals who are eligible for onsite supportive services that offer job training and promote stability, health and independent living. The State's investment in Skybird Landing Apartments complements Finger Lakes Forward by increasing access to high quality and supportive affordable housing to help residents stay in their community and live independently.
"Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental right and New York is making significant investments to combat homelessness and make housing more accessible throughout the state," Governor Cuomo said. "The Skybird Landing Apartments will provide residents with supportive services and security, creating an environment for them to thrive while building a stronger local economy that will continue to move the Finger Lakes forward."
"This significant housing development in Geneseo will provide affordable, quality residential units for individuals and families in the area," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Skybird Landing apartments will include supportive services for residents on site, such as job training and health care resources. This development continues to grow the economy of the region as part of Finger Lakes Forward and builds on our efforts to invest in affordable housing across the state."
The 60 new apartments, spread across six buildings, are affordable to households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. Thirty of the apartments are available to tenants with a history of homelessness who will have access to supportive services and rent subsidies through Governor Cuomo's Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, part of the Governor's $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 of supportive housing.
Skybird Landing's amenities include a community room, lounges, computer lab, laundry room, shared outdoor space and office areas for the supportive units. The name "Skybird Landing" pays homage to Geneseo's National Warplane Museum, a warbird and military history museum founded in 1994. The National Warplane Museum is also home to Whiskey 7, a restored troop carrier that participated in the D-Day invasion, as well as host to one of the last turf airshows in the country each July.
HCR's financing for Skybird Landing Apartments includes federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate nearly $12.7 million in equity, $3.5 million through the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program and $200,000 from the Rural Area Revitalization Program. Additional funding was provided by the NYS Office of Mental Health and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Governor Cuomo's commitment to strengthening communities and growing the Finger Lakes economy is reflected in Finger Lakes Forward, a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative that builds on the more than $6.1 billion the State has invested in the region since 2012. Since 2011, HCR has invested $442 million in the Finger Lakes region that has created affordable housing for about 14,650 residents.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Skybird Landing Apartments is already contributing to the momentum that propels the Finger Lakes Forward, strengthening the community by providing more than 60 residents with greater economic stability, personal security, and the supportive services that they need to succeed. We thank our partners for joining us in fulfilling this critical mission."
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "These beautiful, new apartments in Geneseo will give individuals with mental illness the safe, stable safety net that only housing can provide. Skybird Landing shows New York's commitment to supportive housing, utilizing funding from Governor Cuomo's Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, and embracing a collaborative community approach to ensure individuals with mental illness lead rich, full lives."
Senator Patrick M. Gallivan said, "Skybird Landing is providing much needed affordable housing options for seniors and others in need of supportive services. By making it possible for more people to live independently, projects like this enhance the quality of life for residents and add to the fabric of our community."
Assemblymember Marjorie Byrnes said,"These apartments are an example of the thriving community here in Geneseo, New York. I applaud those at Skybird Landing Apartments and their collaboration with Finger Lakes Forward for providing access to necessary affordable housing to help residents live independently. These new amenity-filled apartments will help residents thrive and help stimulate the economy throughout Livingston County."
Mark H. Fuller, DePaul Properties President, said, "DePaul is pleased to be a community partner in meeting the need for quality affordable housing options in Livingston County and throughout New York State. We wish to thank Governor Cuomo and the State for providing DePaul with the funding that has made this project a reality. Skybird Landing is an example of progress and partnership in action."
Gillian Conde, Vice President of DePaul Properties, Inc., said, "We owe a debt of gratitude to our nation's veterans. Skybird Landing is an important connection to the museum's dedication to preserving World War II and Korean War-era military aircraft, equipment and the stories of the men and women who selflessly served our country at home and abroad."
About De Paul Properties
DePaul Properties, Inc. creates and operates attractive, affordable housing solutions in urban, suburban and rural settings within environments that promote respectful community relationships.
DePaul, a progressive, private not-for-profit organization founded in 1958, is committed to providing quality services including assisted living services for seniors; residential and support services to persons with mental illness in recovery, some of whom have a history of homelessness; addiction prevention and support services, vocational programs and affordable housing. DePaul assists individuals in achieving their optimum level of independence and success in the environment of their choice, while remaining sensitive to assessed community needs and available resources.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today's announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.1 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan - investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. 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 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.