November 1, 2017
Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Elmira, NY – October 31, 2017 – CDS Housing of Webster, NY, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal celebrated the groundbreaking for a new senior housing development on Maple Avenue in Elmira. This housing community will be open to income qualifying seniors age 55 and older and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A general preference will be given to veterans and to persons on public housing waiting lists for all units.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “We are pleased to partner with CDS Monarch and OPWDD in meeting the need for affordable senior and supportive housing in Elmira. This development will enable 50 residents to remain independent in their own community and furthers Governor Cuomo’s efforts to keep the Southern Tier Soaring.”
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Kerry A. Delaney said: “Secure, affordable, supportive housing is the foundation for the fulfilling, community-integrated life we strive to help people achieve. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with our colleagues at NYS Homes and Community Renewal to expand and improve supportive housing throughout the state. Housing communities like this one build richer lives, more cohesive and diverse communities, and ultimately, an even better and stronger New York.”
“We are very excited to begin the next step in providing affordable housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors and veterans in Elmira,” CDS Life Transitions President/CEO Sankar Sewnauth said. “In addition to providing a needed service for the people of Elmira, we are looking forward to working with AIM Independent Living to provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who reside there.”
The Elmira senior housing development received $2 million in New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Housing Trust Fund program and $865,000 in low-income credit from HCR. The project also received $1.2 million in capital funding from OPWDD and $75,000 from the CDS Wolf Foundation.
The Elmira affordable housing community will consist of 50 one-bedroom apartments, ten of which will be reserved for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This project has also received funding from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). With the support of AIM Independent Living Center, CDS Housing will provide support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Medicaid Service Coordination, individualized person-centered planning and health education lectures and seminars, among others.
“Thank you to HCR, OPWDD, Gov. Cuomo and New York State for making this greatly needed project possible,” AIM Independent Living Center Executive Director René Snyder said. “The lack of affordable, accessible housing is a significant barrier to independence for people with disabilities and seniors. This project will increase opportunities for integration and independence. AIM’s role will be to provide on-site supports for the residents. We believe in person-centered, self-directed services, so residents will receive only the support they desire, and they’ll have the opportunity to choose the providers they want. AIM is excited to join the neighborhood and to help people be as successful as possible.”
New York State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), said, “We are grateful for this investment to enhance the long-standing mission of CDS Life Transitions and the AIM Independent Living Center to provide safe, affordable, high-quality housing for people with disabilities, seniors, families, veterans, and other residents throughout the Southern Tier. For nearly four decades, they have made an enormous difference in countless lives and we’re hopeful that this new addition will help foster and strengthen their efforts.”
Construction is expected to be completed in fall of 2018. Applications will be accepted beginning in spring 2018.
About CDS Housing
Celebrating 40 years under its parent company, CDS Life Transitions, CDS Housing provides quality, integrated housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors, families and veterans. To learn more about CDS Housing please visit www.cdshousing.org
About AIM
AIM Independent Living Center, more commonly known as AIM, is a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities in New York’s Southern Tier. Founded in 1979, AIM serves people of all ages, with any type of disability. AIM’s programs and services support an individual’s right to choice, independence and community integration.
Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $4.6 billion in the region since 2012 to lay for groundwork for the plan – attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. 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 Binghamton, Johnson City and Corning as a destination in which to grow and invest. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring 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 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
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