December 13, 2022
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $24 million affordable housing development in the town of Plattsburgh. Northwoods features 80 new affordable apartments, including 40 with supportive services.
"The urgent need for affordable and supportive housing in every corner of our state is one that my administration is determined to address," Governor Hochul said. "Northwoods is helping to answer the call in Plattsburgh with modern, energy-efficient apartments that provide residents with all the necessary services to keep them safe, healthy, and securely housed."
Northwoods complements Governor Hochul's sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a $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.
Northwoods consists of five newly constructed buildings located at 195 Plaza Boulevard, a previously vacant 13-acre plot. Four of the buildings contain a mixture of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, while the fifth serves as a community building and offices for Behavioral Health Services North, a Plattsburgh-based non-profit that will be providing supportive services at Northwoods.
Forty residents will have access to on-site services and rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Services include case management, life skills training, health education, transportation assistance, building security services, and referrals to other resources.
The remaining apartments are affordable to households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
The development of Northwoods complements the town of Plattsburgh's adopted Elevate Plattsburgh Town Center Smart Growth Plan by addressing a lack of housing options in the town's commercial center, and by making the town center more walkable through increased density and expansions to the existing sidewalk network. Northwoods also improves local traffic patterns by connecting Tom Miller Road to Plaza Boulevard.
Northwoods was constructed using green building practices, and the development meets the criteria for the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Certified Homes Program, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's New Construction - Housing Program, and silver certification by the LEED for Homes program.
The development is located near a grocery store, various medical offices, and the Town of Plattsburgh's May Currier Park, and is served by Clinton County Public Transit bus lines.
Northwoods has been developed by Housing Visions.
State financing includes Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $13.9 million in equity and $9 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA provided $80,000 in support. The Leviticus Fund, a New York-based CDFI, awarded the project a $545,000 grant.
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested more than $17 million to create or preserve over 200 affordable apartments in multifamily buildings in Clinton County.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Our $24 million investment in the town of Plattsburgh addresses a critical shortage of affordable housing in the North Country and utilizes a roadmap created by local leaders to promote the community's growth. Thanks to the work completed here, 80 households will benefit from a safe, modern home, including 40 individuals and families experiencing homelessness who will receive supportive services to help them thrive. Thank you to our partners, public and private, for their cooperation on this development that will benefit so many in the community."
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Safe and stable housing is a critical factor in the treatment and recovery of a individuals living with mental illness. Supportive housing has enabled thousands of vulnerable individuals and families to live successfully in their own communities. Once again, I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to supportive housing and to the ESSHI program."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "With the completion of the Northwoods Development, North Country residents now have increased access to affordable and supportive housing that provides a comfortable living experience through energy efficient features from appliances, equipment and lighting to windows, insulation and air sealing. This project is notably fossil fuel free which is healthier for occupants and the environment and supports Governor Hochul's goal to develop two million climate friendly homes by 2030."
State Senator Dan Stec said, "Affordable housing is essential in our region. With its 80 new affordable and supportive apartments, we can better ensure that Plattsburgh residents have the access to a better quality of life they need and deserve."
Assemblymember Billy Jones said, "It has become increasingly more difficult for folks across the North Country to find an affordable place to live and projects like Northwoods are key in developing new affordable housing. Everywhere I go in my district I hear about issues with housing affordability and I am proud to have supported this project to bring more housing to the North Country. I want to thank New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Housing Visions, and Behavioral Health Services North for all their hard work and dedication that made this possible and look forward to working with state and community leaders to bring more projects like this to the North Country."
Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman said, "We are elated, to celebrate the completion of the Northwoods project. There is such a great need for housing in our area. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable space to call home. Northwoods is uniquely and ideally situated in our town center as a live workplace environment that abuts up to access of things like employment, health, care, retail, and recreation. I applaud all involved for making this a reality. The Town of Plattsburgh welcomes more projects like this. We will continue to make housing a community priority."
Housing Visions CEO Ben Lockwood said, "Housing Visions is pleased to partner with BHSN and others in the Plattsburgh community to provide high quality, energy efficient, affordable housing and services. Northwoods makes strides to increase affordable housing options in the North Country. Plattsburgh recognizes the need for diverse housing options for residents and Northwoods is a fantastic representation of what a community can accomplish when working together to solve community challenges."
Behavioral Health Services North President/CEO Mark Lukens, "As a regional leader in whole-person care, BHSN understands that it's hard to be healthy without housing. That's why we're proud to have contributed to this effort to bring more quality housing to our area and to some of our most vulnerable community members."