July 11, 2018
E.J. Apartments and Crandall-North Street Revitalize Binghamton, Increase Housing Opportunities
for Individuals, Families and Seniors
Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy
to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
July 11, 2018 – New York State Homes and Community Renewal today announced the ribbon cutting for E.J. Apartments, a $6.3 million rehabilitation of the historic Endicott Johnson Medical Clinic into 20 affordable homes for seniors, and the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Crandall-North Street Revitalization project, a $10.5 million project that will create 37 affordable homes and 1,000 square feet of commercial space. Together, these two developments will result in 57 affordable rental apartments across 12 newly renovated buildings, including two historic structures, in the City of Binghamton’s First and Second Wards. First Ward Action Council is the developer for both projects.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “EJ Apartments and Crandall-North are excellent examples of Governor Cuomo’s vision for investing in the Southern Tier and sending its economy soaring. Together, these projects will create affordable housing options for about 100 people in downtown Binghamton while also restoring two historic buildings and making the neighborhood more vibrant and attractive.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s commitment to strengthening communities and growing the Southern Tier economy is reflected in Southern Tier Soaring, a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative that builds on the more than $4.6 billion the State has injected in the region since 2012. The State’s investment in E.J. Apartments and Crandall-North Street Revitalization complements the Southern Tier Soaring initiative by expanding affordable housing options in downtown neighborhoods so that as the region’s economy grows, all New Yorkers have the opportunity to grow with it.
E.J. Apartments is the adaptive reuse of the former Endicott Johnson Corporation’s medical clinic, which was built in 1925 and provided medical care for the shoe company’s employees. The redevelopment included a wooden addition to the existing brick building and the substantial rehabilitation of a two-story house on an adjacent property.
This project includes 20 apartments for seniors age 55 or older, including five apartments for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Southern Tier Independence Center is the supportive service provider. Seventeen units are fully accessible and adapted for persons with mobility impairment and two units are fully accessible and adapted for persons with a hearing or visual impairment.
The development, located at 305 Clinton Street, is within walking distance of many services and neighborhood retail outlets, and has a city bus stop directly in front of the building. Amenities include on-site parking, outdoor space, laundry facilities, a community room with a computer lab and bulk storage for each tenant. The building’s design incorporates green and energy efficiency measures to meet NYSERDA’s Low-rise Residential New Construction and Energy Smart Program for Historic Renovation, as well as the Enterprise Green Communities Program. By incorporating energy efficient features, the project helps move the State toward Governor Cuomo’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent in 2030, including a target the Governor set in April that achieves one-third of that reduction by 2025 – the equivalent of energy used to power 1.8 million homes.
The Crandall-North Street Revitalization project will result in 37 units of affordable housing on scattered sites in Binghamton’s Second Ward, known as the “North of Main” neighborhood. This neighborhood revitalization effort will rehabilitate Sturtevant House at 47 North Street and the substantial renovation of 10 existing Crandall Street buildings directly adjacent to or across the street from each other.
The 47 North Street property will include 1,013 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. This historic community asset was the home of the Sturtevant-Larrabee company, a leading sleigh and carriage manufacturer in the late 1800s. The property has been donated by the City of Binghamton.
The Crandall-North Street residential units include 2 studio apartments, 18 one-bedroom apartments, and 17 two-bedroom apartments. Six units will be set aside for individuals with a physical disability or traumatic brain injury.
Both projects address ongoing efforts to replace rental units destroyed or severely damaged by Tropical Storm Lee.
HCR financing for EJ Apartments includes $1.1 million from the NYS HOME program and $3.8 million in federal Low-Income Housing Credit equity. Additional funding was provided by the NYS Office for People With Development Disabilities, the NYS Energy Research and Development Agency, and federal Historic Tax Credits.
HCR financing for the Crandall-North Street Revitalization is being provided through $1.5 million from the NYS Housing Trust Fund, $258,000 from the Community Investment Fund, and $8.2 million in federal Low-Income Housing Credit equity. Additional funding is being provided by the NYS Energy Research and Development Agency, the Broome County Land Bank, and the City of Binghamton.
Both developments are part of the Governor's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year plan to create or preserve more than 112,000 affordable homes including 6,000 with supportive services. Since 2011, HCR has financed the creation or preservation of 1,900 affordable apartments in multifamily buildings in the Southern Tier, more than 390 of which are in Broome County.
Kerry A. Delaney, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the E.J. Apartments project at the historic Endicott Johnson Medical Clinic, and others like it, empower people with developmental disabilities to be participating members of their communities. Expanding community-based residential opportunities for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities benefits both the individual and the community to which he, she or they contributes.”
NYS Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “These projects help fill the need for affordable housing while also preserving two historically significant properties in the City of Binghamton. The accessible units on Clinton Street, specifically designed for seniors and people with developmental disabilities, are especially needed. The First Ward Action Council should be commended for working in our underserved and often overlooked areas. I’d also like to sincerely thank the Governor and NYSHCR for their ongoing support.”
Binghamton Mayor Richard C. David said, “We’ve built partnerships to change the status quo and transform the community. These projects will not only provide safe, quality, affordable housing, but also create a tipping point to stabilize neighborhoods by reducing blight and establishing a local landlord to work responsibly with the City. It means fewer children, families and seniors living in deteriorating, sometimes dangerous, housing conditions. I thank Governor Cuomo and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for supporting this vision in Binghamton.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, ““Today’s announcement shows the major investments the state is making to revitalize and bring much-needed affordable housing to Broome County. Any day you can announce more than 50 affordable rental properties is a great day! These projects are bringing new life and new opportunities. Thank you to Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for recognizing the need to increase housing opportunities for families and seniors in Broome County and helping grow our economy.”
Jerry Willard, Executive Director of First Ward Action Council, said, “The funding from NYS Homes and Community Renewal makes it possible for us to bring about tremendous changes in the neighborhood, rebuilding the past to enhance the future."
Joanne Carlyle, Regional Lead, OHS Program Specialist, Southern Tier Independence Center, said, “Southern Tier Independence Center is happy to be partnering with First Ward Action Council on EJ Apartments located at 305 Clinton Street in Binghamton. We are pleased to see more housing become available in our community for individuals with disabilities.
Beverly Moschak, E.J. Apartments resident, said, “As a lifelong Binghamton resident, this apartment allows me to live close to my family, friends, church and senior center. Thanks to the wonderful people at First Ward Action Council for making this development possible.”
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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