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10.30.2019
The new Knitting Mill Apartments brings 48 supportive and affordable apartments to Wyoming County.
On Oct. 10th, alongside local and state officials and supporters, DePaul celebrated the opening of Knitting Mill Apartments – a beautiful new 48-unit supportive/affordable residence on the grounds of a former knitting mill. Thirty-four apartments are for formerly homeless, disabled individuals – including 12 designed for people with a mental health diagnosis, 10 apartments for frail and physically disabled seniors, and two for those with hearing and visual impairments. The remaining apartments are set-aside for low-income individuals and families from the area.
“I was moved almost to tears by the enormity of investment in this place, by the smartness of it, the quality of it, and the need for it,” said Mayor Rick Hauser. “I’ve heard from many neighbors as well – those cautious about the scale of the work, those who were not excited by the year of disruption caused by construction. Now, at its conclusion, they see life breathed into this gap in their street. Investment at this scale, let’s be honest, Perry does not see often enough. You placed a bet on Perry. It’s a good one and it will pay dividends to the citizens of Perry, N.Y.”
Other speakers included Douglas Berwanger, Chairman of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors; Brett Hebner, Director of the Bureau of Housing Development and Support at the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH); Assembly Member David DiPietro, who represents New York State’s 147th District; and Kelly Dryja, Director of Community Services at the Wyoming County Mental Health Department.
The residence is named for the Perry Knitting Company and the building – originally known as Mill No. 1 – was erected in 1882 and closed in 1914. The Knitting Mill Apartments encompass studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as a community room, lounges, computer labs, laundry rooms, outdoor space, and office areas.
DePaul’s supportive services, which include comprehensive job training, are funded by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).
The project began with a program development grant from OMH and received major capital funding from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), including Supportive Housing Opportunity Program (SHOP) and Low Income Housing Tax Credits which generated private equity investment through Red Stone Equity Partners and Five Star Bank. A grant from NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) improved energy efficiency.
The apartments were designed by SWBR Architects and built by LECESSE Construction.