Categories: New York State, Member News, Openings
07.02.2024
On June 27th, East House joined project partners and elected officials to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Canal Street Common, which is bringing 123 new affordable apartments, 70 which are supportive, to Rochester, New York. On-site services are provided by East House and funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).
President and CEO of East House Lindsay Gozzi-Theobald, remarked, "Today’s a momentous day as we gather to open Canal Commons. It’s more than a restored building. It is a place where stories will begin, dreams realized and lives transformed. Home is where your story begins; home isn't just a physical space, it’s a feeling - a sense of belonging that stays with us wherever we go.”
Canal Street Commons Tenant Gary, expressed gratitude saying, “I am deeply indebted to East House for affording me a wonderful opportunity to reconstruct my life in a positive and constructive way. I have experienced a freedom in my life that I have never felt and it's amazing. Coming home to my new apartment at Canal Commons is something I couldn’t imagine just a few short months ago. Next month, July 6th, will mark one year of sobriety and the beginning of a new year.”
City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, remarked, “You cannot have a testimony without a test. Canal Commons is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision and unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of our community. What we can do together, far surpasses what we can accomplish alone. Together, a sanctuary was built for those who've faced the harshest challenges in life. This project provides more than just housing, it offers stability, dignity and a fresh start for many.”
State Senator Samra Brouk, 55th District, remarked, “As a Rochestarian, this will absolutely change the Rochester landscape. Not only for those facing a shortage of safe and stable housing, but also those in recovery from substance abuse disorder and those living with severe mental illness. In particular, there's joy to see a project like this become a reality because this is a place from its very beginnings that was built on the idea that people's needs should be met with compassionate care. That compassionate care is what we all would want for ourselves or loved ones. This is how we build strong, healthy safe and resilient communities.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney, 56th District, remarked, “We're building a neighborhood and strengthening a community that already has a rich legacy with the Susan B. Anthony House just a stone throws away. This is how we revitalize cities in upstate New York, by building places that are safe and welcoming for all New Yorkers to makes sure they have a place to call home.”
Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, New York State Offices of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) expressed pride in the new residence and said, “It’s wonderful to celebrate the moment. It takes an enormous amount of agencies, elected official support, and people to get these projects to this point.”
Remarks were also provided by Monica C. McCullough, Esq., President MM Development Advisors, Inc and Peter Groff, Federal Home Loan Bank.
Canal Street Commons is green certified under NYSERDA's Multifamily New Construction Program with the development utilizing Energy Star appliances, clean building materials, and integrated pest management. They also offer energy-efficient features, including ENERGY STAR appliances and LED lighting, high-performance space conditioning equipment, windows, insulation, and air sealing.
Building amenities include a community room with an outdoor terrace, playground, laundry room and a private courtyard with green space.
Financing for this project comes from Low Income Housing Tax Credits, subsidies from HCR, Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits from The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, funding from The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Housing Assistance Program, and OMH.
East House and MM Development Advisors, Inc are the co-developers. The architect is Plan Architectural Studios and the general contractor is Hamilton Stern Construction, LLC.
Press coverage:
https://rbj.net/2024/06/25/canal-commons-by-east-house-will-transform-lives/