Categories: New York State, Member News, Openings
10.01.2019
On Sept. 24th, Home Leasing hosted a ribbon-cutting with nonprofit partner Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach (SCPO) to celebrate the opening of Charlotte Square on the Loop in Rochester, joined by over 100 community members including local elected officials and community supporters, and. Through Spiritus Christi, the 50-unit affordable/supportive residence for individuals and families includes eight units specifically for justice-involved individuals.
Jim Smith, Executive Director of SCPO, said this opportunity means a lot for the people he works with. “I wish that you could see the faces of the men and women as they move into their new apartments; it’s just incredible.”
Theresa Reda, a resident of Charlotte Square on the Loop, said, “I lived in places for a long time, where peace was rare and it brought me to my breaking point. I’m so very grateful for Home Leasing and all those who have made affordable living possible.”
Others speakers included Father James Callan, Associate Pastor at Spiritus Christi; Jenifer Higgins, Owner’s Representative at Home Leasing; Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor of NYS; Lovely Warren, Mayor of the City of Rochester; RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of NYSHCR; Chris Zeltmann, Regional Director at the Office of Senator Charles Schumer; Harry Bronson, NYS Assembly Member for District 138; Joseph Robach, NYS Senator for District 56; Elaine Spaull, Councilmember for the City of Rochester; Ryan Olman, VP & Senior Relationship Manager at Key Community Development Lending; Darrell Aubertine, Assistant at the NYS Comptroller's Office; and Jolie Milstein, President and CEO of NYSAFAH.
Charlotte Square on the Loop is a single four-story building that includes studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, a community room, fitness center, on-site laundry, and close access to local amenities and public transit. It is the first affordable housing project to be built on Rochester’s old Inner Loop, a wide circular road being repurposed to create a more walkable, safe, vibrant community.
Charlotte Square on the Loop was developed by Home Leasing, designed by SWBR, and built by Home Leasing Construction.
SCPO’s supportive services for tenants will include case management, job training and placement, and transportation support. The services are funded by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).
The project was funded by Low-Income Housing Credits and a loan from the Middle Income Housing Fund through NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Community Preservation Corp. through a partnership with NYS Common Retirement Fund, and the City of Rochester. Key Community Development Corp. was the tax credit investor. The building represents another project of the Governor’s Finger Lakes Forward initiative.