Categories: New York State, Member News, Openings
01.20.2023
On December 13th, Housing Visions and Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. (BHSN) joined project partners and elected officials to celebrate the opening of a new affordable and supportive housing residence, Northwoods. Located in the Town of Plattsburgh, Northwoods has created 80 units of affordable housing, including 40 supportive housing units. BHSN will provide onsite services funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) through New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).
Northwoods will consist of 5 buildings, 4 are apartment buildings and the fifth will serve as the community building where BHSN will have their offices to provide services. Building amenities include a laundry facility, bulk storage, a community room, and off-street parking. 8 units are also fully ADA accessible.
Ben Lockwood, President & CEO of Housing Visions, emceed the event, said, “Northwoods is a fantastic example of collaboration to meet a shared goal of expanding affordable and supportive housing options and services to residents of Plattsburgh. Combining the affordable housing development, construction and property management expertise of Housing Visions with BHSN’s deep knowledge of the community and their top-notch services results in a great addition of 80 affordable units to Plattsburgh.”
“We’re part of the fabric of today’s integrated health care system. Supportive housing reduces hospitalization and emergency room visits as well as Medicaid expenditures,” said Shawn Sabella, Vice President of Strategy, Quality & Government Relations, BHSN.
“These are great projects,” said New York State Senator Dan Stec. “A vibrant economy and a healthy social structure and community all start with good housing.”
“We’re going to provide the services here. Let’s bring the services that are needed here.” said New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones.
“Everyone deserves a home. We need more projects like Northwoods in our community." said Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman.
“These projects are all about allowing and providing an environment for folks to live independently,” said Daren Scott, Upstate Director of Development East, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR).
“Safe and stable housing is the foundation upon which recovery is built,” said Christopher Stephano, Mental Health Program Specialist, NYS OMH. “It provides a safety net, peace of mind and a secure platform.”
Remarks were also given by: Jonathan Carman, Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and John Dunne, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).
Funding for Northwoods is provided by NYS HCR’s 9% and NYS Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) and (SLHICs), HOME program, Supportive Housing Opportunity Program (SHOP) and the Federal Housing Trust Fund.
The architect is Architectural & Engineering Design Associates and the General Contractor was Housing Visions Construction Co., Inc.
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