Categories: New York State, Member News, Openings
10.08.2024
On October 7th, Johnson Park Center joined project partners and elected officials to celebrate the opening of Johnson Park Green Community Apartments in Utica. The 4-building project consists of all affordable buildings, three buildings include 31 supportive units serving frail elderly homeless individuals and one building consists of an expanded community center. On-site support services are provided by Johnson Park Center funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Department of Health.
Rev. Dr. Maria A. Scates D.D., President, CEO, and founder of Johnson Park Center remarked, “Accomplishing these projects will help us to be able to better serve our community with providing additional low-income housing, a new indoor food pantry and a bigger updated youth center.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. expressed pride in the residence and said, "I am pleased to see the completion of the Johnson Park Green Community Apartments, a project that represents a crucial step forward in providing affordable, sustainable and supportive housing for the people of Utica's Cornhill neighborhood. This development not only addresses the immediate needs of individuals and families facing homelessness and serious mental illness, but also sets a new standard for environmentally responsible living.”
Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime said, "Johnson Park Center has always been a staunch advocate for bringing about a wind of change in the Cornhill neighborhood and the Johnson Park Green Community Apartments are yet another testament to their commitment to this neighborhood, affordable housing and to the city of Utica."
Rockabill Development Managing Principal Niall Murray said, “The completion of Johnson Park Green Living Community Apartments has greatly enhanced the Cornhill neighborhood of Utica by providing energy-efficient, affordable, supportive housing. The development also includes a community center that will offer a tremendous array of services for those most in need. Rockabill is honored to have partnered with Johnson Park Center on this transformative project.”
Building amenities include a classroom space for pre-K programs and a community center which includes space for Johnson Park’s Center’s food pantry. The four new buildings all feature solar panels and the three residential buildings meet Passive House standards and use Energy Recovery Ventilation systems.
Funding for this project comes from Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, NYS Home and Community Renewal’s (HCR) Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, HCR’s Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Buildings of Excellence Competition, NYSERDA’s New Construction Housing Program, HOME funding from the city of Utica, a construction loan from Chase Community Development Banking, investments from Hudson Housing Capital and JPMorgan Chase and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
The co-developers are Rockabill Development and the Johnson Park Center and the architect is SWBR Architects.
Press:
https://www.uticaod.com/story/news/2024/10/08/johnson-park-affordable-housing-apartments-community-center-finished/75566594007/