Categories: New York State, Groundbreakings
04.19.2024
On April 18th, RUPCO joined project partners and elected officials to break ground on their new project, Silver Gardens. Once complete this new affordable/supportive building will bring 57 new affordable apartments, including 29 supportive for seniors experiencing or at risk of homelessness, in the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County. On-site services are provided by RUPCO and funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) administered by the New York State Department of Health.
Kevin O’Connor, RUPCO’s Chief Executive Officer, spoke first and thanked the Network for its advocacy in helping to create the ESSHI program, ”Home matters, especially for our most vulnerable senior populations. Silver Gardens will provide affordable and supportive housing in a great location. Affordable rents and onsite services are a winning combination.”
Jen Metzger, Ulster County Executive, said, “I am just so excited that this project has broken ground and is becoming a reality. It is heartbreaking to see the hundreds of families and individuals that the county is having to place in emergency housing every single day. That number has grown dramatically, and we are facing a housing crisis like we’ve never faced before. Think about seniors in their last years, living on fixed and modest incomes in most cases, who have been on these endlessly long waiting lists trying to get a home.”
David Plavchak, Town of Lloyd Supervisor, said, “Silver Gardens fills a need in the Town of Lloyd, especially for our lower income senior community, which in my opinion is quite commonly a neglected group. I am happy that it provides an affordable housing alternative with supportive offerings that doesn’t always exist in the town or in the area.”
Richard Gerentine, Principal of Girondini, expressed pride in the project and said, “Silver Gardens signifies more than just affordable housing; it embodies a beacon of hope and dignity for our seniors. Beyond shelter, the site’s prime location and supportive services will help create a nurturing community where residents can truly thrive. We’re thrilled to collaborate with RUPCO to bring this vital project to life, ensuring our seniors have the supportive and enriching environment they deserve.”
Remarks were also provided by Abe Uchitelle, Ulster County Legislature, Joanie Straussman Brandon, Neighbor Works America Northeast Regional Vice-President and Darren Scott, NYSHCR Upstate East Director of Development.
The all-electric building will use geothermal energy systems and Energy Star appliances. The development is also expected to achieve Enterprise Green Communities Plus and United States Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. Building amenities include a community room with an outdoor patio, a laundry room, computer lab and bike room.
Funding for this project comes from Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), financing from Community Preservation Corporation and Ulster County American Rescue Plan funding.
The general contractor is Tern Construction & Development, LLC and the architect is Coppola Associates.