Governor Hochul Announces Construction of $15 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Onondaga County

 

Monarch Commons Will Provide 50 Affordable Apartments for Older Adults and Homeless Veterans in Highly Energy-Efficient Building

Investment Complements 'CNY Rising' - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

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 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $15 million affordable and energy-efficient housing development with 50 apartments in the town of Cicero in Onondaga County. Monarch Commons will include 35 apartments for adults aged 55 and older, and 15 apartments for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. 

"As we focus on helping New Yorkers recover from the pandemic, boosting affordable, sustainable, and supportive housing is one of our best strategies to fight homelessness and ensure that everyone has a roof over their head," Governor Hochul said. "Monarch Commons not only helps our most vulnerable residents in Onondaga County, including our veterans, it is a model for energy efficiency as we work to create a cleaner, greener future."

Monarch Commons will consist of a single two-story building with 48 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

Fifteen of the apartments will be reserved for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These individuals will have access to on-site supportive services provided by Soldier On, a national organization specializing in supporting veterans. Services and rental subsidies will be funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Development Assistance.

Monarch Commons has been designed to adhere to energy efficiency and green building standards required under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's New Construction - Housing Program (Tier 3) and the project will pursue LEED certification. Other energy efficient features include LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, continuously operating bath fans, and all Energy Star or equivalent appliances, equipment, lighting, and fixtures. 

Each apartment will have ample storage space, modern kitchen amenities and a patio or balcony. Bathrooms will be equipped with grab bars and emergency pull cords. Building amenities will include a lounge, community room, exercise room, and computer room. The building will also include a dedicated office space and separate meeting area for the supportive service provider. The project's developer is CDS Monarch, Inc. 

State financing includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $12 million in equity and $2.5 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA will provide $175,000 in support. Additional financing is being provided by the CDS Wolf Foundation and the Central New York Community Foundation. 

Monarch Commons is part of the state's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan to make housing accessible and to combat homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 homes with supportive services. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $190 million in Onondaga County, which has created or preserved nearly 2,800 affordable homes. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $15 million affordable and energy-efficient housing development with 50 apartments in the town of Cicero in Onondaga County. Monarch Commons will include 35 apartments for adults aged 55 and older, and 15 apartments for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. 

"As we focus on helping New Yorkers recover from the pandemic, boosting affordable, sustainable, and supportive housing is one of our best strategies to fight homelessness and ensure that everyone has a roof over their head," Governor Hochul said. "Monarch Commons not only helps our most vulnerable residents in Onondaga County, including our veterans, it is a model for energy efficiency as we work to create a cleaner, greener future."

Monarch Commons will consist of a single two-story building with 48 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

Fifteen of the apartments will be reserved for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These individuals will have access to on-site supportive services provided by Soldier On, a national organization specializing in supporting veterans. Services and rental subsidies will be funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Development Assistance.

Monarch Commons has been designed to adhere to energy efficiency and green building standards required under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's New Construction - Housing Program (Tier 3) and the project will pursue LEED certification. Other energy efficient features include LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, continuously operating bath fans, and all Energy Star or equivalent appliances, equipment, lighting, and fixtures. 

Each apartment will have ample storage space, modern kitchen amenities and a patio or balcony. Bathrooms will be equipped with grab bars and emergency pull cords. Building amenities will include a lounge, community room, exercise room, and computer room. The building will also include a dedicated office space and separate meeting area for the supportive service provider. The project's developer is CDS Monarch, Inc. 

State financing includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $12 million in equity and $2.5 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA will provide $175,000 in support. Additional financing is being provided by the CDS Wolf Foundation and the Central New York Community Foundation. 

Monarch Commons is part of the state's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan to make housing accessible and to combat homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 homes with supportive services. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $190 million in Onondaga County, which has created or preserved nearly 2,800 affordable homes.