Housing Visions and New York State Homes and Community Renewal Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting for 49 Affordable Apartments in Syracuse

$15 Million Salina Crossing Removed Blight, Revitalizing Syracuse Neighborhoods

SYRACUSE, NY – (RealEstateRama) — Housing Visions Unlimited, Inc. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the City of Syracuse, elected officials, and partners celebrated the ribbon cutting of Salina Crossing, a mixed-used development that has created 49 modern, safe and affordable housing units for low-income households and nearly 6,000 square feet of commercial space to revitalize two neighborhoods connected by Salina Street, a main thoroughfare that spans the Northside and Southside of Syracuse.

James S. Rubin, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “The Northside and Southside communities now have new homes and a new space for businesses where before there had been vacant lots or deteriorating buildings. This commitment helps connect two important city neighborhoods, encourages local businesses, and provides quality homes people can afford. Salina Crossing is the type of development with community-wide impact to which Governor Cuomo is committed.”

“We are excited to celebrate the completion of this project that continues Syracuse’s residential and commercial revival,” said Kenyon Craig, President and CEO of Housing Visions Unlimited, Inc. “Salina Crossing will provide much-needed affordable housing in the neighborhood, an opportunity to improve its economic sustainability and offers a safe environment for many families. This would not be possible without the commitment and investment of the development partners with us today. Thank you to all our partners and funders.”

The $15 million Salina Crossing rehabilitated four existing buildings and constructed six new buildings to remove blight and trigger investment in Syracuse’s Northside and Southside neighborhoods. The 10 dilapidated properties and vacant lots were transformed into 49 high-quality, affordable housing units and nearly 6,000 square feet of commercial space.

The commercial space on the Northside will allow the tenant, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, to continue the hospital’s campus expansion and encourage additional economic development in this emerging neighborhood.

Salina Crossing provides a mix of 27 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom, and five four-bedroom units. Five units accommodate persons with mobility impairments, and two additional units were adapted for persons with hearing and/or vision impairment. Eight units in Salina Crossing are available through priority leasing to persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The development is designed to meet LEED and NYSERDA Energy Star certification.

In 2014, HCR awarded $900,000 in annual Low Income Housing Tax Credits to Salina Crossing as part of Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion House NY initiative to build and preserve affordable housing and revitalize communities. HCR also awarded more than $3.6 million in New York State HOME program resources, and nearly $500,000 from the Community Investment Fund. The City of Syracuse provided $800, 000 in City HOME to help fund Salina Crossing. Other funding partners include NY Housing Trust Fund Corporation, NY Community Investment Fund, National Equity Fund, Inc, and KeyBank, N.A.

Senator John A. DeFrancisco said, “I was happy to support the Salina Crossing project in Syracuse to help revitalize our neighborhoods on the north and south sides of the city and provide quality affordable housing to many of our deserving residents. This important mixed-use development project will also help to strengthen previous local investments and spur economic growth in our community.”

Senator David Valesky said, “Salina Crossing meets one of Syracuse’s current needs – affordable housing – and is another step on the path to critical urban neighborhood revitalization. I congratulate New York State Homes and Community Renewal and Housing Visions on this transformative project.”

Assemblywoman Pamela J. Hunter said, “Today’s ribbon-cutting marks the start of a transformational initiative that will provide quality housing to those living in extreme poverty across the City of Syracuse. I’m proud to stand with Housing Visions today as they continue to support those most in need.”

Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli said, “Salina Crossing is a concrete example of what can be achieved when the public, not-for-profit and private sectors join forces. Much needed affordable housing has been produced that will strengthen both Northside and Southside communities. I commend Governor Cuomo’s housing team, Housing Visions and their partners for their dedication and commitment.”

County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, Salina Crossing spreads the affordable rental units over several sites and provides much needed housing while enhancing the revitalization efforts of the important Northside and Southside communities. This is another concrete example of Governor Cuomo delivering on his commitment to Central New York.”