New York State Homes & Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne ...

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the completion of Johnson Park Green Community Apartments, 62 new apartments and a community center in the heart of Utica's Cornhill neighborhood. The $28 million multi-site development is transforming the neighborhood with modern, energy-efficient, affordable homes, half of which offer support services for seniors and people struggling with homelessness, and a community hub that houses a bustling food pantry and classroom space. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 1,300 affordable homes throughout Oneida County. Johnson Park Green Community Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

"My administration is committed to investing in developments like Johnson Park Green Community Apartments that increase our supply of affordable, sustainable homes, while injecting vitality and stability into neighborhoods," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "This project will help to uplift the Utica community and provide the opportunity and security that families, seniors, and those struggling with homelessness need to live independently and thrive."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The $28 million Johnson Park Green Community Apartments is creating more than 60 energy-efficient, modern, affordable homes in Utica and bringing a sense of optimism to the Cornhill neighborhood. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Maria Scates and Johnson Park Center, one of HCR's most valued faith-based partners, for their commitment to addressing the needs of low-income families, to Rockabill for guiding this life-changing project to fruition, and to Governor Hochul for her leadership on tackling the housing crisis throughout the State."

The development includes a new 51-unit three-story building and two duplexes. All apartments are affordable to households with incomes up to 40 percent of the Area Median Income. Half of the apartments are reserved for households in need of support services, including seniors and those struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges. The three residential buildings feature a central community room, storage room, laundry room, and kitchenette.

The community revitalization project also includes the construction of a new community center that houses a robust food pantry, classroom space for local pre-k programs and offices for support services for both residents of the Johnson Park Green Community Apartments as well as the surrounding Cornhill community.

All four buildings have rooftop solar arrays, and the residences buildings are built to Passive House standards and have Energy Recovery Ventilation systems - energy-efficient systems that constantly exhaust and bring in fresh air. They are heated and cooled with high efficiency variable refrigerant flow air source heat pumps and are outfitted with ENERGY STAR® appliances, which will provide climate-friendly homes for residents. The project was recognized by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority Buildings of Excellence Competition and NY-Sun.

Johnson Park Center and Rockabill Development, LLC are the co-developers of the project. Johnson Park Center is operating the community service facility and will provide support services to the eligible tenants including managing their overall wellness and safety, aid with daily living and transportation to appointments. On-site classes such as cooking, communications, gardening and recreational activities will be offered to tenants and the surrounding community to promote social well-being.

Johnson Park Green Community Apartments is supported by HCR's Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program that generated approximately $14.8 million in equity, $1.7 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and $1.3 million from Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $5.6 million from its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $1 million from the second round of its Buildings of Excellence Competition, $248,000 from the New Construction - Housing Program and $151,000 in incentives through NY-Sun. In addition, the city of Utica provided $900,000 in HOME funding and $450,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding. Chase provided a $16 million construction loan from Chase Community Development Banking. Tax credit syndicator Hudson Housing Capital and the Tax Oriented Investments unit of J.P. Morgan invested over $14.8 million in tax credit equity. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties provided a $250,000 sponsor loan. Oneida County contributed $150,000. Operating funding for the supportive units is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Department of Health.

U.S. Senate Majority LeaderSchumersaid, "Everyone in Utica deserves a safe, supportive, and affordable place to call home. I'm proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help complete Johnson Park Green Community Apartments in Utica which will provide more seniors and people in need of support services with an affordable and energy-efficient place to live - in addition to offering a food pantry and mental health services. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing to bring down those high prices. Governor Hochul has done great work to create and preserve affordable homes across the state, and together we will keep working to ensure that everyone in the Mohawk Valley and across New York State has a roof over their head."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Access to affordable housing provides residents with stability that can help to reduce adverse health outcomes. The completion of the Johnson Park Green Community Apartments reflects the state's commitment to prioritize health equity, ensure that residents can live independently and provide access to resources that can improve the overall health and well-being of New Yorkers. The Department, with the unwavering support of Governor Hochul, remains committed to investing in developments that expand health equity and housing security across New York State."

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Bringing energy efficient, affordable housing powered by renewable energy to communities is a priority for Governor Hochul and NYSERDA is proud to support these new clean and resilient apartments in Utica. The development of Johnson Park Green Community Apartments integrates rooftop solar alongside the latest building construction and energy saving measures to provide comfortable, healthy living spaces while helping improve the quality of life for vulnerable New Yorkers."

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "The opening of Johnson Park Green Community Apartments provides formerly homeless households, including older adults and individuals with mental illness, with affordable energy-efficient homes and easy access to essential services they need to thrive. The food pantry, classroom space, and offices for support services in the project's new community service facility will enrich the lives of residents and the surrounding community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her strong support of the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and commitment to expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing options across New York State."

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Supportive housing provides the stability that individuals living with serious mental illness can rely on to thrive in an independent setting. The Johnson Park Green Community Apartments will fill this need in the city of Utica and the surrounding area, offering support services and greater opportunities. Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to this project and supportive housing statewide continues to help us address this important need throughout New York."

State Senator Joseph Griffosaid, "I am pleased that the Johnson Park Green Community Apartments projects have been completed. This apartment complex will provide an additional housing option and supportive services to area residents, families and seniors."

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschonsaid, "The Johnson Park Green Community Apartments is another project that will enhance and support the needs of residents in the Mohawk Valley. It is evident that project will continue to improve and advance this area of the city."

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. 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. With state-of-the-art energy-efficient features and essential support services, Johnson Park will provide a safe, climate-friendly community where residents can thrive. Oneida County is honored to have contributed to this transformative $28 million project, which will have a lasting positive impact on our community."

Utica Mayor Michael P. Galimesaid, "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 DevelopmentManaging 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 built to Passive House standards. This ensures exceptional energy performance and comfort. 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. We are grateful to the finance team and the design and construction team, who all worked collaboratively to bring this vision to life."

Rev. Dr. Maria Scates, D.D., CEO and Founder of Johnson Park Center, and Rev. Ursula Meier, COO of Johnson Park Center, said, "We are incredibly excited to see the completion of our Johnson Park Green Living Apartments and our new Johnson Park Green Community Center. 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. We love giving back to our neighbors and are overjoyed to see the growth here at Johnson Park Center. We are extremely grateful for all those involved in bringing positive change to Utica, NY with us throughout this project."

Chase Community Development BankingManaging Director Sharmi Sobhan said, "These high-quality, sustainable homes will be a vital resource for the community, enhancing the local supply of affordable housing and positively impacting the lives of seniors and individuals through the inclusion of onsite supportive services. We're committed to working on impactful projects such as Johnson Park Green Living to help close that housing gap."

Hudson Housing CapitalManaging Director Sam Ganeshan said, "Hudson Housing Capital is proud to partner with Johnson Park Center and Rockabill Development to finance high-quality affordable housing at Johnson Park Green Community Apartments. This property is now ready to offer essential social services and provide some of Utica's most vulnerable residents with a safe place to live independently. We thank and commend all parties involved, including our investor J.P. Morgan Chase, for their commitment to achieving this exciting milestone."

Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida CountiesPresident and CEO Alicia Fernandez Dicks said, "At our foundation, we believe in the power of community. Partnering with Johnson Park Center is more than collaboration; it's a shared vision of hope and change, where together we can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into realities."

Governor Hochul's Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York's housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York's housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain State-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on State-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide, and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 45,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. To date, more than 160 communities have been certified, including the city of Utica.

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