New York Construction Report staff writer
The Port Byron Apartments, a new residential development in the village of Port Byron, Cayuga County, has replaced an outdated apartment building with 69 affordable units, including 30 that will offer on-site support services.
“This development enhances Cayuga County’s existing housing stock and creates affordable homes that will increase housing opportunities for all and provide services that will allow older New Yorkers and those in need of support to live independently,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As Central New York’s economy grows, I remain fully focused on improving affordability in communities both big and small.
“By replicating developments like The Port Byron Apartments, we can increase housing supply and create opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive for years to come.”
Over the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 550 affordable homes in Cayuga County. The Port Byron Apartments project aligns with Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, and electrify an additional 50,000 homes.
The project features a new, three-story building adjacent to an existing 39-unit structure known as Church Street Apartments, which previously served as the Port Byron Central School. Upon completion, residents from the older building moved into the new complex. The old building was then demolished and converted into an outdoor recreation area.
“Incorporating energy-efficient features such as ENERGY STAR appliances, air sealing, and high-performance ceiling and floor insulation into newly constructed affordable homes is pivotal to creating the next generation of healthy and modern buildings in New York State,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “NYSERDA is proud to be a partner on the now completed redevelopment of the Port Byron Apartments which will expand access to comfortable, quality living spaces for those in Cayuga County that need it most.”
All apartments are affordable for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty apartments include supportive services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. On-site staff will help connect residents with health and education services available throughout the county and region.
Designed to comply with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Low Rise New Construction – Housing program, sustainable features of the development include Energy Star appliances, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and an electric vehicle charging station. Residents will also have access to on-site transportation services, a pet park, walking paths, a community garden, and a playground. All units come with free high-speed internet service.
State financing for the project includes $16 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $8.7 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA contributed $69,000 in project incentives, and the Office of Mental Health provided $235,250 in Program Development Grant funding to support start-up costs for the supportive housing units.
