SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on Mosaic Apartments, a two-building development that will create 60 apartments in Schenectady’s Mont Pleasant neighborhood. The all-electric, energy-efficient development will include 30 apartments with onsite support services for seniors and people with disabilities.
“Today’s investment in Schenectady will create dozens of much-needed affordable, energy-efficient apartments in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant communities,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is committed to addressing the New York’s housing crisis by creating affordable and supportive housing opportunities that enhance neighborhoods for existing residents and future generations.”
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 500 affordable homes in the city of Schenectady. Mosaic Apartments continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
Mosaic Apartments will consist of one four-story building with 46 apartments and a three-story building with 14 apartments. All apartments will be affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Residents will be provided with free high-speed internet and laundry facilities in each building.
Five apartments will be reserved for older New Yorkers and 25 apartments will offer residents access to on-site supportive services and rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. DePaul is the developer and supportive service provider.
Mosaic Apartments was awarded funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction – Housing Program to achieve a high level of sustainability and carbon reduction and has been designed in accordance with green building standards required for Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification. The all-electric development will include a solar array, Energy Star or equivalent heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and light fixtures.
State financing for the $27 million development includes $11 million in federal low-income housing tax credits and $9 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $4 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. NYSERDA awarded $240,000. OMH is providing a $226,200 Program Development Grant. Schenectady Metroplex is providing $525,000 and the Capital Region Land Bank is providing $200,000.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “As Schenectady and the Capital Region continue to grow, investment in expanding the housing supply has become a necessity. Mosaic Apartments will provide a secure home to 60 households, including 30 that will receive vital supportive services to remain healthy and independent, and the focus on sustainability will help us meet Governor Hochul’s carbon reduction targets. Thank you to DePaul, our state agency partners, and all who have played an integral role in reaching this milestone, and I look forward to seeing Mosaic Apartments become the newest home of Mont Pleasant’s residents.”
NYSERDA President and CEO, Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is proud to help provide safe, affordable housing for vulnerable New Yorkers through projects like this that incorporate the latest energy efficient features, green building standards, and onsite renewable energy. Once completed, the all-electric Mosaic Apartments will help Schenectady residents enjoy comfortable and quality living spaces along with access to the supportive services they need.”
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The 30 permanent supportive housing units being created as part of this project will help stabilize the housing situation for some of our most vulnerable residents while ensuring they have easy access to services that can help them thrive. Governor Hochul has made a strong commitment to the development of supportive housing across the state and recognizes its importance in transforming communities and the lives of New Yorkers.”
Representative Paul Tonko said, “Investments in sustainable, affordable housing are an essential part of our efforts to build stronger communities. Today’s announcement reflects a deep commitment to providing quality living spaces for all residents of our Capital Region, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities. I’m proud to celebrate the launch of this all-electric, energy-efficient development that will not only address critical housing needs in the Schenectady area, but also help move us toward a greener future while creating inclusive environments that provide for the well-being of all Capital Region residents.”
State Senator Jim Tedisco said, “Affordable housing is an important issue to many New Yorkers who live on fixed incomes, especially our seniors and those who are challenged with mental illness. I want to thank Governor Hochul and the NYS Homes and Community Renewal for their efforts in constructing 60 new affordable apartments in the city of Schenectady and 44th Senate District with supportive services for residents who may need them to live independently.”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said, “The Mosaic Apartments is a testament to our dedication and commitment to providing affordable housing and supportive services for vulnerable populations in Schenectady’s Mont Pleasant neighborhood. As we break ground on this two-building development, creating 60 new homes, we prioritize the well-being of older New Yorkers and those in need of support services in our community. Together, we continue building a stronger, more inclusive New York.”
Schenectady County Legislature Chair Anthony Jasenski said, “This project is another example of how working together works. With support and funding from Metroplex, the Capital Region Land Bank, and Governor Hochul’s administration, these two buildings will provide 60 affordable and supportive units for seniors and individuals from right here in our community.”
Schenectady Mayor Gary R. McCarthy said, “The Mosaic Apartments mark a pivotal transformation for the Crane Street corridor, representing the largest investment in affordable housing for the Mont Pleasant neighborhood in recent memory. This is just one of many recent transformative projects that have been made possible by our partners in state government and will be crucial in making housing affordable for Schenectady residents. We extend our gratitude to Governor Hochul for her ongoing partnership and support of the city of Schenectady.”
DePaul President Mark H. Fuller said, “DePaul looks forward to expanding our ability to offer housing stability and change lives in Schenectady County. We wish to thank Governor Hochul, New York State, and all of our community partners and funders for providing the funding and support in making the Mosaic Apartments a reality.”
Contact the Governor’s Press Office:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov