Construction has begun on a $33 million redevelopment that will replace three aging public housing buildings in Utica with 71 affordable apartments.
The Parkway Gardens project will demolish 28 apartments at the N.D. Peters complex, built in the 1960s, and replace them with a three-story building, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.
Existing tenants guaranteed new apartments
Residents of the three buildings have been relocated to other properties operated by People First, formerly the Utica Municipal Housing Authority. They will be guaranteed apartments in Parkway Gardens without an increase in monthly cost.
The new building will include one- through four-bedroom apartments for households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Eight units will accommodate people with mobility disabilities and three will accommodate residents with sensory disabilities.
The all-electric development will use Energy Star appliances, water-saving plumbing, high-efficiency heating and cooling and energy-recovery ventilation. Pedestrian paths will connect the site to the surrounding neighborhood and nearby parks and trails.
Public and private financing supports work
State and federal low-income housing tax credits are expected to generate more than $16.8 million in equity, while New York State Homes and Community Renewal will provide $9.2 million in subsidy.
Utica will contribute $1 million through its HOME program, People First will provide $800,000 and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York will supply $2 million. Twenty-eight apartments will receive project-based rental assistance.
Vecino and People First are developing the project. State officials said more than 1,400 affordable homes have been created or preserved in Oneida County under the current statewide housing plan.
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