State Announces Completion of $19 Million Mixed Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Columbia County

Photo Courtesy: OTDA

Greenport Gardens Apartments Includes Housing for Homeless Individuals and Families with Mental Illness

The New York State Office of Disability Assistance, the Office of Mental Health, Homes and Community Renewal, and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York announced the completion of Greenport Gardens Apartments, a $19 million mixed affordable and supportive housing development in Hudson. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the official opening of the 66-unit development, which includes housing for homeless individuals and families with mental illness and low-income individuals and families.

The building, located on Green Acres Road, consists of 38 one-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units. Twenty-five are reserved for individuals and families with a mental health diagnosis who are unstably housed. Ten of those units are reserved for high-cost Medicaid users. Additionally, 13 licensed New York State Office of Mental Health apartment units were relocated here.

Greenport Gardens includes a mailroom, a bike storage area, outdoor landscaped common areas and a tenant storage area where each tenant will have their own locked unit. The second floor includes an exercise room, as well as computer and multi-purpose rooms open to all tenants. There is also office space designated specifically for support services for disabled tenants.

The Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene Counties (MHACGC), the sponsor of the project, owns and operates supported housing residences throughout the two neighboring counties. They provide residential services, clinical and rehabilitation services as well as services for children and families. The MHACGC worked on the Greenport Gardens Apartments along with CSD Housing, LLC, a consulting company that helps nonprofit clients develop affordable housing units for low-income and homeless individuals and families and those with special needs.

The New York State Office of Mental Health contributed more than $9.5 million in capital financing to the project in the form of bonds from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and grant funding. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided more than $3 million to the project, including nearly $1.5 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and nearly $1.6 million in Medicaid Redesign Team housing initiative funding. New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocation will generate $5 million in equity for the project. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $60,600. The Office of Mental Health also provided a Project Development Grant totaling $292,967 for start-up expenses.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said,“Supportive housing projects like the beautiful Greenport Gardens Apartments are vital in helping individuals and families gain better health and stability in their lives. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for continuing his commitment to helping New Yorkers in need, especially those experiencing homelessness and mental illness.”

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Supportive housing allows people with mental illness to receive the treatment and services they need in their own homes, and to be productive members of their own community. It can also provide better health outcomes at lower costs. Greenport Gardens is another example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to helping vulnerable New Yorkers live with independence and dignity in safe, stable housing.”

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Under Governor Cuomo, New York State continues to lead the way forward in combatting homelessness and making affordable housing a reality for all New Yorkers. With the creation of these 66 apartments, we are providing individuals and families in Hudson with a stable environment and access to the support services they need to live successful and productive lives.”

DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, “DASNY is proud to support Governor Cuomo’s efforts to provide affordable housing, ensuring our neighbors in need have a safe place to call home. By providing financing support for this project, we are helping build healthier communities across New York State, including right here in Columbia County.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “Affordable and supportive housing is greatly needed in Columbia County, and the Greenport Gardens development will make a real difference. I thank the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties for their longtime commitment to this mixed housing initiative and the Governor and OTDA for helping make Greenport Gardens a reality.”

Michael Newman, Director of Program Development at CSD Housing, said, “It took a team effort to get this beautiful project completed on schedule. We couldn’t ask for a more supportive state government; OTDA and OMH were unwavering. Our design and construction team professionals worked well with the project developers, MHACGC and CSD Housing, to stay within budget and deliver a quality product.”

Greenport Gardens aligns with Governor Cuomo's $20 billion, five-year Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative which makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving 112,000 units of affordable housing, including 6,000 units of supportive housing. The plan, announced in 2016, is a comprehensive approach to statewide housing issues and includes multi-family and single-family housing, community development, and rent stabilization.