Ground Breaking Ceremony - Oswego Hamilton Homes

ALBANY, NY (10/23/2007)(readMedia)-- The ground breaking ceremony highlights the commencement of the first phase of renovations, a $13.9 Million project for the preservation of the Hamilton Homes apartment complex in Oswego, NY. The Hamilton Homes redevelopment will be completed in three consecutive phases with funding contingent on being awarded Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Oswego Hamilton Homes is the result of coordinated efforts among the local community and several New York State and local agencies to preserve affordable housing in the City of Oswego.

Ground breaking is set for Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the administration building located at 96 Hamilton Street.

Built in 1950s and 1960s as public housing, Hamilton Homes consist of 27 buildings, 186 housing units on 14 acres. Unfortunately, it was on the brink of physical and financial disaster and ready to close. Fortunately, Oswego Housing Authority selected Housing Visions Consultants, Inc., a not-for-profit organization with extensive neighborhood revitalization and quality affordable housing expertise, to implement a redevelopment plan that will allow Hamilton Homes to continue to operate as affordable housing both today and in the future.

“The plan that Housing Visions Consultants, Inc. has proposed for rehabilitating and revitalizing this housing project and continuing to provide affordable housing units to low-moderate income families will save these affordable housing units,” Mayor Randolph F. Bateman, City of Oswego.

Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of New York State Division of Housing & Community Renewal, said, "We are proud to work in partnership with Housing Visions Consultants and to break ground on this important development. The new Hamilton Homes will provide quality housing for years to come and be a shining example of Oswego's renewal."

Cindy Doran, a current resident of Hamilton Homes, said “Housing Visions has been honest and upfront about the planned improvements, living up to the expectations of a very reputable not-for-profit organization. Housing Visions plans to renovate the existing, deteriorated apartments into beautiful apartments, which will improve the quality of life for everyone in the area.”

The first phase of the Oswego Hamilton Homes project will substantially renovate 9 of the 28 buildings, 54 of the 186 units, and community space. The quality renovations will result in 20 three-bedroom, 4 one-bedroom, and 30 two-bedroom of quality affordable housing units. The substantial rehabilitation will utilize quality construction materials infused with green building design and energy efficiency.

Kenyon Craig, President of Housing Visions Consultants, Inc. said, “The substantial redevelopment of Hamilton Homes in Oswego will provide the much needed renovation of existing affordable housing units with quality construction with emphasis on energy efficiency. Not only will the completion of the redevelopment preserve the only affordable housing stock in the area, but it will also revitalize the community with its refreshing aesthetics and professional property management.”

Special thanks to the coordinated efforts of New York State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), Housing Visions Consultants, Inc., City of Oswego, Oswego Housing Authority, and the support of United States Congressman, John M. McHugh; New York State Senator, James W. Wright; and New York State Assemblyman, William A. Barclay.

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