***Media Advisory**** ***Photo Opportunity***

State Housing Commissioner Joins Local Officials to Celebrate New Affordable Housing for Broome County Seniors with Ribbon Cuttings, Open House Tours

ALBANY, NY (06/17/2008)(readMedia)-- Deborah VanAmerongen, commissioner of the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) will join local officials and developers to celebrate three new affordable apartment complexes for the senior citizens of Broome County.

WHAT: "Bloom in Broome," ribbon cuttings and open house tours in celebration of 116 new affordable apartments for Broome County Seniors. Events will take place in Binghamton, Vestal and Johnson City

WHO: * State Housing Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen;

* Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan;

* Johnson City Mayor Harry Lewis;

* Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala;

* Vestal Town Supervisor Pete Andreasen;

* Reverend Henry Ausby;

* DHCR Executive Deputy Commissioner Brian Lawlor;

* Maynard Fahs, developer;

* Anthony Fiala, SEPP, Inc., Executive Director

* Jerry Willard Executive Dir., FWAC, Inc.;

* Jean Chakanovsky - FWAC, Inc. Board President

WHERE AND WHEN: June 18, 2008 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm

• 10:00 am-East Hills, Ribbon Cutting, 50 Clapman Street, Binghamton, NY

• Noon-Vestal Pines, Ribbon Cutting and Open House, 2040 State Route 26, Vestal, NY

• 2:00 pm-Harry L. Apartments, Guided Tour, 235 Harry L Drive, Johnson City

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