Architect Dave Sadowsky, right, explains features of the new "Universal Design/Green/Affordable Housing Prototype Project" at 1005 Glendale Place in Schenectady on Monday.
SCHENECTADY — City officials received $500,000 in state funding to build another 10 affordable homes that will incorporate energy-efficient technology with federal environmental and handicap access elements.
Officials from the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal announced the grant today as community and city leaders hosted an open house at a prototype home recently built on Glendale Place in Schenectady's Mont Pleasant neighborhood.
Mayor Brian U. Stratton lauded the effort to build homes that are both affordable to buy, utilize renewable energy technology and are cost-effective to maintain.
Photo and video
To view portions of Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton's remarks at a ceremony celebrating completion of the new home, click here.
To view a slideshow tour of the house, click here.
To view a demonstration of the dual-flushing toilet that is one of the energy-saving features of the new home, click here
"That's a tremendous accomplishment as energy and fuel costs go up," he said during the open house. "We must make projects like this a priority."
Better Neighborhoods Inc, the Community Land Trust of Schenectady and the city combined efforts this year to build three of the unique houses, which will be made available to low-income, first-time home buyers. City officials are touting the effort as the first affordable housing project in the nation that incorporates energy-efficient technology with federal environmental and handicap access elements
In total, Schenectady agencies received three grants totaling $925,000. Better Neighborhoods received $300,000 to administer a program that will provide 11 households with accessibility modifications accommodating the elderly or people with disabilities.
The Community Land Trust received $125,000 to administer a program to provide emergency home repairs for elderly residents. This funding will be augmented by the city, according to state officials
The grants comes as part of more than $13 million in funding approved by the division across the Capital Region. The funding is expected to help build and preserve nearly 800 units of affordable housing throughout the Capital Region.
"These awards will help developers leverage an additional $340 million in funding from federal, local and private sources," said Gov. David Paterson in a prepared statement. "By maximizing the impact of our investment, we encourage businesses to grow and create jobs, revitalize communities, and provide homes for working families, senior citizens and people with disabilities."
August 30, 2008
