Rochester leads upstate NY in affordable housing construction. Yet the need persists – WXXI News

Report on Affordable Housing Development in Rochester and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of Affordable Housing Growth in Rochester

Rochester is currently experiencing a significant increase in affordable housing construction, exemplified by the recent official opening of Alta Vista, located just north of downtown. Since 2022, the state has recorded approximately 4,700 affordable housing units that have been built, renovated, are under construction, or are in the city’s development pipeline. This figure leads the Finger Lakes region and surpasses all other parts of New York State outside New York City.

Key Drivers of Affordable Housing Expansion

The surge in affordable housing development is primarily driven by:

1. An influx of state funding dedicated to housing projects.
2. Strong local government support.
3. A robust network of experienced developers, including Ibero, Home Leasing, CDS Housing, Conifer, Depaul, Landsman, Pathstone, Providence, and Cornerstone.

Erik Frisch, Deputy Commissioner for Neighborhood and Business Development, emphasized the city’s capacity and talent to execute these projects, noting that access to funding has catalyzed the initiation of numerous new developments.

Challenges and Continuing Needs

Despite these advancements, questions remain about the adequacy of current efforts to fully address the housing crisis. RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, highlighted that affordable housing availability and homelessness issues have persisted over decades, underscoring the necessity for sustained, long-term commitment and resource allocation across New York State.

State Initiatives and Funding Commitments

Governor Hochul’s 2024 Housing Compact

• Commitment to double housing construction.
• Goal to deliver 800,000 new housing units over the next decade.
• Previous 2022 commitment of $25 billion to build or renovate 100,000 units within five years.

This funding underpins much of the recent affordable housing activity in Rochester, including the $35 million Alta Vista project.

Alta Vista Project Details

• Six-story, all-electric building on Franklin Street.
• 76 apartments designated for income-eligible households.
• 14 units reserved for individuals who have experienced homelessness due to domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health challenges.
• Partnerships include Ibero-American Development Corp., Edgemere Development, and YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County providing on-site services.

Additional Housing Developments in Rochester

Other notable projects contributing approximately 600 new units include:

• Harpers Corner at Main and Clinton
• Gateway Apartments
• Center City Courtyard
• Gardner’s Lofts
• Beechwood Family Apartments
• Tailor Square
• True North Apartments and First Genesis Homes

Most state assistance has also supported preservation efforts, such as the renovation of the 153-unit Los Flamboyanes high-rise.

Capacity and Expertise in Rochester

Rochester is recognized for its unique concentration of high-capacity organizations and developers specializing in affordable housing, which contributes to the city’s leadership role in housing development statewide. The city’s expertise is exported across New York State, enhancing regional housing initiatives.

Challenges in Market-Rate and Workforce Housing

Officials acknowledge ongoing challenges in financing and developing market-rate and workforce housing, which are essential to creating a balanced housing ecosystem. Erik Frisch noted that insufficient housing supply across all income levels creates a cascade effect, limiting mobility and access to appropriate housing options.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The affordable housing initiatives in Rochester directly contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – By providing affordable housing options, the city helps reduce poverty and homelessness.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Stable housing supports mental and physical health, especially for vulnerable populations.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Targeted units for income-eligible households and those facing homelessness promote social inclusion.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Revitalizing downtown areas and preserving historical sites while expanding affordable housing fosters sustainable urban development.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration among state agencies, local government, developers, and community organizations exemplifies effective partnerships.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While Rochester demonstrates significant progress in affordable housing development, sustained efforts and increased focus on diverse housing needs remain critical. The city’s model of leveraging funding, local expertise, and partnerships aligns with global sustainability objectives and provides a framework for addressing housing challenges statewide. Continued commitment over the coming decade is essential to achieve meaningful relief and support inclusive, sustainable communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article discusses affordable housing for income-eligible households and support for people who have struggled with homelessness, addressing poverty reduction.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Support for people affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues is mentioned, linking to health and well-being.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Provision of housing for vulnerable populations and efforts to ensure housing at all income points relate to reducing inequalities.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The focus on affordable housing construction, renovation, and preservation contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights partnerships among state, city, foundations, and developers to fund and implement housing projects.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services such as affordable housing.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being, as the article mentions housing for people with mental health issues.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including vulnerable groups such as homeless individuals.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of affordable housing units built, renovated, or under construction
   • Article states 4,700 units since 2022 and mentions a goal of 800,000 new units over the coming decade.
2. Number of housing units reserved for vulnerable populations
   • Example: 14 units reserved for people who have struggled with homelessness due to domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues.
3. Amount of funding allocated to affordable housing projects
   • Article mentions $25 billion commitment to build or renovate 100,000 units in five years.
4. Number of partnerships and stakeholders involved in housing projects
   • Multiple developers, city and state agencies, foundations, and service providers are collaborating.
5. Progress towards doubling housing construction
   • Reference to Governor’s 2024 Housing Compact aiming to double housing construction.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wxxinews.org