Mayor Kraham Announces Housing Projects

Mayor Kraham Announces $1.9M for Three Housing Projects

Funds to Support Construction of 46 Affordable Housing Units, Rental Assistance

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)-Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Thursday announced plans to allocate $1.9 million to support three housing projects in the City of Binghamton.

Mayor Kraham said: "These projects build on the progress Binghamton has made to expand access to quality affordable housing and deliver real change to our neighborhoods. I appreciate the vision of our non-profit partners and look forward to working with them to tackle blight, build new housing and provide critical services to tenants. This is the type of action that has made Binghamton a leader in responding to the statewide housing crisis."

The funding, which comes from the City's allocation of federal HOME-American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) funds, will be awarded under Mayor Kraham's proposal as follows:

• $900,000 for Metro Interfaith to redevelop an abandoned, blighted apartment building at 109 Oak Street into eight affordable rental units for families at risk of housing instability. Located across from Binghamton High School, the long-vacant four-story building will be rehabilitated into modern three- and four-bedroom apartments. The project plans to preserve the historical details of the building, which is listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places.
• $800,000 to support the First Ward Action Council's First Ward Gateway Revitalization Project, which will build 38 units of affordable housing and two commercial spaces across multiple parcels. The project includes renovation of seven long-neglected structures in the First Ward and new construction on three vacant lots on Clinton and Front streets.
• $205,525 for the Broome County Urban League to expand homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services. The funding will support the Urban League's work to provide tenants with emergency financial assistance to avoid eviction or utility shut-offs, security deposits and first month's rent for new housing, housing case management and navigation, and other wraparound services.

Metro Interfaith President/CEO Conant Smith said: "The Metro Interfaith Board of Directors would like to thank the City of Binghamton for their support of our rehabilitation of 109 Oak Street into family affordable housing, which is a significant need within our community. When completed, Metro Interfaith will be able to offer larger families safe, decent, and affordable housing in a central and convenient location on Binghamton's West Side."

First Ward Action Council Executive Director Jerry Willard said: "This funding award from the City is great news for the First Ward Action Council and the community we serve. It will enable us to start construction later this year on our Gateway Project providing affordable, well managed, energy efficient housing for families and individuals."

Broome County Urban League President/CEO Jennifer A. Lesko said: "The Broome County Urban League is so grateful that we are one of the recipients of the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds in partnership with the City of Binghamton. These funds will provide much-needed rental arrears assistance to vulnerable individuals and families in our community. We are incredibly happy that we will be able to increase housing stability in Broome County."

City Councilman Robert C. Cavanaugh, II, 3^rd District, said: "This funding allocation addresses a range of needs in our efforts to provide sustainable affordable housing in Binghamton; putting First Ward Action Council's scattered site project "over the top", ensuring that construction will begin this year, jumpstarting Metro Interfaith's exciting and challenging new affordable housing project on Oak Street, and providing immediate help in the form of a boost to the Urban League's direct rent assistance program."

All three non-profits responded to a Request for Proposals (RFQ) issued by the City in August for $1.9 million in federal funds to address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services.

The proposals were reviewed by a committee that included the City's Director of Planning, Housing and Community Development, the City's HUD Manager, the City's Housing Specialist, a representative of the Mayor's Office and a City Council representative.

It awaits approval by City Council.