Historic Rehabilitation of Newburgh’s East End Apartments Completed

NEWBURGH—New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas announced Sept. 25 the opening of a $15-million scattered-site project that renovated 15 abandoned properties to create 45 new affordable apartments in a four-block area of Newburgh’s East End.

Called East End Apartments, state and city officials say the development is helping to revitalize the historic but troubled neighborhood.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner Visnauskas said, “East End Apartments has taken abandoned properties and brought them back to life as affordable homes for dozens of residents that will breathe new energy into Newburgh’s historic East End neighborhood. With supportive services for homeless youth and veterans, and apartments and space set aside for artists, East End apartments will continue to move Newburgh forward while strengthening the safety net for all of its residents.”

East End Apartments were rehabilitated by Kingston-based developer RUPCO, which is maintaining ownership with Safe Harbors of the Hudson serving as property manager. Among the development’s 45 homes are seven apartments set aside for homeless youth ages 18 to 25 and homeless veterans. Bridges of New York will coordinate support services. Another 12 apartments will be targeted to tenants involved in artistic or literary endeavors.

The homes were preserved with sensitivity to the historic character of the neighborhood. All 15 properties will meet New York State’s EnergyStar for Homes energy efficient standards and will receive a LEED for Homes designation.

The 15 renovated buildings include homes located on Lander, South Miller, First, Johnston and DuBois Streets. The neighborhood is immediately adjacent to the City of Newburgh’s Broadway business and government corridor. The neighborhood is also next to SUNY Orange’s Newburgh Campus and Mount Saint Mary College, as well as the regional St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.

The multi-site development also includes 3,000 square feet of community space known as “The Hub.” This multi-purpose area at 39B Johnston Street will host a community policing sub-station, studio/gallery space for artists, and meeting space for after-school activities. The Hub is dedicated in honor of the late former City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal provided federal low-income housing credits that generated $9.9 million in equity. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation provided federal and state historic tax credits, and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance are providing funding for the support services and rental subsidy through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Orange County provided $320,000 in HOME funds. The City of Newburgh provided $140,000. Additional financing partners include: Community Preservation Corporation, Raymond James, and Sterling National Bank.

The architect is Coppola Associates and the general contractor is Affordable Housing Concepts. The 15 renovated properties were previously owned by the Newburgh Community Land Bank.

New York State Senator Bill Larkin said, “This public private partnership will greatly build on the community development efforts taking place in the City of Newburgh. I was proud to support this collaborative effort which creates an adaptive re-use for abandoned properties, while working to promote economic development that has the potential to lower the tax burden for residents and businesses. the state, the City of Newburgh and local stakeholders must continue to work together on these types of projects moving forward.”

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus noted, “This important revitalization project will reinvigorate this historic Newburgh neighborhood. It serves as an example of what is possible when government and the private sector work together to benefit our community. I’m excited that our residents will be able to call the East End Apartments home.”

Newburgh Mayor Torrance R. Harvey said, “I must thank all the stakeholders involved in this ongoing revitalization process in our great historical city. We must continue to work collaboratively and creatively to provide equity; real equity of opportunity and access to fair, decent, affordable housing for all of our residents. We cannot survive as humans in a healthy, productive community without this important work. We are at a critical turning point in our city’s history. We are about creating real solutions to an ongoing housing problem in our city and nationwide. We thank RUPCO, The Land Bank, Habitat for Humanity and our City Council, executive staff, county, state, and federal partners as well. We all know we cannot do this important work alone.”