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More than just a Ribbon Cutting

Friday, July 9th, 2010

A Commitment to Partnership: Birchez Associates Gets it Done

Ulster, New York: Success is often a quality that is measured subjectively. What one person considers success may be quite the opposite for someone else. But when it comes to the track record for Birchez Associates, one needs to look no further than the fact that there have been five ribbon cuttings on five communities within the past five years. By anyone’s definition, that’s getting it done!

Pictured at left: Lynn Kopka, Division of Housing & Community Renewal; Joel Brink, Town of Ulster Councilman; Alfred A. DelliBovi, CEO Federal Home Loan Bank of New York; Congressman Maurice Hinchey; State Senator John J. Bonacic; Steven L. Aaron, Founder & Managing Member of Birchez Associates; Michael Colgrove (in background), New York State Energy Research & Development; Josh Aaron; Judy Aaron; Joseph Malcarne, LEED AP & President Malcarne Contracting; Bryan Smith, Rhinebeck Savings

“This is a tremendous example of what strong public/private partnership can get done in difficult economic times,” said Chris Herrmann, an underwriter for Enterprise Community Investment. Enterprise helps facilitate the closing of affordable housing developments, like the recently opened Birches at Chambers, with investment of development capital and funding. He, and others, spoke to the feat achieved by Birchez Associates at the official dedication of The Birches at Chambers on July 8, 2010. “This project managed to build in the highest-end amenities, build in all the current green amenities, and get the project done even with the economic conditions of the past two years.”

“Keep in mind that this was done during one of the worst recessions we’ve seen in our lifetime,” said Judy Calogero, CEO of the New York Housing Conference and past commissioner of the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal, who was master of ceremonies at the community dedication. Despite sour economic conditions during the latter part of the past decade, Birchez Associates was able to forge affiliations with not-for-profit and government agencies to bring its plans to fruition.

The path to success hasn’t been without obstacles, however: thanks to census issues, the $15 million project almost didn’t happen. Just as The Birches at Chambers was about to begin, Ulster County lost its entitlement based on a snafu with census tract numbers and overnight tax credits lost a 30 percent boost. Then came the economic downturn and there was another 30 percent shortfall. To make sure that the project could get back on track, Steve Aaron, the founder and managing member of Birchez Associates, stepped up by providing a multi-million dollar loan to bridge the funding gap, while deferring the maximum amount he could in developer’s fees.

In addition, the New York State Housing Finance (nyhomes) and Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) was able to provide approximately $6 million is low interest loans, while Enterprise Community Investment supplied $3.20 million. The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, through their local partnership with Rhinebeck Savings Bank, kicked in $1.32 million to help get the project finished.

When all was said and done, the building now offers 66-affordable apartments tosenior residents who pay, on average, $700 a month. That low rent is yet another success achieved by Birchez Associates because of private/public partnerships.

“When the state at its level looks to invest in someone, they look at someone with a wonderful track record,” said State Senator John J. Bonacic. “We could do a hundred more of these projects and fill them, and we will continually strive to get the tax credits to help our good partners like Steve — a premier affordable housing builder — do more and more of these projects.”

For a video on putting the financial pieces together, click here.

Brian Rubin for Birchez Associates, birchezassociates@gmail.com

Senior complex dedicated in Ulster

Friday, July 9th, 2010

By Michael Novinson, Times Herald-Record, 7/9/2010

ULSTER — Boca on the Hudson?

Between a 50-seat movie theater with plush, reclining seats, a fitness studio with a trainer certified in physical therapy, and a mahogany-paneled game room that looks and presumably smells like the library from the board game Clue, The Birches at Chambers seems like an elegant, exclusive community.

“I feel like I live in Florida again, except that the ocean isn’t nearby,” said Birches resident Margrit Salimone, who spent 23 years in the Sunshine State.

But The Birches at Chambers, in the Town of Ulster, isn’t an affluent, gated community — it’s an affordable senior housing complex, with monthly rents ranging from $331 to $862. The $16 million complex has 14 two-bedroom apartments, 52 one-bedroom apartments and about 75 residents.

U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, state Sen. John Bonacic and Ulster County Executive Michael Hein spoke at the formal dedication of The Birches at Chambers on Thursday, but the complex was filled long before then. In fact, the complex was fully rented by the February 2009 groundbreaking ceremony, thanks to a 400-person waiting list at the adjacent Chambers Court, said Birches founder Steve Aaron.

People 62 or older — or under that age with a disability — with an annual gross income of less than $29,480 for a single person can live in The Birches at Chambers.

Even though the complex is Aaron’s fifth affordable living community to open in the past half-decade, he doesn’t plan on stopping now. Several dedication speakers mentioned a proposed senior complex in Fishkill.

At The Birches, no detail is left unpolished. Chambers resident Candy Belles said fellowresidents were unnerved by footsteps outside their rooms late at night. To quell their fears, Aaron had his security guards don bright yellow T-shirts.

“We’ve added years to these folks’ lives,” Aaron said.

mnovinson@th-record.com Photo: Candy Belles and Rabbi Yitzchok Hecht share a laugh in Belles’ new apartment at The Birches at Chambers in the Town of Ulster on Thursday. A dedication ceremony took place earlier at the state-of-the-art senior living community. CHET GORDON/Times Herald-Record also credit for introductory photo.

NYSERDA Recognizes Birchez Associates Outstanding Sustainability Efforts

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Birchez Associates is constantly pushing itself to stay on the forefront of sustainable building practices. But what does that mean?

Simply put, sustainability is all about keeping energy consumption in line with energy resources. And thanks to solar thermal panels at two Birches communities — Esopus and soon-to-be-installed at Chambers — the company has been recognized for their efforts. (Click here for video on sustainability.)

On July 8, at the official dedication ceremony of The Birches at Chambers, Birchez Associates was presented with a plaque from Michael Colgrove, the Director of Energy Programs with the New York State Energy & Development Agency, or NYSERDA. The building in the Town of Ulster is expected to use over 40 percent less energy than a building constructed under normal practices. This number is an improvement over the energy savings found at The Birches at Esopus, which uses 30 percent less energy than a typically constructed project, a no less impressive feat.

“Not only does that mean lower energy bills for all the tenants who live here, but also a much more comfortable environment to live in as well,” said Colgrove as he handed the plaque over to Steve Aaron, the founder and managing member of Birchez Associates.

The panels at The Birches at Esopus provide 30 percent of the building’s heat, and a whopping 70 percent of the energy for the building’s domestic hot water. And it’s expected that The Birches at Chambers will go beyond the already high bar set by Esopus.

“It’s NYSERDA’s mission to provide incentives to folks like Steven who have the vision and the dedication to the environment to make these steps, to go out of the box and do things that other people are not doing,” said Colgrove, who declared that The Birches at Chambers would join its predecessor at Esopus as a New York Energy $mart building. “Because of their effort they’ve earned somewhere around a $200,000 grant from NYSERDA for this effort.”

Community Dedication Ceremony at The Birches at Chambers, Town of Ulster

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010, Senator Bonacic attended and spoke at The Birches at Chambers Community Dedication Ceremony. The Birches at Chambers is a state-of-the-art, affordable senior living community located in the Town of Ulster.

L-R: Joel Brink, Town of Ulster Councilman, Hon. Alfred A. DelliBovi, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Senator John J. Bonacic, Steven L. Aaron, Michael Colgrove from NYSERDA, Josh Aaron, Judy Aaron, Joseph Malcarne and Bryan Smith from Rhinebeck Savings Bank.

Source: http://www.nysenate.gov/district/42 State Senator John J. Bonacic’s website; picture under photo and videos tab

Birchez opens latest affordable senior housing community

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Mid-Hudson News Network, Thursday, July 8, 2010

KINGSTON – It was very hot outdoors, but that didn’t deter the excitement Thursday during an open house for The Birches at Chambers, affordable senior housing complex.

Birchez Associates opened the newest addition to the complex, 66 apartments for those 62 and older earning 60 percent of the area’s median income, which $29,480 for a single person.

“We have rents that are down to $300 and $400 because we performing a public service,” said Steve Aaron, founder and managing partner of Birchez Associates.

The Birches at Chambers is located a few blocks off Albany Avenue in the Town of Ulster, and the Birches at Esopus opened about a year ago. The Birches of Saugerties was completed in 2006.

“This is an amazing facility that’s unparalleled in affordable senior housing. And without a doubt it needs to be replicated throughout the rest of the county,” said Hector Rodriguez, Ulster County legislator, deputy chairman of the economic development committee, which also includes housing.

Photo credit: Mid-Hudson News Network

Despite the sour economy, America’s baby boomers are rapidly aging into retirement, and Rodriguez said there must be a constant focus to ensure more facilities like this one are available.

Now is the time when we need the eye toward the future,” he said.
Clara McGill has live here for two months after moving from Wappingers Falls.

“It something I never expected,” she said. “For renting, I never dreamed of finding a place like this. I’ve met lots of friends. I think it’s going to be great.”

The Birches at Chambers Affordable Senior Community in Kingston Hosts Dedication on July 8

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Hudson Valley Green Sheet July 7, 2010,

Posted By Nancy Meyer

KINGSTON–On Thursday, July 8, the residents of The Birches at Chambers invite the public to the dedication of the newest community of Birchez Associates LLC. The residents will show off their new homes and Birchez Associates will demonstrate what affordable housing can achieve.

Some 200 or more people are expected, including Congressman Maurice Hinchey and other political leaders, to salute the debut of the company’s newest 66-apartment community in the Town of Ulster. The main building qualifies for Platinum LEED Certification, the highest possible achievement in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification process. With the addition of The Birches at Chambers to the family, Birchez has reached a significant milestone of helping over 300 economically qualified seniors to live in energy efficient buildings with outstanding lifestyle amenities, the company reports.

The event will include green building announcements; exhibits will include sustainable building, senior amenities, health & wellness, and rental opportunities and affordability guidelines. Tours will be given to members of the media.

This event will place the spotlight on a public-private sector formula that shows what developers can do to enhance the quality of life for seniors. Birchez Associates’ communities provide affordable opportunities in buildings styled for these citizens.

Community Empowerment Conference

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

From The Senior Gazette, NicheNewsNY by Bette Ann Moskowitz

Admin note: Representatives from Birchez Associates attended this session. At The Birches communities we also have a philosophy of ”aging in place” — for seniors who have made our communities their home!

“If people come together, there is no limit what can be done,” said Michael Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging, and keynote speaker at the recent conference entitled Community Empowerment for Livable Communities, hosted by the Partnership for Healthy Aging, a coalition of Ulster County agencies.

Held on June 15 at Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge, this was third in a series of informative forums presented by the Partnership. Its Director Burgess talked about “aging in place” – the phrase used to describe the desire/intention/practice of letting older people remain in their own homes even as they are challenged by things they can no longer do, by providing services and support within the community. He talked about Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) in the State, giving an historical context to NORCs and other “aging in place” models, from the early ones, mostly in New York City, in single apartment buildings, to the “neighborhood NORCs” which spread out a bit, and made way for the rural models, which are being started or studied by some upstate communities, including Poughkeepsie and Woodstock.

Burgess talked about the importance of coalitions of all sorts of people, from health care workers to faith-based organizations, to housing specialists and community activists in order to “mobilize community groups” and push forward with solutions for older people that give them choices, preserve their dignity and keep them safe.

Toby Krawitz, a planning consultant for the recent aging in place start-up called Staying In Place, in Woodstock, talked about her outreach into the northern Ulster communities targeted for Staying In Place, about the high level of interest (20% or more responding to her questionnaire, a great return) and some of the concerns of the respondents. At the top of many lists was transportation, followed by worries about eventually sliding into poverty by way of taxes and the gradual devaluation of income not keeping up with rising costs of living, loss of ability to do the activities of daily living, of isolation and fear of living alone, as well as concern that the county would not have enough affordable rentals when people were ready to transition to smaller, less expensive, more manageable living situations. She posed the question of whether, in this economy, it was still feasible to support such initiatives as aging in place, and concluding it was, even more so.

Amy Godes, President of Staying In Place, talked more specifi cally about what the organization, at present, offered (transportation, assistance with tasks and referral and discounts to reliable services, as well as social support), as they build their network of members and volunteers. Godes said they are linked to the American Association of University Women and the Woodstock Time Bank, which allows members to exchange skills on a barter system.

Sally Taylor, board member of Hudson Valley Home Matters, in Poughkeepsie, another aging in place organization, described the grassroots genesis of her organization, and enlivened the discussion with anecdotes meant to personalize and particularize how successful and important aging in place is, which they did. She also talked about the enormous task of “vetting” service providers, through interview, feedback, background checks, as well as careful investigation of volunteer drivers as well – their driving records, their insurance — and of the agencies who supplied home health aides to their members. She emphasized, as Godes had, the importance of the social component, and said that volunteers to drive people were not limited to rides to doctors, but could take folks out to shop, to concerts, and so on.

Doris Rubinsky of the Orange County Jewish Family Services “Town of Newburgh Senior Project” described the project that started as a simple friendly visitor program in the Monroe area of Orange County, which turned out to provide so much more – much needed monitoring of the older people they serve, transportation, and fulfilling small needs that might slip through the cracks, but without which life could be a challenge to an older person. She gave the example of an older woman who, no longer able to get on a stepstool and change her lightbulbs, sat goals were: to increase awareness of what Ulster and other communities have done and are doing to support independent living for seniors, to suggest possible avenues of exploration for municipal planners, town governments and city agencies (as well as the general public), and to encourage focusing attention on local “aging in place” initiatives.

Present were members of the sponsoring agencies, community activists and members of the public.

A Sign of Things to Come

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

TOWN OF ULSTER, NY JULY 1, 2010 – Next Thursday, July 8, guests who make their way to The Birches at Chambers will get a glimpse into the future. The newest development to join the Birchez Associates family of communities is a representation of tomorrow—both in terms of its environmental advancements, but also in the promise of a better tomorrow it gives its senior residents.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Birches at Chambers is the news that the building qualifies for platinum certification under LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, sponsored by the US Green Building Council. This is the highest level of achievement a building can get, so when Joe Malcarne, the LEED Accredited Professional who is working on the project, announced his determination of the building’s platinum qualification, the response within the company has been one of pleasant surprise.

“We’re so very happy about it,” said Steve Aaron, Managing Member of Birchez Associates, and the development’s organizer. “Because we didn’t start off saying we want to be LEED Platinum, we started off saying, ‘let’s do the right thing.’”

High-quality insulation, energy recovery ventilators, and forthcoming solar panels are just a few of the features that were cited as bringing the high level of certification. In fact, every apartment was blow-tested to ensure that air doesn’t escape into the hallway from underneath the doors, keeping warm air in during the colder months.

The company’s reliance on quality, environmental innovation is only growing stronger, and it’s assured that future Birchez developments will sport similar energy-saving technologies. Plans are currently underway to create a comparable senior community in Fishkill, NY—and it’s likely that the positive sustainability strides made in the Town of Ulster will be amplified when the Fishkill development’s construction is under way.

It’s obvious that energy efficiency and sustainability are good for the earth, but it’s easy to forget that going green is good for wallets, too. Because energy consumption is low, the utilities for the senior residents of The Birches at Chambers run a fraction of what a comparable square footage unit might run. This lowers costs all around—meaning lower rents for residents—creating an elevated standard of living for the seniors who call the building home.

As part of the draws of the dedication on July 8, the development’s LEED AP Joe Malcarne will be showing an exhibit during on the development’s green and sustainable building practices. The exhibit and tours of the building will offer insight into how The Birches at Chambers went from conceptual stages to a constructed reality, and what people can expect from the company’s future.

Brian Rubin for Birchez Associates, birchezassociates@gmail.com

$1.4 Million Grant towards The Birches at Fishkill Announced

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

June 19, 2010 – The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), along with Congressman Maurice Hinchey (NY-22) and Congressman John Hall (NY-19), have announced that Elant, Inc. has been awarded a $1,440,000 Affordable Housing Program (“AHP”) grant from the FHLBNY and its member, Rhinebeck Savings Bank. The grant will help fund construction of The Birches at Fishkill, a planned 72-unit housing community for low-income seniors, to be developed by Birchez Associates, LLC.

“This Affordable Housing Program grant will help bring much-needed senior housing to our region,” said Congressman Hinchey. “The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Elant and Birchez Associates have long been supporters of affordable housing across the Hudson Valley; this grant continues their commitment to the community.”

“Improving services for our seniors continues to be one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Hall. “With assistance from this Federal Home Loan Bank of New York grant, the Birches at Fishkill will not only create more than 70 affordable homes for Fishkill’s seniors, but will also provide residents with the support and care they deserve.”

“The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is proud to partner with our member, Rhinebeck Savings Bank, to help make this affordable housing a reality for the seniors in Fishkill,” said Alfred A. DelliBovi, president and CEO of the FHLBNY. “We are grateful to Congressmen Hinchey and Hall for their leadership and support in Congress, which allows us to offer this program to the housing groups that are strengthening communities across the region.”

The Birches of Fishkill complex will consist of 62 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments. The units will be targeted to low-income senior citizens and will provide a continuum of care. Elant, Inc., a leading Hudson Valley not-for-profit organization providing healthcare and housing programs, will collaborate to provide rehabilitation services, adult foster family care, and long-term home health care to the residents. Birchez Associates, an award-winning developer and manager of affordable senior housing in the Hudson Valley, is again partnering with Elant, Inc., to develop The Birches at Fishkill.

“This is a significant piece of the financing for this much needed development,” said Steve Aaron, Managing Member of Birchez Associates LLC, the developer of the planned project. “We are particularly encouraged in this economic climate that both Congressman Hinchey and Congressman Hall continue to champion the need for affordable housing. And we appreciate the continued financial support of Alfred DelliBovi and his team at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York,” said Aaron. This will be the sixth time the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York has participated in the financing of a Birchez Associates’ community in the Hudson Valley (www.Birchez.com).

The grant is part of a total of $29.7 million in AHP subsidies that the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York will award in conjunction with the approval of the first competitive application round of 2010. In total, these grants will help to finance the creation of 54 housing projects that will generate 2,917 units of affordable housing in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Last year, the Federal Home Loan Bank System celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its Affordable Housing Program. Earlier this month, the program was recognized by the National Housing Conference as its “Housing Person of the Year”. The Federal Home Loan Banks have distributed nearly $4 billion in AHP funds since 1990.

About Birchez Associates LLC

Birchez Associates LLC, a Hudson Valley real estate development and management company, is widely recognized for providing senior citizens with homes they can afford in supportive communities where they can age in place. Birchez fosters strategic partnerships with leaders in the service provider industry such as Elant, Inc. The firm recently completed The Birches at Chambers in the town of Ulster with 66 units, of which 8 are handicapped accessible and the balance are all handicapped ready. The Birches at Esopus, completed last year with 80 units, has been voted Project of the Year – Upstate by the New York Association for Affordable Housing. At the ribbon cutting, the project was recognized by New York State Energy Research & Development Agency as an Energy $mart Building, the first new construction low-rise multifamily to receive the designation. The community is currently one of four national finalists in the Affordable Housing Finance magazine’s Readers Choice Awards. Other Birchez Associates communities include The Birches at Saugerties and Chambers Court, both affordable senior housing communities, and Birchwood Village designed for work-force housing. www.Birchez.com

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Birchez Associates LLC

K.J. McIntyre, Director of Marketing, 845-532-7528

KJMcIntyre@Birchez.com

Hudson Valley Senior Housing Community Named National Finalist

Monday, June 14th, 2010

HOUSING FINANCE NEWS

April 9, 2010 The Birches at Esopus named National Finalist for Readers’ Choice Awards

AHF Announces Sixth Annual Readers’ Choice Finalists

Affordable Housing Finance is pleased to announce the finalists of its sixth annual Readers’ Choice Awards for the nation’s best developments of 2009-2010. Finalists were announced in nine categories; readers will vote on the finalists as they are presented in the July issue of Affordable Housing Finance magazine. In the category of senior housing, the following four projects were selected for national voting:

• Alta Torre in Palo Alto, Calif.; developed by BRIDGE Housing

• The Birches at Esopus in Ulster Park, N.Y.; developed by Birchez Associates, LLC

• Senior City Apartments in Federal Way, Wash.; developed by Korean Women’s Association

• The Terraces on Tulane in New Orleans; developed by Volunteers of America

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