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What the proposed NYS budget means for affordable housing

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

September 18, 2012 Courtesy of New York Housing Conference (thenyhc.org)

New York State 2012-13 Budget – Affordable Housing Highlights

Governor Andrew Cuomo has released his budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. The plan, which needs to be approved by the Legislature, closes an estimated $3.5 billion budget gap in the coming year with $2 billion in savings and $1.5 billion derived from the recently reworked tax code that increased levies on top earners.

The plan calls for total agency operations to decrease by four-tenths of a percent over the current fiscal year. As expected, the state will spend an additional 4 percent on education and Medicaid in the year ahead. The plan includes the creation of a new and less-generous pension tier for new employees that’s anticipated to save local governments $79 billion over the next 30 years. The retirement age would be raised, and employees would be required to make increased contributions. Cuomo also plans to tie a share of school funding to the adoption of a statewide teacher evaluation system.

Cuomo recommends $291.71 million for the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. This is a decrease of $22.35 million from the 2011-12 Budget. The decrease primarily reflects the elimination of funding for the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs and a reduction in excess Federal authority for the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant.

The proposed Budget recommends a workforce of 759 full time equivalents (FTEs) for the Division. This is an increase of 14 FTEs from the 2011-12 Budget. The increase reflects the additional staff needed to support the new Tenant Protection Unit in the Office of Rent Administration.

The Governor proposed the elimination of the popular Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Companies programs, but he also called for expanded funding of the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and the Rural Rental Assistance Program. All other Capital programs remained funded at last year’s levels. The affordable housing program highlights are below.

Local Assistance Funding for Affordable Housing:

The Executive Budget would eliminate funding for community based nonprofit organizations under the popular Neighborhood Preservation Companies program (NPCs) and Rural Preservation Companies program (RPCs). According to the plan, NPCs would lose $8.479 million and RPCs would lose $3.539 million “in order to preserve resources for other critical housing initiatives”. Last year the Governor proposed budget language that would have combined the two programs into one and significantly change their funding criteria, but the legislature rejected those changes and the final enacted 2011-12 budget increased funding above what the Governor had proposed.

The Executive Budget calls for an increase in funding for the Rural Rental Assistance Program (RRAP). RRAP provides State funded rental subsidies to approximately 4,700 low income occupants of rural housing projects partially financed by the US Department of Agriculture. The cost of the program increases annually due to federally approved rent increases. Additional funds are needed to continue the current number of rental units participating in the program.
The Executive Budget includes two initiatives that will assist homeowners and tenants. Within the Department of Financial Services (formerly the Department of Banking which was merged with the Department of Insurance), a new Foreclosure Relief Unit will be established to provide counseling and mediation services to help New Yorkers stay in their homes. Within DHCR or New York Homes and Community Renewal, a new Tenant Protection Unit will be established to proactively enforce landlord obligations and impose strict penalties for failure to comply with New York State’s rent laws.
The Executive Budget also calls for the suspension of the New York City Shelter Supplement Funding. The 2011-12 Budget included $15 million for a new initiative to prevent eviction and address homelessness in New York City. Because the initiative remains under development, additional funding will be suspended pending a determination of the efficacy of the program.

Capital Budget for Affordable Housing:

The Governor’s proposed budget calls for the expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. The Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal would be authorized to allocate an additional $8 million annually in each of the next five years in aggregate credit awards to taxpayers who develop qualifying housing projects for low-income New Yorkers. Credits are given in equal installments for a ten-year period. The total amount of credits that would be awarded from this new authorization would be $400 million over a multiyear period. The Governor projects this will increase low income housing opportunities by 600 units annually.

The Executive Budget also calls for $32.2 million for the Low-Income Housing Trust Fund Program, which provides grants of up to $125,000 per unit to construct or renovate low-income apartment projects.
The plan includes $25 million for the Affordable Home Ownership Development Program, which provides grants of up to $40,000 per unit to construct or renovate homes for low and moderate- income families.
The Budget includes $6.4 million for the Public Housing Modernization Program, which subsidizes repairs at 74 State-supervised public housing projects across the State. A total of $400,000 will be reserved for capital activities aimed at reducing illegal drug activities at these projects.
The Governor asked for $7 million for the Homes for Working Families Program, which combines State funds with other available public and private sector moneys, Federal Low Income Tax Credit proceeds and non-State supported bond funds to construct affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households.
The plan calls for $400,000 for the Housing Opportunities for the Elderly Program (also known as RESTORE), which provides grants to low-income elderly homeowners for emergency home repairs.
The Budget includes $1 million for the Access to Home Program, which provides funding for home adaptations for individuals with disabilities to enable them to continue to live in their own residences and avoid institutional care; and $2.2 million for the New York Main Street Program, which provides assistance to communities for the revitalization of historic downtowns, mixed-use neighborhood commercial districts, and village centers.

NOTE: Last year’s Executive Budget had called for $12.8 million in funding for the Public Housing Modernization program – the same as the prior year. The program provides capital funding for rehabilitation of state public housing units. Under the final budget, half or $6.4 million was repurposed to other state housing programs. These funds would have gone to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), but the City’s 20,000 state public housing units were federalized last year and are now eligible for federal capital funds. Last year, in place, the Housing Trust Fund received an additional $3.2 million, the New York Main Street program received $2.2 million and the Access to Home program received $1 million. The Executive Budget for next fiscal year maintains this same funding arrangement.

Green, Greener, Greenest!

Friday, July 15th, 2011

THE SENIOR GAZETTE, Serving the Senior Community in the Hudson Valley

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Green label is applied to many products, services and buildings, yet what do these labels really mean? The Birches at Chambers, Birchez Associates latest Senior Community in Ulster County, supplies one concrete answer – what it means to be the greenest. This 62 apartment unit building has been certified as LEED Platinum, the highest recognition provided through the US Green Building Council. The Birches at Chambers is now the largest low-rise multifamily affordable building to earn Platinum on the East Coast. (Meantime, the community’s cottage and caretaker’s home both received LEED Gold, no mean accomplishment.)

A rigorous scoring procedure by third parties looks at criteria including site selection, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. What does that mean to the Senior Residents at The Birches? Reduced energy costs are achieved through solar thermal and photovoltaic panels on the roof, super insulation, and state of the art ventilation systems. Quality of life is improved through radiant heat in many first floor units, an evenness of temperature, healthier air quality, and the knowledge that grandchildren may inherit a cleaner planet.

LEED certification is an ongoing commitment through energy audits, a vigorous recycling program and education. Nor is this a one time thing for the Birchez organization. It’s Founder and Managing Member Steve Aaron has a strong personal commitment to sustainability. “I remember the first Earth Day forty-one years ago. As I look back, I am painfully aware that we have not done enough.” As Mr. Aaron puts it, “You’re never too old to go Green.”

Hear Us Live, talking about LEED Platinum

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Kingston, NY. MyKCR hosts Fred Wadnola (Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature) and Fred Teetsel (Former Alderman, City of Kingston) welcomed Steve Aaron, Founder & Managing Member of Birchez Associates LLC and K.J. McIntyre, Director of Marketing. Fred Wadnola, who was a guest at the presentation of the LEED Platinum award to The Birches at Chambers on Monday, opened the program with his comments on how impressed he was that this certification, the only multifamily in the Hudson Valley, had come to Ulster County.

Steve Aaron and K.J. McIntyre spelled out what it took to achieve LEED Platinum and how few affordable communities have received it. To hear the radio broadcast, click here and hit listen. The broadcast starts about 5 minutes in and lasts for a little more than 20 minutes and we suggest you turn up your sound especially in the beginning. MyKCR (Kingston Community Radio) broadcasts from 7am to 9am each weekday on WGHQ 920AM.

Birches At Chambers Affordable Housing Development Awarded LEED Platinum Certificate

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

BYVICKI DISTEFANO

KINGSTON – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY 22nd district), Ulster County Executive Michael Hein, and others gathered on Monday, July 11 to celebrate the LEED Platinum certification of The Birches at Chambers affordable housing development here and to discuss the findings of a report on Green Housing & The Baby Boomers.

Discussion points included economics, health, affordability, population projections, and the local green connection. Others who spoke about the importance of green building, sustainability, and affordable living were Steven L. Aaron, founder and managing member of Birchez Associates LLC, Greg Watson, assistant commissioner for regional affairs for NYS Homes and Community Renewal, William C. Janeway Region III director, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Joseph Malcarne LEED AP and president of Malcarne Contracting.

Following the formal remarks outside The Birches at Chambers, the multi-apartment, affordable senior housing received its LEED Platinum certificate, the highest attainable green building label by the U.S. Green Building Council. Tours of the facilities, conducted by LEED knowledgeable guides, followed.

The Birches at Chambers is the only Hudson Valley multi-family to attain LEED Platinum certification. With 66 one- and two-bedroom apartments, it is the third largest low-rise multifamily affordable project in the US or Canada, and one of only two on the East Coast (the other being a 32-unit project). The building is also a NYSERDA Energy $mart Building. In addition, the cottages and caretaker’s unit that are part of this senior community achieved LEED Gold certification.

The Birches at Chambers is the fifth affordable community developed and managed by Birchez Associates LLC of Kingston. Completed in spring of 2010, the 66 apartments are for seniors age 62 and over, at up to 60 percent of area median income. The units are powered by solar thermal and photo voltaic (PV). All units are handicapped ready and many are handicapped accessible.

The Birches at the Chambers is one of five of Birchez developments. For more information about Birches at the Chambers or any other Birchez development visit Birchez.com

Maurice Hinchey salutes Hudson Valley LEED Platinum award winner

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Kingston, NY, 7-11-2011 At a panel on “Green Housing & The Baby Boomers,” U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY 22nd District) spoke of the significance of healthy green buildings, especially so when it is provided at the affordable senior housing level. At the presentation held at The Birches at Chambers, Hinchey spoke with pride that his district now has a LEED Platinum award winner in the multifamily category, the only one in the Hudson Valley.

Hinchey is shown here with Steven L. Aaron, the Founder and Managing Member of Birchez Associates LLC, the developer and management company for The Birches at Chambers. Hinchey addressed an audience of elected officials, business and civic leaders during the presentation at Birchez’ latest senior community in the town of Ulster.

The event, “Green Housing & The Baby Boomers” covered issues of health and dignity for seniors, especially with the start of the impact of the burgeoning Baby Boomer wave upon the country and the county. Hinchey honed in on how important LEED Platinum is to The Birches at Chambers, a 66-unit community adjacent to Chambers Court, the 72-unit original Birchez’ senior housing community completed just seven years ago.

The Birches at Chambers is now in an elite international group that has achieved LEED Platinum, developed by the US Green Building Council. The largest East Coast affordable low-rise multi-family housing project, this is the third largest in the US or Canada to earn this certification. Additionally, The Birches at Chambers is:

One of only five multi-family Platinum projects in the state of NY.
Third largest affordable project in the state of NY.
Ninth largest low or mid rise multi-family (including custom and market rate) in the US and Canada.
Only multifamily project in the Hudson Valley to achieve LEED Platinum.

In addition to using local workers on the construction, Aaron pointed out the local sourcing of the solar panels which both helps the local economy and decreases the use of fossil fuels in transporting materials.

Other panelists were Greg Watson, Assistant Commissioner for Regional Affairs, NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR), William C. ”Willie” Janeway, Region III Director, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Michael Hein, Ulster County Executive Officer, LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH, Director of Public and Mental Health for Ulster County, Joseph Malcarne, LEED AP, member of the US Green Building Council and President of Malcarne Contracting, and the host of the event, Steven L. Aaron, Founder and Managing Member of Birchez Associates.

Following the panelists remarks and the presentation of the LEED Platinum award to Steve Aaron and his wife Judy who contributed to design work (both interior and exterior), attendees were treated to tours of the building including mechanical rooms to see how the solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, high efficiency condensing boilers and state of the art circulating pumps all came together to help towards the LEED Platinum designation.

The tours of the building included the fitness studio with a specially trained senior fitness instructor, crafts room, library/game room, computer lab, and much appreciated on a hot day, the state of the art theater which cooled visitors after spending time in the warmth of the mechanical room. To the left is a partial view of the array of solar thermal and photovoltaic panels on the roof of the main 62-unit building which received the award. (LEED Gold was attained for the cottage units and caretaker’s home.)

‘Green’ senior housing receives praise

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

KINGSTON, 7/12/2011 – As Ulster County’s population ages and energy resources grow scarcer and more expensive, there will also be a need for more affordable housing, especially for those on a fixed income, and the working public.

The Birches at Chambers, in the Town of Ulster, is a 62-unit senior affordable housing complex, and it’s the first multi-unit facility in the Hudson Valley to be given a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award for its green building technology.

Willie Janeway, regional DEC director, said as housing remains in demand for baby boomers and the workforce, this housing fits the bill.

“The state is encouraging and doing all it can to support housing such as the housing we are celebrating today that is affordable for seniors and is also built ;green’, Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED), which is the gold standard for environmental green building,” he said. “It makes it more sustainable and in the long term it will save money.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) said the project could serve as a model around the nation.

Steve Aaron, founder and managing partner of Birchez Associates, thanked Hinchey and other local officials like Ulster County Executive Michael Hein for helping to create a climate that’s conducive to go green on a mass scale.

Hein praised Aaron’s efforts to combine some future pressing needs to build more affordable housing that will have less impact the environment.

“It’s an enormous undertaking that you’re meeting the highest standards of building (technology),” said Hein. “We have to make sure places like this exist, so people can live with dignity regardless of their financial means.”

Birchez Associates featured on Senior Services panel

Friday, June 10th, 2011

At the recent annual conference for the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH), a panel on senior housing featured Birchez Associates. Speaking for Birchez were Founder & Managing Member Steven L. Aaron and Director of Marketing, K.J. McIntyre. Known to provide market rate plus services and amenities at affordable rents for seniors, Birchez Associates has built and manages four affordable senior communities in the Hudson Valley, as well as one workforce affordable community.

Entitled Serving Seniors: Innovative Ideas and Opportunities, the panel was chaired by Peter Florey of D&F Development. In addition to the Birchez representatives, the panel included Ken Harris of the NY Association of Housing & Services for the Aging, Evelyn Wolff of Selfhelp Community Services, Julie Behrens of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development, and Stuart Zalka representing NYS Homes & Community Renewal.

Among services and amenities provided for residents, Birchez Associates employs a Senior Advocate, Alice Tipp, who had served for 30 years in the Ulster County Legislature and chaired the Health Services Committee. Ms. Tipp provides a knowledgable bridge to resources and services in the greater community. At residents’ meetings, she frequently invites service providers to meet with the residents. Augmenting the advocacy team is the Director of Community Services, Paul Watzka.

Working with agencies such as the Ulster County Office for the Aging and Jewish Family Services, Birchez has brought services to the doorstep. Both physical and mental health issues are attended to at the Birchez Communities. This spring a mental health social worker was on hand to meet with seniors dealing with issues such as bereavement and depression and to recommend longer term services available often at no cost to the senior. One result of this has been the formation of a weekly group at The Birches at Chambers.

Physical health is improved at the Fitness Studios available at both The Birches at Chambers and The Birches at Esopus (although open to all Birchez residents). Here a specially trained senior fitness coach is available at no cost to work out at the residents ability and speed.

Augmenting amenities include Media Centers with state of the art projection and sound for the latest Indie or Classic film. Community rooms encourage gatherings, the library/game room to meet with friends, and a computer lab for instruction and free use.

The crafts room allows seniors to show off crafting ability and to learn new ones. A team of knitters created nearly 100 caps for young children this past winter at both the local neighborhood center and Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital. Among the participants were three male seniors, two of whom were in wheelchairs. None of them had ever knitted before but they took to the project with zeal.

Steven L. Aaron, Founder & Managing Member of Birchez Associates LLC, is a board member of NYSAFAH. Birchez Associates was a Gold Sponsor for the annual conference held in New York City each spring. Birchez Associates LLC, founded in 2002, has built five affordable housing communities in the Hudson Valley.

The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH), formed in 1998, the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) is the trade association for New York’s affordable housing industry statewide. Our 300 members include for-profit and nonprofit developers, lenders, investors, syndicators, attorneys, architects and others active in the financing, construction, and operation of affordable housing. Together, NYSAFAH’s members are responsible for virtually all of the housing built in New York State with federal, state, or local subsidies. is the trade association for New York’s affordable housing industry statewide. Our 300 members include for-profit and nonprofit developers, lenders, investors, syndicators, attorneys, architects and others active in the financing, construction, and operation of affordable housing. Together, NYSAFAH’s members are responsible for virtually all of the housing built in New York State with federal, state, or local subsidies.

Centenarian William McDonough Honored

Sunday, May 8th, 2011

Chambers Court resident William McDonough’s 100th birthday won’t be until November 23, 2011, but the celebration has already begun. Bill was honored at the Ulster County Centenarian luncheon organized by the Office for the Aging on Friday, May 6th, 2011, held at the Hillside Manor, sponsored in part by Birchez Associates.

County Executive Mike Hein presented Bill and 16 other centenarians with a proclamation; each birthday “boy or girl” also received certificates from State Senator John Bonacic and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. The photo to the left shows Mike Hein handing Bill his own proclamation.

Ann Cardinale, head of Ulster County’s Office for the Aging, remarked on the growing number of centenarians country wide and that this year’s recognition represented the largest class ever. The oldest recognized this year is 106 years young.

Ms. Cardinale also presented some of the qualities that lead to such longevity including a positive attitude. This certainly characterizes Bill McDonough, a gentleman who continues to live on his own with the assistance of his loyal caretaker Dorothea Schwenk (also a Chambers Court resident and pictured with Bill in the photo to the left). Bill still votes in person; although he said maybe this year he’d consider an absentee ballot he’d prefer to go to the polls.

Birchez Associates salutes Bill and looks forward to celebrating with him throughout his 100th year. Chambers Court, the first of Birchez Associates affordable senior communities, opened in the town of Ulster in 2004/. As with all of the company’s communities, it is designed to help seniors live successful, independent lives of quality as they age in place. Adjacent to the company’s latest community, The Birches at Chambers, Chambers Court residents now enjoy all the amenities of the latest community, including a fitness studio with trainer who specializes in senior exercise, a media room — a small state of the art theater, library/game room, crafts room and more, all at no cost to the residents.

Case Study in Excellence: The Birches at Esopus

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

New York, NY: The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) honored Birchez Associates’ affordable senior community, The Birches at Esopus, as Case Study in Excellence at a reception and presentation held in New York City at the REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) headquarters.

Already recognized by NYSAFAH as Project of the Year — Upstate for 2010, The Birches at Esopus served as a case study in successful public and private partnership, innovative financing, and green energy efficiencies. At its ribbon cutting, the community was also acknowledged as an Energy $mart Building by NYSERDA, in part because 70% of domestic hot water and 30% of the heat comes from solar thermal panels. Further, The Birches at Esopus was one of four national finalists for Senior Project of the Year in Affordable Housing Magazine.

The panel (shown to the right) was introduced by Jay Seiden, Seiden & Schein, PC, and comprised Birchez Associates Founder & Managing Member, Steven L. Aaron, The Honorable John Coutant, Supervisor of the Town of Esopus, John Kelly, Esq. of Nixon Peabody, Marian Zucker of New York State Homes & Community Renewal, Peter King representing the Federal Home Loan Bank – NY, and Rita Wyatt Esq., principal of Wyatt & Co. Judy Wells Aaron and K.J. McIntyre both of Birchez Associates also participated in the presentation. Available for the Q&A were the Town of Esopus clerk, Diane L. McCord, town council member Gloria VanVliet and chair of the planning board Roxanne Pecora (shown in the lower left photo from right to left).

Key topics introduced both by panel participants and the audience included:

Finding financing for affordable housing projects and how that has changed in today’s economic market

Creating market rate amenities to both attract residents and to fulfill aging in place goals

Structuring a public – private partnership and the political courage it takes to succeed in bringing quality affordable housing to a community

Changing environment in the now combined DHCR and nyhomes, now New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Attendees included developers, financiers, architects, attorneys and other members of NYSAFAH.

Spring Expo shows off Birchez Associates

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

This year’s Lions’ Club Expo at the Hudson Valley Mall featured a new participant: Birchez Associates. Shown to the left with our booth are Teri Sola, Property Management Compliance, and Cheryl Meehan, Property Manager at both The Birches at Esopus and The Birches at Saugerties. Throughout the two day event we were also represented by Judy Fitzpatrick, Senior Property Manager, Paul Watzka, Director of Community Affairs, and K.J. McIntyre, Director of Marketing.

Last but certainly not least, the one and only Alice Tipp, Senior Advocate for The Birches Communities, held court for several hours on Sunday. After her 30 years in the legislature and over five years with us, Alice is known far and wide. One couple who stopped by, married for over 50 years seemed to take almost more pride in their voting record for Alice from the beginning of her career in public service.

One unexpected treat for the staff was the number of residents who stopped by, frequently showing off photos or stopping to point out parts of the videos being shown to their friends and family. We hope that many of our visitors will in fact submit applications so that we might add them to the wait lists. Sooner you are on the list, the sooner a spot might open with your name on it! If you didn’t make it to the mall, stop by one of our communities (call first to assure a tour and application will be ready for you). Just click on the communities tab or one of the community photos on the home page for contact information.

K.J. McIntyre, Director of Marketing, Birchez Associates, kjmcintyre@birchez.com