Birchez Associates LLC

.

.

The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) awarded The Birches at Esopus a 2010 NYSAFAH Award for Excellence Winner at their annual conference on April 29.

In supporting the state-wide recognition by NYSAFAH, Congressman Maurice Hinchey commended Steven Aaron and Birchez Associates in addressing the need for affordable housing projects in rural communities.

Cited in the award application is the New York State Energy Research & Development Agency’s (NYSERDA) recognition of The Birches at Esopus as a New York Energy $mart Building. The projected utility costs are over 30% lower than other new apartment complexes built to current energy code in the State. The Birches at Esopus community is the first affordable housing development in the town of Esopus, a community which covers 40 square miles. The Birches at Esopus serves area seniors, aged 55 and over, who are at 60% of median income or less. The community offers on-premises staff including the role of the Senior Advocate, held by Alice Tipp who had served for thirty years as a county legislator. Strategic partnerships have been formed with both Elant, Inc., headquartered in Goshen, N.Y., and Signature Fitness of Kingston, N.Y. Signature Fitness owner John Perry designed the fitness studio to meet senior exercise needs and has provided a fitness trainer – at no cost to residents.

Amenities include a media room, fully equipped computer lab and fitness studio, a library/game room, crafts room, and a spacious community room with a full kitchen for residents’ parties and events. To further complement an active life style for its senior residents, the grounds offer a bocce court, grill area, patio spaces, gazebos and paths. The Birches at Esopus offers 80 rental residences for seniors.

Birchez Associates LLC has developed and continues to manage four affordable housing communities for seniors and one community for work force housing in Ulster County, N.Y. More information on The Birches at Esopus and other Birchez Associates’ communities is available at www.Birchez.com.