Federal money to help pay for affordable housing
01/29/2012
By Danielle Camilli Staff writer Phillyburbs.com
MOUNT HOLLY - The Burlington County Board of Freeholders has made $500,000 in federal money available to a Moorestown nonprofit in its efforts to convert an old Burlington Township school into affordable housing.
Last week, the freeholders unanimously approved the loan from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to Springside Urban Renewal LLC and developer Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development for their project at the former Springside School on Route 541.
MEND, which develops and manages affordable housing complexes in South Jersey, plans to transform the vacant 140-year-old school into 75 rental units for special populations.
The housing, which will include one- and two-bedroom units, will be designated for people 55 and older, frail senior citizens 62 and older, special-needs mentally ill adults 55 and older, and special-needs mentally ill adults 18 and older.
Matthew Reilly, president and CEO of MEND, said those with special needs will live independently but will have access to support services provided by on-site staff. MEND is contracting with the Lester A. Drenk Behavioral Health Center to provide the services.
"There is a broad recognition throughout the state that individuals in need of certain type of care are better served living in the community with some supervision than in an institution or by themselves," Reilly said. "It’s part of a statewide effort to place people in sound housing in the community."
The county’s HOME loan will help fund 11 of the 75 units.
The county awards the federally funded loans in an effort to meet needs identified in its Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan, a document required to receive federal assistance. The plan gives priority to projects that address the housing needs of extremely low- and low-income people. It also places a high priority on meeting the needs of the elderly, people with disabilities and large households.
Similar loans have been granted to projects in Florence and Delanco in the last year.
Reilly said the HOME funds are a "small but absolutely critical piece of the financial picture" for the $16 million project.
The plan calls for the developer to renovate the school and construct a second building of apartments on the 4.5-acre site. The school, which last housed students in 2007, will be converted into 32 apartments. The remaining 43 units will be in the new building.
Reilly said Burlington Township, which signed a developer’s agreement in July, has scheduled site-plan hearings for March. Conifer-LeChase Construction of Rochester, N.Y., will build the project, which will help the municipality meet its state-mandated affordable housing obligation.
The Board of Education, which owns the school and property, will deed it to the township when the project is approved, Reilly said. In turn, the township will deed it to MEND for development.
MEND continues to work on securing financing for the project. In late spring, officials will apply to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency for tax credits.
Construction could begin in November or December and be completed in early 2014.
MEND officials also want to recognize the property’s historic nature. The organization has submitted an application for the original Springside School to be listed on state and national historic registries, Reilly said.
Danielle Camilli: 609-267-7586; email: dcamilli@phillyBurbs.com;
Twitter: @dcamilli
Q& A with Tim Fournier
01/19/2012
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Rochester Business Journal Recognizes Dick Crossed
01/13/2012
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LBHA gets $30 Mil for Two Projects
12/07/2011
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Long Branch HA Projects Moving Forward
11/28/2011
Housing Authority receives tax credit for Woodrow Wilson and Gregory School projects. By Christopher Sheldon
The Long Branch Housing Authority (LBHA) recently received some great news from the state.
LBHA Director Tyrone Garrett said the state Housing Mortgage and Financing Agency (HMFA) has granted the group tax credits to renovate the old Gregory School, at the corner of Seventh and Joline Avenues, turning it into a senior citizens apartment complex, and to demolish and reconstruct the Woodrow Wilson apartments, at Wardell Place.
Garrett announced the news at a press conference on Monday morning at the authority headquarters at 2 Hope Lane, along with officials from Penrose Development, which will be handling Woodrow Wilson, and Conifer and Metro, which be handling the Gregory School construction. The LBHA received nearly $16 million for the Gregory School project and $15 million for the Woodrow Wilson project.
Gregory School will be gutted to construct 65 affordable housing units but the outside façade will remain intact, maintaining the building’s historic appearance, LBHA spokesman Christopher Pugliese has said. The plan for the Woodrow Wilson apartments is a two-phase process that will ultimately demolish 136 apartments, replacing them with 150 new units, Pugliese has said.
The first phase of the Gregory School project will include demolishing and renovating 65 units near the complex's High Street entrance.
The second phase would include the demolition of the remaining original apartments and construction of 85 new units, for a total of 150 new apartments, Garrett has said.
The current residents would receive relocation vouchers and are allowed to stay "where they deem fit" during the course of the demolition, Garrett has said. They will also be given the first opportunity to return to the new apartments once they are completed, he has said.
There is no additional cost for the relocation of the residents, Garrett has said.
The new Woodrow Wilson apartments will be modeled after the Garfield Court apartments, which are also owned by the LBHA.
The existing baseball field in the complex will be removed and replaced by a retention basin to help mitigate flooding concerns on the property. Garrett said the LBHA has also applied to FEMA to help with flooding issues.
The Gregory School project has two phases, and the first will include the construction of 65 one and two-bedroom units located in the school building and a new four-story structure that would be built near the school, Garret has said. The units would be available to those whose incomes are at or below 60 percent of the area's median income, he has said.
The second phase of the project would include the addition of 47 housing units as well a mixed-use building, Garret has said.
"It could be a small retail or office space to support the community," Garrett has said.
Penrose Development Officer Jacob Fisher said of the 34 applications made to the HMFA, 12 were approved statewide.
Garrett said he couldn't be happier that the LBHA was able to secure funding for both projects.
"This is a great feat for the housing authority that will help us accomplish our mission or providing quality housing and improving the life of residents," Garrett said.
He said he was also pleased that the projects will also create jobs for the entire construction processes.
Conifer Vice President Charles Lewis said construction on the Gregory School could begin in March of next year and be completed by March, 2013.
Fisher said construction on the first phase of the Woodrow Wilson project could begin in June of next year and be completed some time in 2013.
Should I own or rent?
11/21/2011
By Sandra Gorie, Director of Marketing, Conifer Realty
The last three years have seen tremendous turmoil in the American real estate market. Across the country, markets have suffered double-digit declines in home value. While Rochester is fortunate in having escaped the brunt of the downturn, it’s worthwhile to take a look at the ‘conventional wisdom’ that owning your home is always superior to renting. Let’s examine the issues one at a time.
Taxes. It’s a myth that the deductibility of interest on a mortgage was always intended to encourage home ownership. When the interest deduction was established way back in 1913, most people paid cash for their houses, and less than 1% of people earned more than $3000 a year, which was the amount excluded by the tax. The real reason was that in a nation of small proprietors, it was more difficult to separate personal and business expenses and so it was simpler to allow deduction of all interest. In 1986, the law was changed to narrow the interest exemption, limiting it home mortgages, this time with the express intent of encouraging home ownership. However, the interest deduction can be used only if your mortgage interest and other deductions exceed the standard deduction – for married couples under 65 filing jointly, $11,400 in 2010. Itemizing is of far greater value to higher-income taxpayers.
Building equity. Perhaps the single greatest blow to the U.S. economy in the last couple of decades has been the collapse of what was, in retrospect, a classic bubble: the belief that housing prices would always rise. This led to enormous gambles in the financial markets secured by an illusion. Even in a stable market like ours, it is important to remember that for the first five years of ownership, 90% of a typical mortgage payment is going toward interest service, and not building equity. Barring a big increase in housing prices, the homeowner who sells after five years or less has built practically no equity, and any gain is offset by costs associated with the sale, such as broker commissions.
Property taxes. States, counties and municipalities across the country are facing budget crises. As assessed value plummets in many areas, so does tax revenue based on it, leading to increases in rates just to break even. So many homeowners are paying higher tax rates on houses worth less! Be thankful you don’t live in New Jersey, where rates have increased 80% in the last decade.
None of this means that home ownership isn’t worth it. It just means that you should be aware of the pluses and minuses. For renters, the pluses include:
Low cost of entry. Most rental properties require a month’s security. That’s it. With the tightening of credit in the last three years, anyone hoping to buy a home with less than 20% down is going to have an extremely tough time.
Flexibility. With a typical term of one year, the renter is free to pursue other opportunities at the end of the lease. The homeowner wishing to sell and move is looking at a time frame of at least 90 days, and in many areas, properties are remaining unsold for a year or more.
Maintenance costs. Renters don’t have them. Whether the faucet is leaking or the roof needs replacing, it’s not their problem.
Liquidity. Renters are free to invest in anything they believe will yield the highest return at a given point in time. With most of their equity tied up in their home, owners have no such option. The risk of this has been made all too obvious by the hundreds of thousands of U.S. homeowners who are now ‘underwater’; owe more than their homes are worth. Their equity evaporated before they could do anything to salvage it.
To summarize, when evaluating a decision to buy or rent, try to separate the emotional appeal of home ownership from the practical considerations that come along with it. Whichever way you go, you can feel confident that you’ve done your homework!
NJ Apartment Association Awards
10/21/2011
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the NJ Apartment Association's annual awards ceremony. Conifer or Conifer staff were finalist 13 times in 9 separate categories. We again ended up as the "bridesmaid" in the Management Company of the Year category but should be proud that we, although we are still considered an out-of-state firm, strongly compete against the well entrenched NJ firms.
I am very pleased to announced that in their categories: Conifer Village @ Middletown one two awards; Best Managed Property and Best Curb Appeal. Millstream won Best Managed Property. Conifer Village @ Deptford won Best Curb Appeal. Congratulations!
In the property categories Conifer Village @ Cape May and Medford Senior were finalist. Last but not least Kristie Braun and Nicole Gould from Westlake Mews were strong finalist for Property Manager of the Year and Leasing Agent of the Year. They are all number 1 in our eyes.
I am very proud to be a member of such a professional and dedicated team. Thank you for all you do to make us the best of the best.
Charles M. Moran, CPM.
Geneva Greens Rated Superior
10/19/2011
The Pennsylvania Housing Finances Agency granted a "Superior" rating to Geneva Greens at the last Management and Occupancy Review and will receive recognition at this years PennDelAHMA Fall Management Conference in Dover, Delaware, at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino on October 26, 2011
Marley Meadows Development Nears Approval
10/18/2011
By: D. Frank Smith
A low-cost housing project in Glen Burnie received mixed approval from the County Council on Monday, but their support will allow the Marley Meadows site to move on to the next development hurdle.
When completed, Marley Meadows at 7790 Baltimore Annapolis Highway will offer affordable housing ranging from $380-1200 in rent among its 36 units. Conifer Realty, the developer of the site, approached the county council seeking their support for the project as they finalize a $3-million state loan to begin construction work.
But when the item came up for a vote on Monday, it passed narrowly by a 4-3 vote, with Councilmen John J. Grasso, Derek Fink and Dick Ladd voting against the measure.
Grasso, a Glen Burnie Republican, has adamantly opposed Marley Meadows being developed in his district, claiming that low-income housing historically attracts crime. A landlord himself, Grasso touted his experience with low-income tenants throughout the meeting.
"In my personal belief, when someone is only paying $380 rent, what kind of quality person is only going to be at $380?" Grasso asked.
Councilman Jamie Benoit (D-4th District) led the support for the legislation, saying that there was no causal link between crime and low-income tenants. He cited crime statistics that showed crime in Glen Burnie on the decline, even though the area has some of the lowest income in the county.
"The notion that people with low-incomes, or affordable housing, are more likely to commit crimes is just complete nonsense," Benoit said, adding that this development was an example of a creative partnership between county and industry.
Grasso told Benoit that he shouldn’t be commenting on something he doesn’t have any experience with.
"Until you’re a landlord and actually deal with these people every day … then really, don’t make a statement. It’d be like me coming into your area and telling you about something I know nothing about," Grasso said. "It’s easy to stand behind something and say it’s a great deal when you have no skin in the game."
Conifer representative Andrew Crossed said he didn’t agree with Grasso’s conclusions about the quality of life at low-income housing complexes, and said their tenants took pride in where they lived.
Conifer Realty also is asking the county to enter into a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program that will reduce the amount of property taxes owed by $7,000. The county would still get an annual payment of about $6,000 as a result of the property being developed, and one-time connection fees of $813,000 are still being paid.
There’s a tight deadline on the project though, as work must be underway by Nov. 15. They had requested emergency status on the PILOT request at a meeting earlier this month, a stipulation that was voted down for more discussion. It is expected to come back for a vote Nov. 7.
Editor's note: This article has been updated from its original version to correct the date of the council meeting and the district Councilman Jamie Benoit represents. The council met Monday, Oct. 18, and Benoit represents District 4.
Conifer Village wins project of the year
09/27/2011
The Conifer Village at Interlaken was named Upstate Rural Project of the year by NYSAFAH.
Rural Development Project of the Year: The award is presented to the developer and recognizes excellence in design, financing, construction techniques, affordability, community need, supportive services, and energy efficiency. Nominees are those projects in rural areas that have had a positive impact on community development. The project must have been completed and placed in service prior to June 30, 2011.
Renovations at Westfall Heights complex complete
09/14/2011
By THOMAS ADAMS
Rochester Business Journal
September 14, 2011
Some $11.1 million in renovations are complete at the Westfall Heights apartment complex on Metropolitan Drive, with officials on hand Wednesday for the grand re-opening.
Renovations include new kitchens, appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and decks for 101 two-bedroom townhomes. Sidings and roofs were replaced, and a community center was added, officials said.
Funding was provided by the New York State Housing Finance Agency, Homes for Working Families, low-income housing tax credits with equity provided by M&T Bank Corp., and existing reserves, officials said.
Rochester Management Inc. is the property manager. Conifer Realty LLC was the project developer and, in partnership with LeChase Construction Services LLC, the general contractor.
"If Rochester is going to be a world-class city, it must offer affordable housing for all its residents," Mayor Thomas Richards said in a statement.
"Children who are raised in communities that they are proud to call home are more likely to do well in school, avoid criminal behavior and get good jobs."
www.rbj.net
2011 NJAA Garden State Awards
08/12/2011
Management Company of the Year (Affordable)
Conifer Realty
Affordable / Garden/Low Rise Apartments / Built After 2000
Medford Senior Housing - Conifer Realty
Conifer Village at Cape May - Conifer Realty
Conifer Village at Deptford - Conifer Realty
Affordable / Mid/High Rise Apartments / Built After 1981 (South)
Conifer Village at Middletown - Conifer Realty
Property Manager of the Year (Affordable)
Kristie Braun - Westlake Mews Senior Housing - Conifer Realty
Leasing Agent of the Year (Southern New Jersey)
Nicole Gould - Westlake Mews Senior Housing - Conifer Realty
Lottery held for new low-income apartments
08/04/2011
More than 300 people have applied for 94 apartments in the nearly completed Twin Oaks, a multifamily community in Hempstead.
Community Development Corporation of Long Island and Conifer Realty had a housing lottery Thursday at Hempstead Public Library to choose income-eligible tenants to live at Twin Oaks, which is slated for completion and occupancy Sept. 30.
Conifer Place 37 on NAHMA Affordable 100
07/11/2011
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Sounds of progress return on south end of Genesee
07/09/2011
What once was a bland, in some places forgotten stretch of the Genesee River south of downtown has come alive with new developments in the past decade, and more projects are under way or on the way.
Corn Hill Landing, the Ford Street bridge, Bausch & Lomb Park and a new Staybridge Suites hotel at Brooks Landing have reshaped the area. Cruise the river stretch this summer and you will see construction of Erie Harbor apartments, float beneath the ELRR pedestrian bridge conversion, pass the old Vacuum Oil site and on to Genesee Valley Park - the latter two of which are or will be the focus of intensive planning efforts.
What has been dubbed the south river corridor, or Erie Harbor Basin, is home to more than $250 million in developments completed, begun or planned, according to city estimates from the year 2000 to present. The total is an almost even split between public and private investment, favoring private dollars.
Erie Harbor apartments, on the east riverbank, is replacing what had become a mostly vacant River Park Commons. Developers hope to complete 64 units this year and 67 more by April 2012, replacing the former complex that walled off the Genesee River from Mt. Hope Boulevard and the South Wedge neighborhood for more than 30 years. The old River Park Commons was razed in 2009.
Farther south, the former ELRR railroad bridge is being remade into a pedestrian crossing, linking the University of Rochester to Riverview Apartments, another of the recent additions along the river corridor.
A state-funded study and land-use planning effort is ongoing for the former Vacuum Oil site, at the end of Flint Street on the west bank.
Public sessions, getting input on what should happen with the property, could begin in late August or September, resulting in plan by sometime in mid- to late 2012. This fall, the city plans to launch into a master plan study for the west half of Genesee Valley Park.
The University of Rochester continues to expand, opening a new biomedical engineering building in 2007, and with a new home for the Warner School of Education currently under construction.
Across the river, the next phase of Brooks Landing construction envisions student housing atop a ground-floor restaurant opening by fall of 2013.
www.democratandchronicle.com
Planners Endorse Senior Housing Project
06/30/2011
Former Gregory School building would have 116 apartment unit
BY KENNYWALTER
LONG BRANCH - Although there was concern over a lack of parking, the city Planning Board has endorsed a preliminary plan to convert the former Gregory School building into senior housing.
Representatives of the Long Branch Housing Authority at the June 21 meeting presented the redevelopment plan, with Assistant Planning Director Carl Turner expressing some concern over the 71 parking spaces for the 116-unit proposal.
"It’s a great project, but parking can be a problem," he said. "That neighborhood is not conducive to street parking."
"What I’d like to see is some study done on this because after the fact, it’s going to be too late."
Turner suggested a few options to try to add more parking spaces on-site.
"Have you looked at the potential of doing diagonal parking on Seventh Avenue as opposed to parallel parking?" he asked. "The road is wide enough; whether it can be done froma traffic safety angle, I don’t know.
"Another option is you create some sort of management operation for parking, so there is assigned parking, so not everyone with a unit in that facility can have the right to a parking spot," he added.
LBHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett said that when the authority purchased the land from the city, it set the minimum amount of units at 100, so the plan cannot eliminate many units to add parking.
According to Garrett, the two other senior housing units, Kennedy Towers and the Chester A. Arthur housing, have more parking spaces than are being utilized.
"One thing you need to consider is this is a senior building, so the number of vehicles that are going to be coming in and out or staying overnight will be very limited," he said. "We don’t even use a third of the spaces we have."
However, Garrett said that the parking plan would be reconfigured and he will meet with Turner in a few weeks.
He also said that the low-income housing project is currently projected to cost $13 million, but most of the funding will come from the state. The project would be built in two phases.
"This is a capital improvement project where we are going to be using at least $400,000 of Replacement Housing Factor money given to us by Department of Housing and Urban Development," Garrett said.
"In addition, where we make up the leverage funding for the completion of the project would be through the New Jersey state tax credit program [Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency]," he added.
He said that the authority would likely know by the end of the year if the request for funds is successful.
Garrett also explained that he is looking at a historic designation for the circa-1924 site, which would provide a backup plan for funding.
"That historic designation will give us the opportunities to access historic tax credits in the event that the state program doesn’t fund us fully," he said.
Community and Supportive Services caseworker Christopher Pugliese presented the proposal to the board and said that the plan is to maintain and expand the existing structure.
"We will be rehabbing and maintaining the original building in the conversion of the building," he said. "We will also be adding an addition along Joline Avenue [that] is a four-story building."
The current plan is that the 116 units would be mostly one-bedroom units ranging from 700 to 800 square feet.
Pugliese explained in an interview last week that the project would be built in two phases.
The first phase would include 65 units. This phase involves rehabilitating the former school building and an addition built in the 1950s. This phase also calls for construction of a four-story building connected to those structures. All three will share a courtyard space.
The second phase would involve construction of an additional building containing 51 units and could include commercial space, Pugliese said.
Garrett said some of the amenities that would be included are a range, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer.
However, he said that a lot of the appliances probably wouldn’t be used much.
"You have to keep in mind that it is a senior building, so some of these amenities are not necessarily going to be utilized," Garrett said.
"We are going to be looking for assistance from various providers in the area to bring 'meals on wheels' and things like that," he added. "Although the amenities will be there for the seniors, at least a third of them will not partake in the utilization of them because a lot of things will be brought in for them."
The plan will also convert the school auditorium into common space.
"We are going to maintain the auditorium, but we are also going to convert it into a living area," Pugliese said. "The stage will actually have chairs, tables and actually be a living room.
"We will also be able to convert it back into a stage if there is a production or some sort of entertainment for the seniors."
Garrett said one of the goals is to give the seniors a chance to socialize.
"We want to encourage the seniors to come out of their rooms and have somewhere to go," he said. "We are going to keep that space and make it comfortable and livable."
Pugliese explained that the authority has met with City Planner Pratap Talwar about various concerns .
He said trees and shrubbery were either saved or added to address some of Talwar’s concerns.
Pugliese said the current plan is to start construction next year if the Planning Board approves the plan and financing sources are secured.
"It will hopefully start in 2012, but that is subject to financial approvals," he said.
He also explained that the project does not have a formal name yet and that it is being developed by four different entities.
"It is the Long Branch Housing Authority, Maestro Community Development, which is our subsidiary, and then Conifer Realty and the Metro Company, which are our co-developers," Pugliese said.
Conifer Realty is a real estate company specializing in the development and management of affordable housing communities, and the Metro Company is a real estate company involved in planning, housing, finance and development.
After the presentation, the board unanimously voted to endorse the plan and send it to the City Council, despite the concerns over parking.
The housing authority first presented informal plans for the site in March after purchasing the building from the city in 2009.
The Gregory School, located on North Seventh Avenue, was built in 1924 and closed in 2006 when the Long Branch School District constructed a new Gregory School on Wilbur Ray Boulevard. The city purchased the site and has since sold it to the LBHA. Contact Kenny Walter at kwalter@gmnews.com.
2011 NAHMA Affordable 100
06/16/2011
NAHMA (The National Affordable Housing & Management Association) released its list of the top 100 affordable management companies in America. Conifer came in at number 37, up from number 41 last year.
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AHF Announces 7th Annual Readers' Choice Finalists
06/08/2011
Affordable Housing Finance is pleased to announce the finalists of its seventh annual Readers' Choice Awards for the nation's best developments of 2010-2011.
The finalists will be featured in the July/August issue of Affordable Housing Finance, and then the winners of each category as well as one overall winner will be selected by the subscribers of the magazine and its e-newsletter during online voting between July 13 and Aug. 12.
Seniors Finalists:
- The Coronet in San Francisco; developed by BRIDGE Housing Corp.
- Medford Senior Residences in Medford, N.J.; developed by Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development, Inc. and Conifer Realty, LLC
- North Hills Highlands Phases I and II in Pittsburgh; developed by Ralph A. Falbo, Inc., and Pennrose Properties, LLC
- SEASONS at Compton in Compton, Calif.; developed by LINC Housing
Gateway at Somerdale Wins Prestigious Award
05/19/2011
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Spring Brings New Apartments to South Wedge
04/14/2011
After careful site preparations, Erie Harbor Apartments is taking shape on Mt. Hope Avenue in the City of Rochester. Erie Harbor will provide 131 apartments for the increasingly popular South Wedge neighborhood immediately south of downtown Rochester. Of the 131 apartments,
105 are market-rate, or 80%, and 26 are affordable.
Erie Harbor Apartments is the City's largest housing development in more than 30 years.
Uniquely located on the Genesee River, Erie Harbor is surrounded by the Genesee Gateway Park on three sides. The eight apartment buildings and one community building are situated on the 6-acre parcel with easy access to the river, park, and Genesee Riverway Trail by pedestrians and bicyclists, opening up what had previously been blocked by the monolithic apartment complex known as River Park Commons, which was razed in 2009. Additionally, the strategic siting of Erie Harbor has restored sightlines to the Genesee River from nearby South Wedge streets. "We're excited to bring green urban living to the City of Rochester," said Chairman of ConiferRealty, Richard J. Crossed. Constructing and then managing market-rate apartments that is essentially surrounded by a park is a first in our City. Opening up public access to the park and river was an essential part of planning Erie Harbor. Conifer has developed and currently owns and manages other successful apartment communities in the City of Rochester including 200 East Avenue Apartments which is located in the East End District, as well as the Hamilton Apartments situated just north of Erie Harbor.
Erie Harbor is being constructed according to Green Building design guidelines, which include Energy Star fixtures and is designed to achieve a 14% reduction in typical energy usage. The apartments will boast high end designer finishes and offer many amenities. Leasing for the first buildings will begin in May. Occupancy is expected to begin in August.
New Jersey Apartment Association
02/25/2011
Each year, the New Jersey Apartment Association posts a list of the top 25 owners/members by number of units. A copy of the list is attached.
Conifer moved up from 23rd to 21st on the list!
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Innovator of the Year Award
05/05/2010
Conifer Realty Receives Innovator of the Year Award from
New York State Association for Affordable Housing for
Hamilton Apartments Preservation Project
Rochester, NY - Conifer Realty, LLC has received the 2010 Innovator of the Year Award from the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) for the Hamilton Apartments, a project that preserved, redeveloped, and transformed a 13-story, 202-unit structure that was part of the former River Park Commons on Mt. Hope Avenue, near downtown Rochester.
The Innovator of the Year Award - presented on April 29th at the NYSAFAH Annual Conference at the Marriott Marquis in New York City - was received by Conifers' Tim Fournier, President & CEO, and Allen Handelman, Project Director. "The Hamilton Apartments project was a demanding, time-consuming, and ultimately extremely rewarding undertaking for Conifer," said Fournier. "It's a tribute to the vision of our Chairman Richard J. Crossed, and the persistence and dedication of everyone in our company. It was a true team effort that demonstrated how the Conifer and Conifer-LeChase organizations can achieve great things and make outstanding contributions to affordable housing in our community."
The Innovator Award, presented annually by NYSAFAH, recognizes companies and individuals who have "broken new ground" in terms of developing ideas and projects that significantly advance the cause of affordable housing in New York State. NYSAFAH, formed in 1998, is a trade association for private sector organizations involved in affordable housing.
The redevelopment of the Hamilton Apartments began in 2004 when Conifer acquired the former River Park Commons complex, located directly on the Genesee River. The property, in a state of financial and social disrepair, also was designed and built in a manner that isolated residents from the river and the community, and blocked access to the river. Working with area organizations and the City of Rochester, Conifer proposed a redevelopment plan that included rehabilitation of the building at 185 Mt. Hope Ave. that would become the Hamilton Apartments.
"The success of the Hamilton Apartments is the result of collaborative efforts by local, state and federal government agencies, civic action and the entrepreneurial skills of Conifer and our partners," said Crossed. "We've created a catalyst for civic pride, helped to renew the entire area, and designed a building that is already becoming an icon and gem on Rochester's riverfront. The bottom line is that the Hamilton Apartments exemplify the many positive outcomes that can be created through current housing policies and private/public partnerships."
For more information about the Innovation Award, the Hamilton Apartments, and Conifer, please contact Sandy Gorie, Marketing Director, at 585.324.0511, or by e-mail at sgorie@coniferllc.com.