UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday, October 11 that renovations to a block of affordable housing has been completed in the city of Utica.

The 184-unit Parkedge Townhomes, located on Deborah Drive in the city, received major upgrades to each one of its units, which complement Governor Hochul’s goal of creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York State. The $47 million project was partially financed by $9 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $14 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

“By rehabilitating Parkedge Townhomes, we are continuing our investment in Utica’s future and furthering the State’s efforts to protect Mitchell-Lama housing which has been a valuable source of affordable, secure housing for families for generations,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “Preserving New York’s existing housing stock is a vital component of my administration’s commitment to ensuring every community can provide the types of homes that will help more our communities thrive.” 

Renovations to the development — which was built in 1973 and includes 27 two- and three-story townhouses with a mix of multi-bedroom apartments — included upgrades to meet Enterprise Green Communities certification criteria. Those upgrades included the addition of insulation, upgrades to the hot water system, and the addition of Energy Star Appliances and LED lighting.

All of the units also received new kitchens, bathrooms and flooring. The renovations also included construction of a common building with a computer center, two new playgrounds, replacement of sidewalks and parking areas, and improvements to the drainage system.

“This rehabilitation project will greatly improve the living situation of the current and future residents of the Parkedge Townhomes in North Utica,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said in a statement. “These affordable housing units provide updated energy-efficient livings spaces and new amenities that provide a higher quality of life for Oneida County residents. I applaud Liberty Affordable Housing for making these improvements and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for providing funding toward this worthwhile project.”

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved over 1,000 affordable homes in the city of Utica alone.