Property of the Month: Omni Housing Development and Rome Housing Authority develop Corr Community Center at Liberty Gardens; 6,000 s/f community building featuring 1,600 s/f open community space for events and recreation

Liberty Gardens is an affordable housing development in Oneida County that was originally constructed in 1952 under a New York State Public Housing Program. It comprised eight brick buildings consisting of 180 total units constructed in a garden apartment configuration. After decades of service to the Rome community, the heating system, insulation, storm water management system, kitchens and baths of Liberty Gardens had become functionally obsolete. This three-phased project is the first substantial renovation of the property in its 61-year history. EDWARD W. CORR COMMUNITY CENTER Liberty Garden's new 6,000 s/f community building features 1,600 s/f of open community space, available for meetings, events or recreation. Designed to promote community connections, educational opportunities and provide excellent facilities for residents, the Corr Community Center includes: * Computer Center with 10 computers, peripherals, Internet access and staff assistance. * Laundry facilities for up to 11 washers and dryers, plus folding tables, handicap accessible. * Kitchen equipped with range/oven, refrigerator, sink, cabinets and counters. * Meeting/party space to accommodate up to 272 people. * Staffing by a public housing social worker. The center is named for Edward Corr, the 94 year-old treasurer of the Rome House Authority Board of Commissioners. Corr has been involved in the Liberty Gardens development since its original construction in 1952 and is currently active in the revitalization project. Omni Housing Development LLC and the Rome Housing Authority (RHA) are leading the development and management efforts. PHASE 1 COMPLETION The first phase of the project included the rehabilitation of three masonry two-story buildings and the construction of six new buildings, all on a seven-acre site, consisting of a total of 78 family apartment units. Within this total, there are 11 handicap accessible units and five hearing and/or vision impairment units. The construction value of phase 1 is $13.4 million. The first building of the redevelopment was completed and occupied in March 2012. Building 700 underwent a complete gut renovation, including demolition down to the interior studs. The 16-unit building includes four two-bedroom and twelve three-bedroom units. Four new buildings were also completed and occupied in May 2012. Six new buildings were added to the site, creating eight one-bedroom units, ten two-bedroom units, eleven three-bedroom units and five four-bedroom units. Construction of Phase 1 was completed in December 2012. PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION Phase 2 construction began in September, 2012 and is comprised of the substantially rehabilitated existing buildings on a four acre site, of 50 more of the 180 total units. The construction value of Phase 2 is $9.7 million. QUALITY OF LIFE As overall benefits to the area, the Liberty Garden redevelopment project will: protect existing tenants, provide quality affordable family housing, assist low-income families, improve financial stability, deliver structural and accessibility improvements, serve as a green neighborhood asset, and reduce energy costs. The project as it is completed is positioned to operate as self-sustaining affordable housing for another 50 years. AFFORDABLE HOUSING The project will service individuals and families with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) are qualified to rent these units. FINANCING The Rome Housing Authority, M&T Bank, Community Preservation Corp. and New York State Homes and Community Renewal are providing financing for the revitalization project. The project also received a NYS Public Housing Modernization Grant, Housing Trust Funds and Weatherization Funds. Hudson Housing Capital LLC and JP Morgan Capital Corp.invested in the low-income housing tax credit equity.