Canandaigua, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo celebrated the opening of a $10.7 million housing development. Liberty Apartments at Parkside offers 48 homes and support services for veterans and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  

Liberty Apartments at Parkside, formerly Veterans for Canandaigua, includes five, two-story residential buildings with 48 apartments, 25 of which are set aside for homeless families and individuals. 

Homes and Community Renewal provided $2.45 million in NYS HOME funds and $5.16 million in low-income housing credits. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $3 million in funding through its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Due to the extensive energy saving measures incorporated into the design, the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority allocated $121,000 in incentives to be applied to development cost. 

The Rochester Housing Authority awarded Project Based Section 8 Rental Assistance for 100% of the units ensuring that the housing will be affordable to the veterans that need it most.

A separate community building houses a maintenance garage, laundry room, and Veterans Administration service delivery office. Twenty-five units are for veterans eligible for benefits from the Canandaigua VA Medical Center who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and their dependents. 

The complex is part of the governor’s commitment to address the crisis of homelessness and strengthen services for veterans, and active services members and their families.

“The brave men and women who put their lives on the line in service to our country deserve a quality, affordable place to call home with the services they need to thrive in their communities,” gov. Cuomo said. “With this new apartment complex, we ensure these veterans have access to these critical services, helping the Finger Lakes region continue to thrive.”

The development is a partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Rochester Housing Authority, The Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency, Inc., Geneva Housing Authority, and the Canandaigua Veterans Administration. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed the creation and preservation of more than 880 single and multi-family homes for veterans, and HCR’s State of New York Mortgage Agency has funded 157 mortgages under the Homes for Veterans Program.

Liberty Apartments at Parkside joins developments like nearby Cadence Sq. on the grounds of the Canandaigua Veterans Administration Medical Center, to address the need for quality housing for veterans in the Finger Lakes. 

RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “New Yorkers who have served our country deserve our deep gratitude and immense respect. And when they encounter challenges returning to civilian life, they deserve our help. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership HCR has helped more than a thousand veterans and their families around the State find the good quality homes they need. We will continue building on this work to keep the Finger Lakes moving forward and helping to meet the needs of veterans throughout New York.”

Samuel Roberts, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said, “Supporting those who served our country is both our duty and our privilege. These homes will provide homeless veterans and their families with the housing and support services they need for a better tomorrow.”

Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Our veterans have put their lives in danger to protect America and defend our freedom.  It is our responsibility to help them adjust to civilian life with the necessary resources and services.  Governor Cuomo has made it a priority to support veterans by giving our heroes a place to call home -one that is energy efficient and comfortable and supports New York’s nation leading clean energy goals.”

Support services for residents of Liberty Apartments at Parkside are provided by the Veterans Administration, and by the Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency. The development includes a meeting room, tenant storage, a conference room, playground, a community garden and an area designated for a memorial park to honor veterans. Tenants receive services provided by the Geneva Housing Authority Service Coordinator, the Veterans Administration and Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling & Referral Agency. 

Senator Pam Helming said, “Affordable, supportive housing is critical to strengthening services for veterans and their families, who are often burdened by rising housing costs. By reserving these apartments for veterans, we can help ensure they do not become homeless and continue to live fulfilling lives in our community. The Liberty Apartments at Parkside will be a tremendous asset to our veteran population. I commend everyone involved on this wonderful project, especially Andy Tyman of the Finger Lakes Community Development Corporation, an affiliate of the Geneva Housing Authority, for their superb leadership throughout this whole endeavor. As state senator, I will continue to do everything possible to support our local veterans and their families.”

Assembly minority leader Brian Kolb said, “Our veterans and their families need community support, as they face a number of challenges upon their return from service. This incredible complex will offer top-flight services and amenities for veterans and their families at an affordable rate. I congratulate the coalition of organizations that worked to make this a reality and applaud their commitment to improving the quality of life for our veterans.”

Greg Westbrook, town supervisor said, “The town of Canandaigua is proud to welcome and honor our men and women who have served so admirably in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our veterans hold a special place in the heart of Canandaigua. Located in Uptown, the residents of Liberty Apartments will be able to enjoy many qualities of our community including a pedestrian friendly area centered around a Town Park; that offers a wide-range of amenities including Frisbee golf, fishing, and outdoor recreation.  Welcome to Canandaigua, and please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your service to our nation, our state, and our community.”

Andrew Tyman, CEO of Geneva Housing Authority & Finger Lakes Community Development Corporation said, “We are very excited to complete this greatly needed project. Liberty Apartments at Parkside veterans housing development provides affordable housing and related services to families and individuals, and gives preference to the men and women of the armed forces, especially the homeless and disabled. Veterans have given so much of themselves to protect and defend our country. Helping them by providing a roof over their head and assisting with family unification moves veterans and the entire Finger Lakes Region forward.”

This grand opening complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The state has already invested more than $5.2 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan - investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in. 

Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by governor Cuomo in December 2015. The state’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs.