Cayuga County will receive a $1 million state grant to support the construction of a $23 million housing project in the city of Auburn.
The funding was awarded through the County Infrastructure Grant Program, an initiative that launched in November that aims to assist local governments with needed improvements.
Cayuga County applied for the $1 million grant on behalf of the city. The municipalities sought the funding after a meeting between Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Anna and Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino.
During that meeting, Giannettino detailed Rochester-based Park Grove Realty's plan to build 70 townhome-style apartments on the city's west end. Anna, who as chair wants to boost economic development in the county, expressed interest in supporting the project.
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The county Legislature voted in February to apply for the $1 million grant. The funding will be re-granted from the county to the city.
It is one of four grants awarded to central New York counties. According to a project description, it will support infrastructure upgrades, such as sewer and water service, extending Manor House Drive and new sidewalks.
"From my early days on a town board to serving as Erie County clerk and in Congress, I've seen how investments like these can breathe new life into neighborhoods, drive housing growth, support vibrant downtowns and bring new energy to local economies," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "We're putting local priorities front and center as we build a stronger New York."
The housing project, named Bluefield Pointe, would be located near Bluefield Manor, an independent retirement community in Auburn. Bluefield Pointe would consist of 21 one-bedroom, 35 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom apartments. The apartments would have stainless steel appliances, modern lighting and plumbing fixtures, quartz countertops and a washer and dryer. Each unit will have a balcony and a patio, as well as its own entryway and garage.
Other amenities are planned, including a clubhouse, dog park, pickleball court and pool.
The apartments, which would be marketed to households earning $100,000 or more a year, would have rents ranging from $1,775 to $1,795 for a one-bedroom unit to up to $2,495 for a three-bedroom unit.
Local officials say it would not only help workers at existing employers, such as Auburn Community Hospital and Nucor, but it could also provide a housing option for Micron workers after the semiconductor chip manufacturing plant is built in neighboring Onondaga County.
A draft environmental impact statement for the Micron project estimates that the city of Auburn could add nearly 1,000 new households by 2041.
There is no timetable for when the housing project will be completed. Park Grove Realty must receive approvals from city boards to proceed with construction.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.