Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 6 the completion of Silver Gardens, a $22 million affordable senior housing development in the Hamlet of Highland, Town of Lloyd, Ulster County. The new complex features 57 units, including 29 supportive apartments for residents aged 62 and older. Silver Gardens is located near parks, public transportation, retail outlets and healthcare services.
The project aims to provide affordable living options for seniors while offering access to essential services that help them live independently. It is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“All apartments at Silver Gardens are reserved for residents aged 62 and older and are affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income,” according to the announcement. Twenty-nine units are set aside for tenants who need on-site support services such as self-advocacy support, socialization activities, educational training and transportation coordination with public transit or medical providers.
Silver Gardens includes all-electric buildings with geothermal heating and cooling systems as well as ENERGY STAR appliances. Six units accommodate residents with mobility impairments and three units serve those with sensory disabilities. The development received Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification in 2020.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “This $22 million investment is giving 57 households an affordable and supportive place to live while also prioritizing easy access to transit, recreation, and downtown Highland. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her dedication…and thank our partners for their commitment.” New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said that safe housing is essential “especially for older adults,” adding that Silver Gardens will allow residents “to live independently while staying connected” to needed services.
Funding came from multiple sources including HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program ($10.5 million), Senior Housing Program ($5 million), Federal Housing Trust Fund ($1.7 million), Clean Energy Initiative funding (over $425,000), Community Preservation Corporation ($1.4 million), Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program ($1.4 million) and Ulster County American Rescue Plan Act funds ($600,000). Operating expenses will be subsidized through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Department of Health.
The developer is RUPCO with Girondini LLC as co-developer; RUPCO also provides on-site support services at Silver Gardens.
