The city of Syracuse is seeking $1.75 million from the state to construct affordable single-family homes over the next two years.

The Common Council approved the city’s request for state funding last week. The city will use the funding to build 50 affordable homes on vacant or abandoned city lots if the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation grants its request.

The project is part of Mayor Ben Walsh’s $13-million Resurgent Neighborhoods Initiative, which aims to increase homeownership among Syracuse residents. Walsh first announced the initiative during his State of the City address Jan. 16.

The homes will cost between $90,000 and $100,000 to those within a set income bracket, said Kerry Quaglia, CEO of Home HeadQuarters, a nonprofit working with the city to construct the homes.

“We are really trying to make the housing for anybody, whether that be for an older couple, a single resident or a new family,” Quaglia said.

Building each home will cost between $225,000 and $250,000, Quaglia said.

Home HeadQuarters and the Greater Syracuse Land Bank are already taking preliminary steps for the building process, Quaglia said.

The Greater Syracuse Land Bank is seeking lots to build on that are close to schools or parks, said Katelyn Wright, executive director of the land bank. Not only will this increase the value of surrounding homes, but it will also boost the desirability and safety of the neighborhood, she said.

“Syracuse is covered in vacant lots and abandoned buildings that bring down the value of homes in surrounding neighborhoods,” Wright said. “Adding something like the new construction will not only increase neighbors’ home values, but the value of what you are selling will go up as well.”

After the city picks the lots they’d like to build on, the Greater Syracuse Land Bank will sell them to housing developers, Wright said. The developers will then begin hiring contractors and building the properties, she said.

Developers are using a “cluster” technique for the new homes, Wright said. Through this technique, each lot will hold five to six units. This allows for the property value on each house and the surrounding buildings to increase, Wright said.

Home HeadQuarters will offer various housing methods to cater toward buyers’ needs, Quaglia said. These include one- or two-bedroom designs and structural changes for older homebuyers, he said.

The nonprofit is also using the housing initiative to promote the importance of homeownership, Quaglia said. People who own homes tend to be more engaged with their neighborhood and help foster a sense of community, he said.

“It is just a really good thing for a house, a street and a neighborhood,” Quaglia said. “As soon as (contractors) are able to get the funding we can begin the building process and work towards better housing and a better community.”

Published on February 2, 2020 at 7:35 pm

Contact Maggie: mehicks@syr.edu | @maggie_hickss