The pieces are coming together for the development of hundreds of affordable housing units near Syracuse’s Tipperary Hill neighborhood. Common councilors this week approved the sale of half of the 47-acre former Syracuse Developmental Center site to a developer. Councilor Pat Hogan represents the area and said plans have come a long way since the city seized the property in 2019. The massive complex of vacant buildings was demolished this year.
“A project that started with 250 affordable units and a future 551 apartments will create a whole new mixed-income neighborhood on the city’s west end," he said ahead of the council's vote.
The city hired Long Island-based Albanese Organization to build and operate its $134 million development. The council also approved or is facilitating tax breaks and state loans to help defray the cost. Councilor Hogan asked company president Chris Albanese how he’ll ensure his property doesn’t end up like the former Skyline or Nob Hill apartment towers, which were allowed to fall into disrepair by different owners.
“Recently we've had some real disappointments as far as some large buildings that weren't managed properly and a lot of people suffered," Hogan said.
“That will not happen with us," Albanese said. "We created our own management company. They're our people and we hire and fire them. We spend more operating the buildings than our competitors, but they're run right. The tenants are happy.”
The city and Albanese hope to close on the property and financial components in early December, with construction beginning early next year. Another part of the project includes 27 owner-occupied townhomes built by Home Headquarters, with significant state support.
