Parish Heights housing development nets $4.9 million. What it means for Corning project

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader
·3 min read

Housing Visions recently received $4.9 million in state funding to develop 15 units of permanent housing for formerly homeless individuals at the former St. Vincent de Paul Church campus on Corning’s Northside.

The funding, awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, will help pay for a portion of an overall $24 million, 45-unit Parish Heights housing complex. A day care center is also planned for the vacant site.

The project is being developed by Housing Visions Consultants, Inc.

“The funding announced last week is specifically for the 15 units of permanent supportive housing for frail elderly/seniors proposed in the project to be provided supportive services by AIM Independent Living Center,” said Jennifer Miller, Corning planning & economic development director.

Who will live at Parish Heights?

Miller said a frail elderly/senior is defined by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative to include any person who is age 55 and older, who is enrolled in Medicaid, and requires assistance with one or more activities of daily living, which will be provided by AIM.

Support services will be provided by Corning Council for Assistance and Information for the Disabled, Inc., and will include case management, crisis intervention, legal and financial assistance, recovery services, mental health support, and medical, vocational and employment services.

A look at the former St. Vincent de Paul Church campus, on Corning’s Northside.
A look at the former St. Vincent de Paul Church campus, on Corning’s Northside.

“The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investment in these projects will provide older adults who have experienced homelessness with permanent housing and on-site access to the essential support services they need to achieve and maintain stable lives in their communities," said Barbara Guinn, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance acting commissioner.

The remaining 30 units will offer affordable housing.

What's next for the project?

Housing Visions previously received $2 million from the Restore NY Fund to support Parish Heights in 2022. Housing Visions is seeking additional state support for the project.

“Housing Visions still has a pending application with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) for the Parish Heights project,” Miller said. “The project, which also received funding through Empire State Development’s Restore NY program, includes the substantial renovation of an existing building and new construction of a residential building.”

No timeline for the start of construction has been announced, though Miller previously told The Leader that the project could break ground in late 2024 or 2025 if the HCR funding materializes.

How will Parish Heights impact housing in Corning?

State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, R-Corning, said the project will go a long way to address the need for affordable and sustainable housing in the Corning community.

“Funding for this project will build upon the strong partnership of the community and local service providers to create multi-generational, mixed income, fully accessible adaptive housing units for individuals in need,” Palmesano said.

The old St. Vincent de Paul Church and the nearby elementary school building are part of the plan to revitalize the Corning campus with 45 apartment units and a daycare.
The old St. Vincent de Paul Church and the nearby elementary school building are part of the plan to revitalize the Corning campus with 45 apartment units and a daycare.

Ben Lockwood, president of Housing Visions, said Parish Heights will lead to the creation of affordable rental housing that enhances the lives of vulnerable seniors in Steuben County and the City of Corning.

“The HHAP award will catalyze the redevelopment and revitalization of the former St. Vincent de Paul church in Corning and serve as a positive example to reimagine former religious buildings and campuses,” Lockwood said.

More: Bethany Village in Horseheads breaks ground on expansion of Orchard Homes senior living

The grant is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.

“Every New Yorker deserves to have access to a safe, stable and affordable place to call home, especially the most vulnerable among us,” Hochul said. “These new supportive housing developments will give formerly homeless older New Yorkers the access to services they need to thrive in their community.”

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning housing project awarded $4.9M. How it impacts Parish Heights