Carbon-neutral public housing is a reality in Rome

Beacon Communities and the Rome Housing Authority gathered to celebrate the completion of Colonial II in Rome, recently – a $40 million renovation making the property the state’s first carbon-neutral public housing development.

According to state officials, the project’s energy-efficient design supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s climate goals while preserving 74 units of affordable housing.

Executive Director of the Rome Public Housing Authority Maureen Birmingham used the ‘best for last’ sentiment as she announced it was her final project before retirement. “We are proud to be at the forefront of improving energy efficiency in public housing and provide a model for buildings statewide,” she said.

The property builds on the Colonial I rehabilitation, completed in 2019, that created 83 energy-efficient affordable homes and upgraded a 1966 Rome Housing Authority building.

Financing for Colonial II was made possible through a RAD/Section 18 Conversion with 4 percent tax credits from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Work began in March 2022, and construction was completed in January 2024.

The project was awarded $1 million through the State’s Buildings of Excellence Competition. Additionally, the project received $296,000 from the Multifamily New Construction Program, and $194,740 from NY-Sun, all administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The Buildings of Excellence Competition, a $58 million initiative, has awarded funding to 56 construction projects since its inception in 2019. Furthermore, $2 million in Early Design Support funding has been awarded to design firms to enhance capabilities to design toward carbon neutral standards, state officials confirmed.

The renovation converted 99 units of public housing into 74 apartments reserved for seniors and individuals living with a disability.

According to Darren Scott, Upstate East Director of Development at NYS Homes and Community Renewal, 44% of Rome citizens spend more than 30% of household income on housing. He claimed that expanding the supply of affordable housing means preserving assets as well as embarking on new developments.

To back his argument Scott referred to Hochul’s $25 billion housing plan, designed to preserve and construct 100,000 homes including 10,000 with supportive services.