HHA seeks to replace old housing

“It’s an exciting and ambitious project and it’s no doubt in my mind that the end results will be a benefit to the residents of the Hudson Housing Authority and will further cultivate the community,” Dodson said.

The proposed new locations for apartments will be on properties owned by the city. The first is a vacant lot at the corner of Warren and Front streets. The second is at the northeast corner of Columbia and Second streets and the third is adjacent to the north side of State Street.

The primary source of funding will come through New York State Homes and Community Renewal and will likely include tax credits, loans and subsidies, but, according to Dodson, it’s too early to put a dollar amount on the project.

Contracting companies that responded to the Request for Qualifications are Edgemere Development Corp. in Rochester, Genesis located in New York City, K7R Preservations in New York City, MGD Real Estate Partners, LLC, in Woodbury, and the Mount Construction and Development Corp. in Berlin, New Jersey.

The Housing Authority is looking for the following qualities in a developer for a project of this magnitude: Experience in developing affordable housing, financial capacity, multiple funding sources, public Housing experience, tenant relocation experience, prior experience with demolition, a role in financing, ownership and planning and developer experience in planning for neighborhood and resident participation.

These qualities are important in a developer because it shows the developer will have the best interest of the community at heart, Dodson said. When new developments are up for discussion the displacements are always a concern. Dodson has been assured that no one will be displaced.

“That is not the plan, for residents to be displaced,” Dodson said. “The plan is to relocate properly before any movement starts; that’s a priority. It all depends on the plan start and what the phases of construction will be. It’s not planned for anyone to be displaced.”

Before construction can begin, after the Housing Authority chooses a development partner and then makes plans, such as scheduling, it will propose dates, phases and budgeting.

“What we’re offering is to demolish each of those Columbia and Bliss Towers because they’re 50 years old this year,” Dodson said. “They’re not susstainable structures. We want to give residents something new and fresh, with the appearance of something that fits this community.”

Groundbreaking for this project is in the distant future.

Hudson resident Jeff Griffin is happy about all the upgrades that the area is planning for the future.

“I’m glad they’re building new complexes,” he said. “The area has been in need of it for a very long time. I feel that new buildings might attract more people to the area.”

Ahmed Hassan of Hudson is concerned about rising rents once the new complex is finished.

“I hope rents don’t rise because of the new complexes,” he said. “Everything from the price of eggs, gas and other essentials has gone up these last years.”