Governor Cuomo Announces $750,000 Grant to Convert Abandoned Hotel to Assisted Living Apartments in Amsterdam

ALBANY, N.Y., April 24 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., issued the following news release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the approval of a $750,000 grant award to advance the total transformation of an abandoned hotel into a state-of-the-art assisted living apartment complex for 150 seniors in Montgomery County. The funding comes from a New York State Homes and Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant award, which will go toward the $2.1 million purchase of furniture, fixtures, equipment and machinery at the new facility.

"This funding will help complete this project to transform an abandoned hotel into a new assisted living home for senior citizens in the Mohawk Valley," Governor Cuomo said. "The repurposing of this hotel will not only enhance the quality of life of Amsterdam residents who will soon have a new home, but will also create jobs and have a positive impact on this community for years to come."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal's approval of a $750,000 grant award to advance this project in Montgomery County is expected to result in more than 70 full-time permanent jobs for the region. The city of Amsterdam applied for the award, which will go toward this project to create The Sentinel at 10 Market Street, enhancing revitalization efforts in the downtown area.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This is another concrete example of Governor Cuomo's belief that the CDBG program is essential to spurring economic development and stimulating growth in the private sector while fulfilling a public need. The Sentinel will enable its residents to live as independently as possible, in comfort and with dignity in the heart of the city they love. Construction activity has provided a boost to the local economy and more than 70 good paying jobs will be available when the facility opens. Taken together, this will reinvigorate downtown and the larger Amsterdam community."

The Eliot Management Group will operate The Sentinel, a less medically-intensive facility which will provide assistance with activities of daily life, personal care and housekeeping, with skilled oversight in a home-like environment. Construction began in the spring of last year and completion is expected later this spring. The Sentinel project aligns with strategies of the Mohawk Valley Regional Development Council, which seeks projects targeting regional concentrations of health care facilities and services in the heart of downtown Amsterdam and promotes investment in regional cores, municipal centers, central business districts to foster community development and revitalization.

Senator George Amedore said, "This grant will help continue revitalization efforts in Amsterdam, and I thank the Eliot Group for their commitment and investment in the city. Their planned state-of-the-art assisted living facility will not only revitalize a long abandoned building, but it will create jobs and be a great addition that will benefit residents and improve the quality of life for seniors throughout Amsterdam and all of Montgomery County."

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said, "This announcement is great news for the City of Amsterdam and seniors living in Montgomery County. The addition of this $750,000 grant award to support a state-of-the-art assisted living apartment complex in Amsterdam's downtown area, not only helps address the growing need for senior housing, but also supports the on-going revitalization efforts that brings new job opportunities and helps the local economy."

Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said, "This important economic development grant strengthens our county by assisting a project that will enhance the quality of life of its future residents while providing permanent jobs. It's a win-win and I thank Governor Cuomo's team for their focus on our community."

Amsterdam Mayor Michael Villa said, "Our revitalization efforts in Amsterdam get a strong vote of confidence through this grant. The Sentinel is a project that will enhance the quality of life for its new residents while strengthening the community. It will bring new vitality to downtown and jobs that will provide employment and the promise of a brighter future for those who will work there. We appreciate the Governor's efforts that maintain our momentum."

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal

NYS Homes and Community Renewal's housing and community development agencies work to create, preserve and improve affordable homes and vibrant communities, in keeping with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's vision of a more inclusive, affordable, sustainable, and resilient New York. In 2016, HCR set a record for the third year in a row, financing the creation or preservation of more than 17,000 affordable homes and apartments, creating nearly 2,000 homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and was once again the #1 affordable housing bond issuer in the nation with $2.8 billion issued. HCR stands ready to make good on the Governor's $10 billion 100,000 affordable units House NY 2020 commitment. For more information on HCR agencies, programs and initiatives, please visit: http://www.nyshcr.org/.