SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Central New York Services, Inc. (CNYS) has opened Star Park, a newly constructed housing complex at 135 State Fair Boulevard on the Syracuse’s West Side.
Star Park is a three-story building located on the site of the former Star Park baseball field. In 1928, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played on the field with local baseball teams in a series of exhibition games. The original backstop remains part of the landscape.
Christa Construction, LLC of Rochester built the $16.1 million project, which was designed by Holmes King Kallquist & Associates, Architects of Syracuse, per a Wednesday news release from Helio Health.
Central New York Services affiliated with Syracuse–based Helio Health in 2019. Helio Health operates facilities in Syracuse, Rochester, Utica, and Binghamton. Central New York Services operates at 518 James St. in Syracuse. They are both nonprofit behavioral-health organizations.
The Star Park project is a collaboration between Central New York Services, Inc.; CSD Housing, LLC of Victor; New York State Homes & Community Renewal (NYSHCR); and the New York State Office of Mental Health.
The 50-unit building contains one-and two-bedroom units, with 30 supportive units reserved for residents with mental-health needs, and 20 affordable apartments offered to individuals who meet the income requirement of 60 percent aggregate median income (AMI) or lower.
Amenities include laundry facilities, a community room, air-conditioning, and a key fob system for enhanced security. The large, “beautifully landscaped” lot provides ample green space.
CRM Rental Management Inc. of Rome manages the property and attends to the leasing of the affordable units. Central New York Services, Inc. provides staffing for the supportive units where residents can have case management and recovery support.
“The need for integrated, supportive, and affordable quality housing in our community is critical. Safe and stable housing is a positive life change, particularly for those recovering from mental illness,” Jeremy Klemanski, president and CEO of Helio Health, said. “Prior to affiliating with Helio Health, Central New York Services, Inc. and its executive director, John Warren, recognized the importance of meeting this need. In 2016, with its partners, CNYS initiated the development and construction of Star Park. We are delighted that together we have completed this significant project. It expands Helio Health’s continuum of mental health residential services and brings new affordable housing resources to our area. Star Park’s opening will add to the overall health of individuals and our community. We are all proud to offer safe, stable supportive housing that is truly transformational.”