UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Center for Development announced it has received a $2 million grant from New York State Homes and Community Renewal to develop an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) pilot program.
An ADU is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone, single-family home and can be an independent unit attached to or within the home. The program’s intent is to generate additional affordable-housing opportunities in the city through direct assistance to low-income and moderate-income homeowners in navigating the design, approval, and construction process for ADUs.
ADUs offer an opportunity to generate additional housing types as well as affordable-housing options for both homeowners and tenants. They can also provide families options to remain in their neighborhoods in order to accommodate aging parents or disabled dependents, according to a news release from the Utica Center for Development. The ADU pilot program will fund both new ADUs and bring existing ADUs in compliance with codes.
The program is a forgivable grant program where homeowners earning under 100 percent of the area median income can receive up to $125,000 in assistance and technical support for ADU permitting, design, project management, and construction. Eligible projects include the creation of new units or the renovation/rehabilitation of existing ones. Homeowners must maintain the property as their primary residents, ensure the completed ADU is occupied or rented, and keep the property in good condition for the full 10-year term of the forgivable grant award.
For more information or to apply, contact the Utica Center for Development at (315) 765-0975, extension 202.