Work begins on Monarch Commons housing project in town of Cicero

CICERO, N.Y. — Construction has started on a $15 million housing development with 50 apartments in the town of Cicero. 

Monarch Commons will include 35 apartments for adults age 55 and older, and 15 apartments for veterans dealing with homelessness or “housing insecurity,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul, announced Dec. 3. 

The project’s developer is CDS Monarch, Inc. of Webster in Monroe County.

Monarch Commons will be a single two-story building with 48 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. All apartments are “affordable” to households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income, per Hochul’s office. 

Monarch Commons has been designed to adhere to energy efficiency and green-building standards required under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s new construction-housing program (Tier 3) and the project will pursue LEED certification. 

Other energy-efficient features include light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, continuously operating bath fans, and all Energy Star or equivalent appliances, equipment, lighting, and fixtures. 

State financing includes federal low-income housing tax credits that will generate $12 million in equity and $2.5 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA will provide $175,000 in support. Additional financing is being provided by the CDS Wolf Foundation and the Central New York Community Foundation. 

New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D–Cicero) called Monarch Commons a “groundbreaking project on many levels.” 

“Energy efficient, affordable apartments for our senior and veteran population which provide onsite support services, will be transformative,” Stirpe contended. “Amenities including access to technology, safety features and a connection to community is imperative in receiving the quality of care that people need. We look forward to welcoming them to the neighborhood.”

Monarch Commons is part of the state’s $20 billion, five-year housing plan to make housing accessible and to combat homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 homes with supportive services. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has provided $190 million in funding for projects in Onondaga County, which has created or preserved nearly 2,800 affordable homes.

About Monarch Commons 

Fifteen of the apartments will be reserved for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These individuals will have access to on-site supportive services provided by Soldier On, a national organization specializing in supporting veterans. 

Services and rental subsidies will be funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Development Assistance. 

Each apartment will have storage space, kitchen amenities, and a patio or balcony. Bathrooms will be equipped with grab bars and emergency pull cords. 

Building amenities will include a lounge, community room, exercise room, and computer room. The building will also include a dedicated office space and separate meeting area for the supportive-service provider. 

“CDS is thrilled to partner with the State of New York in providing safe, affordable, and high-quality housing for our veterans,” Andrew Sewnauth, COO of CDS Life Transitions, said. “Building upon the foundation of our Warrior Salute program in Rochester, Monarch Commons represents a commitment to our brave men and women who deserve nothing less than the best our country has to offer.”