Planned Senior Housing Project on River Street Seeks Approvals Extension

At Monday’s City of Cortland Planning Commission meeting, the commission granted a site plan extension to the Cortland Housing Assistance Council (CHAC) for their senior housing development at 30 River Street.

The CHAC looks to construct a three-story apartment building designated for senior citizens aged 62 or older. The building would hold 53 one-bedroom apartments and will be available for seniors who make up to 60% of the area median income. Six units in the building will be designated as fully accessible with 3 for those with hearing/vision impairments and an additional 12 for seniors experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

Previously noted by the CHAC, seniors who live at the apartment building will also benefit from services that will be provided by Catholic Charities. Those include a variety of social, health, and transportation services. Workshops and other wellness activities will also be offered, according to the update provided on the project.

Executive Director of the CHAC, Shawna Grinell, previously told X101 News following funding in the amount of $7.9 million dollars under state’s Homes and Community Renewal Low-Income Tax Credit Program, construction was slated to begin this fall. Grinnell added it has been a long process with the state ensuring that they had everything they needed to grant their final approvals.

However, Grinnell told X101 News, they hope to have closing with the state completed soon with construction beginning in February or March of the senior apartments beginning soon after.

Without any concerns, the commission voted unanimously to approve a 1-year site plan and floodplain development permit extension for the project. The commission cited extra ordinary circumstances in granting a second extension for the project due to the state process.