HUD DEPUTY SECRETARY CUTS RIBBON ON SECOND PHASE OF CARLSON COMMONS
Fulton Avenue becomes home to 77 new affordable units

ROCHESTER, NY - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today formally dedicated the second phase of Carlson Commons, bringing 77 new affordable homes to Rochester's Plymouth-Exchange neighborhood. HUD's $3.2 million investment is part of the largest revitalization of a housing project in the city in more than three decades.

Bernardi joined Mayor Robert Duffy, Carlson Commons neighbors, and private developers in a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"Today is a tremendous example of what can be achieved when dedicated public and private partners join together for the good of the community," said Bernardi. "HUD is pleased to be one of the partners in this worthy endeavor."

Mayor Duffy said, "These 77 new homes are essential to the growth and development in the Plymouth-Exchange neighborhood and will stimulate economic development on Fulton Avenue for years to come."

The Carlson Commons development is the result of a mix of public and private investment, including $700,000 provided through HUD's HOPE VI program and $2.5 million in the Department's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs. The Rochester Housing Authority, Providence Housing Development Corporation, and Cornerstone Group, Ltd. also contributed to the revitalization of the development.

HUD's HOPE VI program is designed to transform public housing while positive incentives for resident self-sufficiency by offering comprehensive services to empower residents. The program significantly reduces concentrations of poverty promoting mixed-income communities and forging partnerships with other agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses to leverage support and resources.

Since 1974, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has awarded an estimated $119 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. The rehabilitation of affordable housing and construction of public facilities and improvements have traditionally been the largest uses of the grants, although CDBG is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities.

HOME (HOME Investment Partnerships Program) is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to produce affordable housing for low-income families. Since 1992, 645 communities have completed more than 781,000 affordable housing units, including more than 327,000 for new homebuyers. In addition, nearly 163,000 tenants have received direct rental assistance.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.