City, developer and state outline financing and timeline for Syracuse Developmental Center redevelopment

City staff and private partners briefed the Syracuse Common Council on the status of the Syracuse Developmental Center (SDC) redevelopment project, describing demolition largely complete, a multimillion‑dollar state grant already committed and outstanding financing the developer says is needed to close in December.

Eric Ennis, a city staff member presenting the update, said the city received a $29 million award from Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration in 2022 to support the project and has been working with the Albanese Organization and Home Headquarters on a multiphase redevelopment of the 48‑acre SDC site. "This project is one that we have been working on since 2022," Ennis said, adding the project has been complex and involves multiple city departments and outside partners.

The nut graf: City and private developers said they are targeting closing this winter with state housing authorities and tax credit investors, but they described a financing gap that the city might help fill through a low‑interest loan administered by Sedco to unlock further state subsidy.

Developers and partners summarized current scope and schedule. Home Headquarters plans to build 27 owner‑occupied townhomes in phase 1; Carrie Quaglia, representing Home Headquarters, said architects have near‑final plans and the organization expects to apply for state AHOP (Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Fund) funding that would subsidize roughly $200,000 per townhome, producing subsidized sales prices in the $220,000–$250,000 range. Quaglia noted permits for townhomes pulled after Jan. 1 will require sprinkler systems, adding an estimated $15,000 per unit, and that two units must meet Section 504 accessibility requirements.

Chris Albanese, speaking for the Albanese Organization, described…