Auburn council backs county grant application for proposed 70-unit Bluefield Point market-rate housing

The Auburn City Council on Feb. 20 voted to support a Cayuga County application to the Empire State Development County Infrastructure Grant Program that would provide up to $1,000,000 toward preparing a City-owned site at 213 Dunning Avenue Rear for a proposed 70-unit market-rate housing development called Bluefield Point.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Cuddy and seconded by Councilor Kent, says Cayuga County will apply for infrastructure funds and — if awarded — regrant them to the City of Auburn to implement the project. The council voted unanimously to accept the city’s role in receiving and administering any regranted funds; the roll call showed Councilor Kent, Councilor Overstreet Wilson and Councilor Cuddy voting “Yes” and Mayor Genentino voting “Aye.”

The project as presented to the council would place seven townhome-style buildings totaling 70 units on a parcel with access proposed from Manor House Drive. City staff said the total estimated project cost is $23,180,000 and that the county grant requires a 50% cash match for projects that support 10 or more housing units; a nonrefundable application fee of $250 will be provided by the developer. The concept presented lists a proposed unit mix of 21 one-bedroom, 35 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom units. Proposed rents shown in the presentation were $1,700 for one-bedroom units, $2,100 for two-bedroom units and $2,400 for three-bedroom units.

City staff noted the site at 213 Dunning Avenue Rear has constrained access from Dunning Avenue because of the nearby Crane Brook, and that the developer identified Manor House Drive as the most practical access point. Ms. Haynes, identified in the meeting transcript as a staff member, told the council the developer, Park Grove Realty, has built similar market-rate projects and that the city previously applied to another housing program for this concept without success.

During public comment, resident Grama said she was concerned residents on Dunning Avenue had not been informed and asked whether neighbors would be asked for input: “...if it was gonna actually be asked of the residents over there if they would like another 70 unit building to be put in in our neighborhood ... or if it was just gonna happen because I see that you guys are gonna vote on it tonight.” City staff responded that no land sale or approvals would occur tonight: the council was only authorizing support for the county’s grant application; future steps would include land acquisition negotiations, zoning board of appeals and planning board approvals, each of which will carry public-notification requirements for property owners adjoining the parcel.

Councilors who spoke in favor emphasized the project is an early step in a multistage process. Councilor Cuddy said, “Market rate housing is needed,” and Mayor Genentino added that approvals and public notifications would follow if the grant and subsequent steps move the project forward. The council also noted that the project team had presented the concept to Bluefield Manor’s executive director and board.

If Cayuga County’s application is approved and funds are regranted, staff said the city would negotiate land acquisition with the developer and seek required local land-use approvals. The presentation identified targeted tenants as professionals such as medical workers and teachers and listed an estimated median household income for the targeted demographic at approximately $100,000, per the developers’ market information.

Votes at a glance: the council voted to support the county application and to authorize the mayor and comptroller to execute necessary grant-related documents if the county regrants funds to the city; the motion passed unanimously.