Some much needed affordable rental units will be coming to the Salina Street corridor in Syracuse, as part of the Salina Crossing project. Ground has been broken on the biggest site, a new mixed-use building on property that once was home to the crumbling Otisca Building on the city’s north side.
Ben Lockwood, vice president of Housing Visions, the developer, says there is a big need for this kind of housing.
“I think some of that’s due to low wages out there in the market, as well as a housing stock that is very old in the city of Syracuse. So to be able to provide high quality, energy efficient, affordable apartments is a really a great way for some people to establish themselves and get ahead in life,” said Lockwood.
The project will create 49 units of affordable housing at 10 locations, and is being funded in large part through state affordable housing grants.
The old Otisca Building site will consist of 20 apartment units and 5,000 feet of commercial space. Lockwood says replacing the old building will help the neighborhood.
“It really was a menace and a hulk of a building that was falling down before our eyes. It really was a symbol of decay. So to get to a point where we can bring it back with commercial on the first floor and continue the revitalization around the hospital with our partners is something we think is fantastic for the neighborhoods
