David R. Roefaro, Mayor

City of Utica, New York

09/10/09 - Kennedy Plaza News

 DESTITO AND ROEFARO:

Local Firm to Manage Kennedy Plaza Apartments

 

September 11, 2009- (Utica,NY) - CRM Rental Management, Inc. of Rome has been selected by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to take over as the management agency for the Kennedy Plaza Apartments in Utica effective October 1^st, Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D/WF-Rome) said today.  CRM will succeed Mayzon Corporation of Rochester as the site manager.  Empire State Development Corporation is the owner of the apartment complex.

 

“After hearing from numerous tenants at Kennedy Plaza who had very significant concerns about current conditions there, I met with officials from the DHCR and Empire State Development Corporation,” Destito said.  “We are continuing to work on long-term solutions to significantly modernize these apartments, but in the short term, we agreed that having a locally-based site manager would go a long way in helping to improve the quality of life for residents there.”

 

“I want to commend the staff at the DHCR and Empire State Development; Utica Mayor David Roefaro; County Executive Tony Picente; and Oneida County Legislator Rose Ann Convertino for their interest in resolving this issue in a timely manner,” Destito said.  “I also very much appreciate the time many tenants took to attend several meetings we held at Kennedy Plaza, and to pass along specific information about conditions at the apartments.”

 

DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said, “Kennedy Plaza provides 303 affordable homes to low-income families and individuals and is extremely important to the City of Utica. DHCR has been working with all parties, including state and city officials as well as the tenants, owners and managers of Kennedy Plaza to help improve conditions and maintain affordability at the complex.” 

 

"There always is a need for quality rental housing for Oneida County residents, and it is important to provide it in the county's largest city," said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr.  "Kennedy Plaza is one of the largest apartment complexes in our entire region, and I will continue working with my colleagues in government, and with the residents of these apartments to make sure that it is available to meet the needs of area residents looking for safe, affordable housing alternatives."

 

"Having quality, affordable housing is one of the keys to the continued revitalization of our downtown district," said Utica Mayor David Roefaro.  "I am fully committed to the renovation and modernization of Kennedy Plaza.  I have met with CRM officials, and I know that they will be accessible and responsive to tenants' needs there."

 

“CRM Rental Management, Inc. is pleased to have been selected as the managing agent for Kennedy Plaza Apartments,” said CRM’s President, John Varecka. “CRM, with over 35 years of affordable housing expertise, is looking forward to working with DHCR and the local community in providing the utmost in quality affordable housing. We are pleased to be a significant part of the transformation of Kennedy Plaza and the downtown Utica area.”