On November 30, 2021, RISE Housing and Support Services proudly celebrated breaking ground on Dominic Hollow Apartments in Ballston Spa. When completed, Dominic Hollow will consist of sixty apartments. Thirty units are designated as affordable housing or “work force” units for individuals and families in the general community earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty additional units are designated for adults who will receive on-site services provided by RISE – of these, eighteen units will be permanent supportive housing, and twelve units will serve as transitional housing.
The project is part of the state’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year plan to make housing accessible and to combat homelessness. RISE received capital funding through NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), as well as capital and operational funding through NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), and additional operating funds through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI). Services and rental subsidies for 18 supportive units will be funded by the ESSHI and 12 supportive units will be funded by OMH.
Several community leaders, including Governor Hochul, shared their thoughts on the impact Dominic Hollow will have on the community. Governor Hochul, who announced the groundbreaking on November 30, 2021, said, “Saratoga County is one of the fastest-growing counties in New York, and Dominic Hollow Apartments will help fulfill the rising need for affordable housing. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, my Administration will continue to prioritize investments that allow New Yorkers to find safe, secure, and sustainable housing so they can live healthy and successful lives in the communities they love.”
Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, who attended the groundbreaking event, said, “Making sure that members of our community have access to affordable housing, particularly in challenging life circumstances or transitions is critical. Dominic Hollow Apartments, which will be located just outside the Village of Ballston Spa, will offer 18 units as supportive housing, 12 as transitional apartments and 30 designated as affordable housing for the general community – meaning 60 homes for individuals or families who have otherwise been faced with adversity. Best of luck to RISE Services as they take the next steps with this meaningful project.”
Senator Jim Tedisco noted, “As ranking member of the Senate’s Mental Health Committee, I understand how important the kind of supportive housing services are that will be available to assist and empower residents of the Dominic Hollow Apartments get the help they need and deserve to turn their lives around.”
Sybil Newell, Executive Director of RISE, remarked, “As an active community partner since 1978, RISE is proud to serve as a leader in meeting the housing and recovery needs of our neighbors through the Dominic Hollow Apartments project. These 60 new units will make distinct progress in closing the affordable housing gap in Saratoga County, while simultaneously enabling people living with mental health, substance use, and other life challenges to remain safe and healthy in the community through housing and supportive services.”
Town of Ballston Supervisor Eric Connelly commented, “I am looking forward to seeing all of the lives positively impacted by this unique and much needed project.”
Isabel Bazaldua, Housing Development and Support Program Specialist, NYS Office of Mental Health, Darren Scott, Upstate East Director of Development, NYS Homes & Community Renewal, and Keri Curtis, Director of Finance & Project Development, CSD Housing, also expressed their support of Dominic Hollow and the positive impact on the community.
RISE would like to thank The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for their support of Dominic Hollow and for many of the photos used in this blog post. RISE would also like to thank NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) for much of the information shared here. Please see their full article for more information and the thoughts of other community leaders about this project.
