Manorwood Homes Supplies Homes to NY Community Developer

Binghamton, NY
community housing developer First Ward Action Council has set the first of
three new energy-efficient modular homes delivered to the site at 43 Mary Street on
the south side of Binghamton.
The homes were built by Manorwood Homes in PA and shipped to the jobsite.

Manorwood Homes has been around for 60 years and is part of Commodore.

“This has always been a stable neighborhood with many working families, but
years ago we saw the early signs of neglect and abandonment,” said Mayor Matt
Ryan. “We were proactive and focused, and over a few years took ownership of
four blighted properties in a row on Mary
Street. We successfully competed for state grants,
demolished four eyesores and partnered with local developers and banks to
replace the old with three new, affordable, energy-efficient homes. It was a
long-term strategy that has paid off, and this week marks another important
milestone in our award-winning approach to remove blight, promote home ownership
and create safer, healthier neighborhoods.”

Jerry Willard, the Executive Director of First Ward Action Council said the
Mary Street Affordable Homes Project involved the acquisition and demolition
over multiple years of 41, 43, 47 and 49 Mary Street, all abandoned and
blighted homes—and the subsequent construction of three new, affordable
energy-efficient modular, single-family homes.

Both the City and the developer secured competitive state grants for the
project, with a final goal of expanding home ownership opportunities for seniors
or working families on fixed incomes. The City secured $100,000 per home
through the state’s Restore NY program, and FWAC secured $60,000 per home
through state’s Department of Housing and Community Renewal. Since the grants
are reimbursements, Chemung Canal Trust Company is providing FWAC with the
upfront construction financing for the overall project. FWAC estimates a sale
price of approximately $85,000 for each of the three homes.

“Many seniors and working families are ready for home ownership, but can’t find
quality, energy-efficient homes within their price range,” said Jerry Willard.
“We’re very pleased to partner with the City to meet this need, and in the
process, strengthening the City’s tax base, and stabilizing this great
southside neighborhood.”