News
December 3, 2025$5.4 Million Renovation of Six Buildings on Hamilton Hill Approved
Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI) today announced that it has received final approval to begin a $5.4 million renovation project that will transform six vacant buildings in Schenectady, creating 11 new high-quality, affordable apartments where blighted buildings now stand. The new development renovates three buildings on Germania Avenue that were acquired from the City of Schenectady and three others on Schenectady Street.
“This investment marks an important step forward in our mission to strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to affordable housing throughout the City of Schenectady,” said Matthew Nelson, CEO of BCNI. “We are deeply grateful to New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the City of Schenectady, and the Little Family Foundation for helping us make this project a reality. Together, we’re breathing new life into the neighborhood.”
The new BCNI project will address long-vacant properties located at 324, 329, and 337 Germania Avenue, together with the properties located at 422, 429, and 523 Schenectady Street. Eight of the units will be reserved for households earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and three will be reserved for households earning up to 80 percent of the AMI.
Funding for the six-building renovation is provided by a $4.4 million award from the New York State HOME American Rescue Plan Program (NYS HOME-ARP), a federally funded program allocated to New York State by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is administered by New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR). Additional funding for this project includes a $500,000 allocation from the City of Schenectady’s ARPA funding, and a $500,000 contribution from the Little Family Foundation.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “By transforming these vacant buildings into housing, this project is improving affordability and reducing blight. This $5.4 million project will strengthen the Schenectady community and build on HCR’s investment in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood including projects like Hillside Crossing and the Boys & Girls Club. We are grateful to Better Community Neighborhoods and all the project partners for their dedication.
Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “We are pleased to partner with BCNI, and we are grateful for the funding provided by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Little Foundation in this partnership that will create new quality affordable housing in six now vacant buildings, driving further growth and investment in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood.”
Richard Ruzzo, Deputy Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature and Chair of the Capital Region Land Bank said, “This powerful combination of state, city and foundation support is making possible the transformation of six more buildings in our growing community directly addressing the need for high quality, yet affordable housing.” The Land Bank is planning additional investments in both Germania and Schenectady Streets to add to the neighborhood revitalization efforts.
“The Little Family Foundation is committed to partnering with local organizations to make Schenectady a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Mark Little, benefactor, and founder of the Little Family Foundation. “Our Foundation is proud to partner with BCNI and the City of Schenectady, advancing their joint efforts to revitalize the Hamilton Hill neighborhood and provide more affordable housing and services to the residents of our community.”
BCNI will be partnering with the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) to make the new housing units available to qualified individuals. Additionally, SCAP will provide supportive services to tenants residing in these units. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. All rental units will remain affordable for a minimum of 15 years after completion.
The Schenectady Rental Rehab Project also received pre-development planning and support from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, the Wright Family Foundation, and The Schenectady Foundation.
