A national developer has revised a proposal for a large-scale housing and retail complex in Central New York, to include more reduced-priced rental units.
If approved, the development would be the largest in the town of Manlius in the past decade, Syracuse.com reported.
The project, called Twin Shores, aims to address the region’s housing shortage and prepare for an expected increase in workers due to Micron Technology’s commitment to build a computer chip manufacturing complex nearby.
Illinois-based developer Twin Shores’ proposal for the 129-acre property includes 300 apartments and townhouses. Manlius Town Supervisor John Deer and other officials have been working with the developer to incorporate more affordable housing options.
“We are trying to hit that sweet spot,” Deer told the outlet. “We would love to have a huge affordable housing complex, but realize that developers can’t do that financially. We are looking for what percentage the market can bear.”
While the specific rental prices are yet to be determined, some of the residences would be designated as “workforce housing” for individuals earning around 80 percent of the area’s median income. This group typically earns too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing but cannot afford full market rates.
The development would also include retail spaces and the potential addition of a movie theater. The developer, Twin Shores LLC, is seeking a zone change to allow for denser housing on approximately 50 acres of the site. The goal of the project is to create a walkable community with recreational areas, green spaces, and playgrounds. Plans include amenities like pickleball and basketball courts, walking trails, and access to the nearby South Pond for non-motor water activities.
While the rental prices are yet to be determined, the project aims to strike a balance between construction costs and affordable rents, the outlet says.
The developer is considering possible tax breaks for the housing portion of the project through discussions with Onondaga County’s Industrial Development Agency. The retail side of the project may include office and restaurant space, with the potential addition of a new movie theater. There have also been discussions about a new Manlius Town Hall, although no firm plans have been made.
The proposal includes five four-story apartment buildings and eight townhome-style buildings, with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units.
The majority of units will likely have two bedrooms. The developer has previously undertaken projects in 44 states, including various types of developments such as movie theaters, retail spaces, and senior living facilities.
— Ted Glanzer