Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 13 that more than $19 million has been awarded through the MOVE-IN NY program to create 56 new homes across several New York communities, including Amsterdam, Auburn, Lackawanna, Schenectady, and East Hampton. The funding will support local organizations and governments in constructing prefabricated CrossMod homes aimed at increasing affordable homeownership opportunities.
The MOVE-IN NY program is designed to address the shortage of affordable starter homes throughout New York by using factory-built housing that can be constructed faster and at a lower cost than traditional methods. Governor Hochul said, “Homeownership in New York should be within reach for families at every stage of life, whether you’re buying your first home, downsizing in retirement or putting down roots for the first time. New Yorkers deserve safe, stable and affordable homes and my MOVE-IN NY program is helping us build them faster and at a lower cost. This is how we address the housing crisis, by building more homes that New Yorkers can actually afford.”
Funding was distributed among several recipients: AHA Development Corporation received $3,025,000 for 10 homes; Capital Region Land Bank received $6,655,000 for 22 homes; Lackawanna Housing Development Corporation received $2,420,000 for eight homes; and East Hampton was awarded $7,040,000 for sixteen homes. The prefabricated CrossMod houses are built to federal standards and qualify buyers for conventional mortgages.
RuthAnne Visnauskas said: “Factory-built CrossMod homes are a high-quality alternative to traditionally-built houses… This $19 million investment in the second round of MOVE-IN awards and the 56 new homes it will create makes the vision of homeownership a reality for families across New York. With nearly 130 new homeownership opportunities created so far through this program… we are thrilled to see it expand so quickly around the state.”
Local leaders expressed support for the initiative. Mayor Annette Iafallo of Lackawanna said: “This initiative… will allow Lackawanna to continue its strong focus on expanding and improving our housing supply — particularly in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods where affordable housing opportunities are needed most.” Mayor Gary McCarthy of Schenectady thanked Governor Hochul “for this funding that will help quickly meet the need for new single-family homes.” Town of East Hampton Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez also praised state investment saying it would help families stay rooted in their community.
The MOVE-IN NY program builds on previous pilot projects completed within six months—up to three times faster than traditional construction—and aims to expand further with additional budget allocations proposed by Governor Hochul. Her administration continues broader efforts with initiatives like her five-year Housing Plan targeting creation or preservation of over 100,000 affordable units statewide.
