DiMarco Group comes back with new proposal

The DiMarco Group is hoping the sequel plays better than the original. After the development group ran into an overwhelming negative response to a low-income housing project they planned to develop in Hamlin one year ago, they are gearing up to present a new concept to local residents.

The current proposal calls for 40 affordable senior units, many less than the scope of the original project.

"In essence we're beginning the project over," said Scott Shaw, director of Affordable Housing Development for The DiMarco Group. "We've heard the community and we are responding."

Shaw said he is in process of drafting a letter to be mailed to residents surrounding the proposed site. He would like to share the group's plans with residents at an informational meeting to garner feedback before presenting a concept to the Hamlin Planning Board.

More than a year ago, The DiMarco Group planned to develop a portion of 135 acres of land off Lake Road West Fork into 24 senior citizen apartments and 25 single-family rental houses. The low-income housing proposal, named East Cove Senior Apartments and the Millstream Subdivision, generated a substantial amount of unrest from residents who voiced concerns over who would be attracted to the development and how it would impact nearby property values, Hamlin's tax base, and adjacent drainage.

The current plan is to build an affordable senior community. Income limits would be set at $24,700 for single occupancy and $28,200 for double occupancy. Project based certificates issued by the Rochester Housing Authority would insure that no resident would pay rent equaling more than 30 percent of their income.

The DiMarco Group commissioned a market survey that examined the potential of providing housing for seniors living in Hamlin, Ogden, Sweden, Clarkson, Brockport, Murray, Kendall and Clarendon. Hilton was not considered in the study because of the existence of Unionville Station (a senior living community), which isn't currently at full occupancy. Shaw said the market research shows that if they adequately promote this opportunity to local seniors there will be sufficient demand.

"We will be reaching out to local senior residents who are in most need of affordable housing," Shaw said.

The development will include one and two bedroom apartments, and will provide residents with a wellness/fitness center, a library, laundry facilities, an internet café, and available office space for service providers.

"What we build is a real community for our seniors," Shaw said. In addition to eliminating the low income single family housing, Shaw said they have taken into consideration drainage issues that were originally a concern shared by Brick Schoolhouse Road residents. He plans to share the plan at an informational meeting within the next 30 days.

Shaw said the future of this project is dependent on the reaction of the Hamlin community.

"We do not want to build something that is not welcomed by the community," Shaw said. "It is not our style to force a project."

Hamlin Terrace is a DiMarco Group property.