CDS Monarch Responds to Comments By Geneseo Town Board Over Subsidized Housing

GENESEO — An affordable housing project or subsidized housing project that raised eyebrows from Town Board Members has drawn a response from the developer.

The CDS Monarch project, a 40 unit development was called a ‘bait and switch’ by Town of Geneseo Supervisor Will Wadsworth by the developer.  CDS Monarch officials feel that they have stuck to the plan from the start.

“It has always been a 40 unit apartment building with 38 one bedroom units and 2 two-bedroom units,” said Mark Curletta, Chief Operating Officer of CDS Life Transitions. “Moreover, a total of 32 units have always been affordable for seniors age 55+ and 8 units were for formerly homeless veterans. This is precisely what the Geneseo Planning Board approved in 2016, 2017 and is exactly the same as what we are requesting approval for now.”

CDS Monarch reached out to the Sun stating concerns over the published article.

“Our affordable housing is different from subsidized housing and other projects Geneseo has seen before,” said Mark Curletta, Chief Operating Officer of CDS Life Transitions. “We will provide permanent residences for veterans and seniors, many of whom do not qualify for Section 8 subsidized housing, but cannot afford the high cost of market housing. There is no rental subsidy for the seniors in this proposed development.”

The concern for Town Board Members is who will qualify to occupy the housing.

“I don’t remember endorsing the project on Volunteer Road, but I will say that I am adamantly opposed to any more subsidized housing in the town or village of Geneseo,” said Griffo. “We have at least six projects already in our area that, for lack of a better term, negatively affect our community.”

Griffo pointed out issues relating to healthcare, law enforcement, traffic, and the use of county resources that he believes will only become more problematic with the addition of a new housing project.

In the end Curletta stated that he still hopes to be able to work with the town to complete the project.