Aaron seeks to build more housing for elderly

By Paul Kirby, Freeman staff Daily Freeman February 22, 2006

TOWN OF ULSTER - A Kingston developer is expected to outline a plan tonight for a 66-unit assisted-living complex for the frail elderly, adjoining a 72-unit senior housing project he opened a year ago near Chambers Elementary School.
Town Supervisor Nick Woerner said the developer, Steve Aaron, will appear before the Town Board at 7 this evening in the Town Hall.
Aaron said he has submitted preliminary plans for the project and will apply to the state Division of Community Housing and Renewal for tax credits to help finance the endeavor. Aaron, a managing partner in Birchez Associates of Kingston, estimated the project will cost $7-8 million.
Aaron said the 66 units would be contained within four buildings on four acres fronting the community building of his Chambers Court senior housing complex.
In his new project, The Birches at Chambers, preference would be given to the frail elderly and war veterans, Aaron said. He expects the complex will be managed by Elant Health and Housing Solutions, a nonprofit agency in Goshen, which will provide staff to assist tenants in their daily routines.
In addition to Chambers Court, Birchez Associates has built Birchwood Village, an 80-unit apartment complex for low-income families on Flatbush Avenue in Kingston. The company is currently building another senior complex in Saugerties, called The Birches at Saugerties, and plans another in the town of Esopus, called The Birches at Esopus.
Aaron said waiting lists that Birchez Associates maintains have grown to more than 300 applications. He said Birchez Associates already owns the land where the Birches at Chambers complex would be built and it has already been rezoned as part of the first Chambers project which was completed in February, 2005.
The project will need subdivision and site plan approval by town officials.
"We are going to work very diligently with the town over the next few months," Aaron said.
Woerner, who periodically works for Aaron's Kingston hardware business and is related to Aaron by marriage, said that he supports the construction of affordable housing in town, whether it is for senior citizens or families with children. But he said he will not vote on any matters involving projects proposed by Aaron to avoid the appearance of a conflict.
"I support the construction of affordable housing in our community," Woerner said. "I know the quality of work that Mr. Aaron has produced in the past. (Residents) love the community he has established, and (he has) provided much-needed affordable housing for them."

©Daily Freeman 2006

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