The Red Mill Apartments in New Berlin received $5.1 million in grant funding for a renovation project to be completed in May 2023. ( Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NEW BERLIN — The Chenango County Department of Planning and Development, in partnership with Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc., was awarded $5.1 million in grant funding to renovate 18 permanent housing units, including nine two-bedroom and nine one-bedroom units at the Red Mill Housing Complex on Five Corners Road in New Berlin.

New Berlin Mayor Peter Lennon said, “The Red Mill Renovation Project, while occurring just outside the village limits, is already creating positive ripples within the village. These renovated properties will offer safe, modern housing units that people with links to the village can proudly call home.”

Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc, Deputy Director Kelly Robertson said, “The renovation of the Red Mill housing complex on Five Corners Road is a large-scale housing project and currently under construction in New Berlin. $5.1 million in grant funding from the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) and the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR) is part of the New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).”

“Construction has included gutting the building interiors and installing new interior finish materials and trim, interior doors, electrical, plumbing and heating systems, energy star-rated appliances, new fire alarms, window sashes, new blacktop, and more,” Robertson said.

“Chenango County has limited housing stock and a shortage of safe housing, so this renovation is definitely needed in this area," she added.

The property is under ownership of Greater Opportunities, who serve as the primary entity for providing housing and support services to the individuals and families served through this project. Tentative completion of the Red Mill Housing Complex Rehabilitation is May 2023.

Principal engineers are Mike and Dan O’Reilly of Principle Design Engineering and the contractors are Upstate Companies, LLC.

“Our belief has always been that when you put something good into the community, it infuses a different feel and that feeling builds a strong sense of community support. We’re really excited to be a part of this fantastic community,” Robertson said.

Lennon said that as a part of their overall strategy, Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc. has renovated many of their properties within the village, which now offers improved housing for their residents.

“I’ve spoken with many of the contractors doing the renovation work — it's locals supporting locals, with a large portion of payroll dollars being reinvested in our community. My personal thanks to the many partners who’ve worked so hard to bring this project to reality,” he said.