The small town of Newcomb is set to witness a transformative moment as a new affordable modular home is completed, representing a significant step in New York’s $50 million MOVE-IN NY housing initiative. This new development aims to address the housing challenges faced by many rural communities, particularly in the Adirondacks, where affordable housing has been scarce.
The home in Newcomb is a CrossMod, a type of modern manufactured home that combines the cost-efficiency of traditional manufactured homes with the architectural appeal and durability of site-built homes. Built to HUD standards, these homes are eligible for traditional 30-year mortgages, setting them apart from typical manufactured housing that often depreciates in value.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement of the MOVE-IN NY initiative aims to construct 200 starter homes across New York, targeting urban, rural, and suburban areas. The initiative leverages modern modular housing solutions to address the escalating cost of homeownership, making it more accessible for New Yorkers to achieve the dream of owning a home.
The CrossMod in Newcomb measures 1,500 square feet, a size that resonates with homes from the early 1980s but is less common today. The design features of CrossMods, such as porches and pitched roofs, distinguish them from what is traditionally thought of as manufactured homes. Despite their historical-sized footprint, these homes are designed to meet modern family needs, combining efficiency with aesthetic appeal.
The financial aspect of this pilot project is also noteworthy. Priced at $260,000, the Newcomb home will be sold for $175,000 to families earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income. This pricing strategy ensures that homes are affordable to a broad range of low to moderate-income families, effectively bringing homeownership within reach for many middle-class households in the area.
The Essex County Land Bank, spearheading the project, has identified five additional lots in Essex County suitable for CrossMod homes, with more land anticipated through foreclosures and existing county or town-owned properties. The Land Bank’s efforts are supported by Champion Homes, a well-regarded manufactured housing company.
The move to deliver these homes by truck, particularly in the Adirondacks, addresses the shortage of contractors willing to build smaller homes in an area increasingly focused on luxury vacation properties. This innovative approach ensures that affordable, high-quality housing can still be realized in regions facing such constraints.
This project marks a new and promising chapter in addressing New York’s housing shortage, potentially acting as a blueprint for future developments across the state. As more families take occupancy of these affordable homes, it reflects a hopeful step toward broader accessibility to housing and the revitalization of rural areas.