Compass Manufactured Home Community receives funding for infrastructure improvements 

The Better Housing for Tompkins County (BHTC), an INHS affiliate, received more than $5.7 million in financing from the New York State Home and Community Renewal (HCR) for ongoing improvements at Compass Manufactured Housing Community in the Village of Trumansburg and the Town of Covert in Seneca County.

The funding will be used in addition to a $1.5 million grant from Enterprise Community Partners for a wide variety of improvements, including roadways and drainage systems, street lighting installation, replacing the existing sanitary sewer system, upgrading the water distribution system and installing 200-amp electric hookups throughout the community. 

The funds will also be used to add 13 new home sites to the existing 138 pads.

“The purchase of the organization’s first manufactured home community has provided us with an opportunity to fulfill the INHS mission in a new and innovative way,” said Patricia Paolangeli, INHS acting executive director. “We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and to HCR for entrusting us with this project to help our neighbors better their homes and neighborhoods and are hopeful for more opportunities in the future to improve other manufactured communities.”

The initiative will also replace eight substandard rental homes with new energy-efficient units and will add amenities such as a playground and play court.

The funding for much-needed improvements prove to be significant for residents, NYS Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas stated.

“These critical infrastructure upgrades will enhance quality of life for the many families who call this community home and ensure that the park remains a safe, healthy, and affordable housing resource for decades to come,” Visnauskas said. 

Village of Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart agrees that community members within the Compass Manufactured Housing Community will benefit from the funding.

“These much-needed improvements will be a dramatic upgrade to the condition of the Compass community and will be a great benefit to its residents,” Hart said. “The Village of Trumansburg appreciates the diligence and efforts of INHS to improve the quality of life and the services offered to Compass residents while maintaining overall affordability.”

INHS, a nonprofit founded in 1976 as a partnership between residents, funders, and local government, concentrates on assisting those with modest incomes to obtain affordable housing and has made a commitment to creating energy-efficient housing.

The manufactured housing community was purchased by the INHS in 2021. The deal included over 100 acres of additional land that could be redeveloped for future rental housing or other needs.

“We are grateful for the award and for HCR’s forward-thinking approach to manufactured housing,” said Ben Carver, INHS director of manufactured housing. “As one of the first nonprofits to purchase a community like this one, and the first to receive funding of this type, we are excited to help demonstrate an approach that not only provides important improvements in this community but can also help establish a model for work like this throughout the state.”

Carver added that the organization is grateful to the many village and county staff members who helped move the project forward, as well as the contractor team on the ground, making the vision a reality.

“Perhaps most importantly, the support from residents has been incredibly important to the success of the project,” Carver added. “Nearly 10 percent of the population of the Village of Trumansburg call Compass home, and a project like this one, where we’re replacing underground utilities at this scale, paving, and so on, impacts everyone. We couldn’t be more grateful for the contributions, patience, and resilience of the community throughout this process.”

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or courtney.rehfeldt@gmail.com.

In brief:

Gong Bath Experience with Caryn Sheckler

Due to popular demand, Caryn Sheckler is returning to the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts at 5 McLallen St. for an afternoon Gong Bath experience on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The gong and gong bath workshop will include celestial communications, a style of seated movement that helps bring on a state of relaxation.

Attendees should bring a mat and a small blanket. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance on eventbrite.com. They are $15.00 in advance or $20 at the door.

Comedy UnCorked: Trumansburg’s Comedy Nights

Get ready to uncork the laughter with Comedy UnCorked: Trumansburg’s Comedy Nights! at Cedarwood Event Venue, 9632 NY-96, on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Unwind with crisp humor, local favorites on tap and a community of laughter lovers.

For tickets, visit comedyonthecommons.com.

An evening with Daniel Champagne

Blues and folk guitarist and singer-songwriter Daniel Champagne will play the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts.

Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful vocals, Daniel has captivated audiences around the world with his unique blend of folk, blues and rock music. Champagne will take the stage at 5 McLallen St. in Trumansburg on Sunday, Sept. 17, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. 

General admission tickets are $18 online and $22 at the door. For tickets, visit tburgconservatory.org.