Windy Hill Apartments

Rural Opportunities, Inc. (ROI) works with low-income rural communities in six states and Puerto Rico to create programs that support families and strengthen local neighbourhoods. One example is the Windy Hill Apartments in Clyde, New York. This project turned a neglected and unsafe apartment complex into affordable homes for 30 low-income families, most earning below 60% of the area’s median income.
The original Highland Apartments, built in the 1970s, quickly fell into disrepair and became a hotspot for crime. By the 1990s, most units were abandoned, and the state foreclosed on the property. ROI stepped in to redevelop the site. Two buildings were demolished, and the remaining structures were fully renovated to create safe, modern homes: four one-bedroom, twenty-two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom units. A former apartment was turned into a community space, management office, and storage. Outdoor improvements included new lighting, landscaping, and a playground.
The $3.3 million project was funded through a mix of public and private sources, including federal and state housing agencies. Rents are affordable and often subsidised, and 80% of households receive rental assistance. ROI also offers a Homebuyer Education Program, helping residents eventually purchase homes.
The redevelopment not only improved residents’ quality of life but also changed community attitudes. What was once a blighted property is now a safe, welcoming neighbourhood. Local residents joined an advisory board to help guide the project, creating stronger ties between Windy Hill and the wider village.
By reusing existing buildings and removing environmental hazards like asbestos, the project minimized waste and improved safety. It has become a model for other rural housing redevelopments in New York, showing that neglected properties can be turned into lasting community assets.