VERONA — Facing a critical need to fill casino and hotel jobs, the Oneida Indian Nation said Monday it will make 50 new apartments in central New York available for its hourly workers at below-market rents. The Oneida Indian Nation announced the new employee housing program — The Villages at Stoney Creek — on Monday. The complex will welcome residents on July 1.

The housing development is part of a recruitment strategy that blends new jobs across the Oneida Indian Nation’s business enterprises with affordable, high-quality housing for new hires in select positions and those seeking to relocate. Apartments at The Villages at Stoney Creek will address the needs of an ever-expanding workforce and the housing shortage that has affected workers across the region, according to Oneida Indian Nation officials.

Apartments will be available for new employees in full-time, hourly, non-management positions and are currently targeted for individuals who are relocating to the area for work and/or those who fill positions where there are critical shortages, including cooks, casino dealers, hotel operations, custodial roles, and more.

This employee housing development continues the Oneida Indian Nation’s commitment to the growth and diversification of Oneida Nation Enterprises and the organization’s ongoing investment in its workforce and the region.

The Villages at Stoney Creek comprises a total of 50 apartments, with two buildings ready for occupancy by July 1 and three more buildings to be move-in ready by September. Rental rates will be well below comparable housing options in the region, including: one-bedroom apartments at $550 per month; two-bedroom apartments at $650 per month; and three-bedroom apartments at $750 per month.

The employee apartment community is located minutes from Turning Stone Resort Casino. All apartments offer amenities such as in-unit laundry, reserved parking spaces, and spacious floor plans. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Turning Stone’s main campus will also be provided on a regular schedule for all shifts.

“The Oneida people have always emphasized the importance of hospitality and warmly welcoming all to our homelands,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter.

“This new investment in our workforce presents a wonderful opportunity for us to create additional jobs, bring new people to our region, and provide affordable housing for the individuals who support the success of our enterprises,” Halbritter added.

The Villages at Stoney Creek is only the first phase of employee housing development at Oneida Nation Enterprises, and the need for additional affordable housing for workers will be determined based on the needs of future and current employees, the announcement said.

As the largest employer in Oneida and Madison counties and one of the largest employers in the region, Oneida Nation Enterprises is committed to the success and growth of the region. The organization is about to enter its 30th year of operations with Turning Stone Resort Casino and has consistently grown its workforce during this time, providing Central New York residents with new career choices and training opportunities.

Oneida Nation Enterprises was recently honored by CNY Business Journal at the first-ever Mohawk Valley GEAR Awards for its ongoing investment in the region’s workforce and leadership in increasing tourism in Upstate New York.