SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- The City of Schenectady has won the highest award for housing excellence for the city's innovative in universal design, with the green affordable housing program that was initiated last year.

The award features the city's first prototype home, recently completed and sold, as one of 13 homes that are being built and marketed to lower-income families.

Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton says winning first place in the country is an outstanding achievement and a high honor for Schenectady.