Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on $49 Million Affordable Housing Development in the Bronx

The Plains Will Provide 98 Energy-Efficient Affordable Homes in Wakefield  

Development Will Offer On-Site Supportive Services from the Doe Fund for 49 Adults Experiencing Homelessness 

Part of Governor's $25 Billion, Five-Year, Comprehensive Housing Plan

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $49 million affordable and supportive housing development in the Wakefield section of the North Bronx. The Plains will provide 98 affordable homes with supportive services, with 49 units reserved for adults experiencing homelessness and living with HIV/AIDS, and another 20 apartments set aside for seniors aged 62 and older.  

"Sustained investment in creating and preserving safe, affordable homes for New Yorkers is a cornerstone of my administration," Governor Hochul said. "This new development demonstrates our commitment to increasing the supply of quality homes across the Bronx and to keeping our most vulnerable residents active, engaged, and living healthier, more independent lives."

The Plains is part of Governor Hochul's sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the recently enacted State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. 

The Plains will consist of a single nine-story building with 98 apartments at 4519 White Plains Road. All apartments will be affordable to households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.  

Forty-nine apartments will be reserved for adults experiencing homelessness who will have access to on-site supportive services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by The AIDS Institute. The Doe Fund will deliver housing and clinical case management services to residents, including coordination of mental health and medical care. 

The project is designed to meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Multifamily New Construction Program Tier 2 and LEED for Homes Gold energy efficiency standards. The building will have a green roof and solar photovoltaic array. Additional energy-efficient features will include high-efficiency, electric, Variable-Rate-Flow HVAC systems; Energy-Star, bi-level, LED lighting with motion sensors; Energy-Star appliances; and low-flow plumbing fixtures. 

Residential amenities will include tenant storage, offices for program staff and a multi-purpose room for program and tenant uses alike, as well as 24/7 security and a live-in superintendent. The residence will also feature on-site laundry units, a fitness center and private outdoor recreation space. The Plains is conveniently located near subway, bus, and commuter rail stations.  

The development is a joint venture between The Doe Fund and Robert Sanborn Development.  

State financing for The Plains includes Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $25 million in equity and $9.7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will provide $4.9 million through the Homeless Housing Assistance Program. NYSERDA will provide $78,800 in support.  

The Doe Fund obtained private sector construction and permanent loans through Merchant's Bank of Indiana and Freddie Mac, and tax-credit equity was syndicated by Richman Housing. The Corporation for Supportive Housing also provided a $4 million acquisition loan that included funds for pre-development. 

Executive Vice President of Housing of the Doe Fund John McDonald said, "New York is at a crossroads. Our city's recovery is held back by two things. First is the convergence of eroding public safety and filthy streets, both symptoms of rising homelessness that The Doe Fund's Ready, Willing & Able program is proven and prepared to address. Second is the city's lack of affordable and supportive housing. I'm proud to have overseen the growth of The Doe Fund's transitional, affordable, and supportive housing portfolio to over one million square feet. When completed, the Plains will join this essential continuum of care, providing high quality homes to 90 of our fellow New Yorkers most in need, as well as their families." 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, "It is a sad reality that we are in a housing crisis in New York City, which has only been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for affordable, quality, safe and supportive housing is at an all-time high and is essential in our fight to reduce homelessness. I want to thank the New York State Homes & Community Renewal and New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for their support of this important project that will provide amenities and wrap-around services to our residents living with HIV/AIDS, our older adults and other vulnerable New Yorkers in the North Bronx."

Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, "There is no question that our city is in desperate need of truly affordable housing, especially for older adults and people who need additional support structures to help maintain housing stability. I am glad that HCR is continuing the effort to promote affordable housing development in the Bronx, and I look forward to this project's completion."

City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz said, "Affordable housing for vulnerable populations, including low-income, formerly homeless people and older adults, needs to come with support systems in place. That is exactly what The Plains is doing, and the wraparound services they will provide ensures that new tenants will not just have a roof over their heads, but all of their needs are met. The housing crisis is affecting New Yorkers all over the city, which is why I am so grateful and encouraged that this development will serve my constituents in Wakefield."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

If both Assemblyman and Councilman Dinowitz are in favor of this project in the Wakefield section of their districts, why are they opposed to a similar project in the Riverdale section of their districts?