Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $82 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Brownsville

 

Vital Brookdale Complex Features 160 Apartments and Health-Focused Community Space in Energy-Efficient Modern New Building in Central Brooklyn

First Building Completed Under the State's Vital Brooklyn Initiative That is Creating 4,000 Affordable Homes and Addressing Health Disparities in Central Brooklyn

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of 160 affordable and supportive homes and over 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Known as Vital Brookdale, the $82 million development is the first of ten affordable housing developments to be completed under the Vital Brooklyn Initiative to address historic inequities and disinvestment in Central Brooklyn.

"Central Brooklyn's critical health and housing needs have gone unmet for far too long, but in response we are approaching them with bold and innovative solutions," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, we are working closely with local partners to create more housing, improve access to health care, and provide the types of supportive services that residents need to thrive. Vital Brookdale is the latest example of my administration's commitment to boosting the supply of quality of affordable homes for all New Yorkers."

Vital Brookdale complements Governor Hochul's goal of achieving two million climate friendly homes by 2030 and her sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan 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 development is part of the state's $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn Initiative that is addressing chronic social, economic, and health disparities in Brooklyn's high-need communities by creating 4,000 units of affordable housing.

Located at 535 E. 98th St 11212, Chandler-Waterman's district, Vital Brookdale is a 160-apartment, seven-story building with 36 units set aside as supportive housing. There are 10 apartments for youth aging out of foster care and 26 apartments for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. On-site supportive services are provided by The New York Foundling. For the youth aging out of foster care, assistance is in concert with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services through participation in the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Supportive services for the individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are supported by the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

There are 32 studios, 63 one-bedroom, 59 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom units. Most of the apartments will be reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income with 26 reserved for households earning up to 80 percent of the AMI.

The 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space will offer a medical clinic run by Brookdale Hospital, a community job training program, a community fresh food program and office space for The New York Foundling.

Residents have access to a second-floor terrace, and landscaped front and rear courtyards with a dog run, playground, and passive recreation and seating areas. There is free building-wide wireless internet access, in keeping with the Governor's goal of eliminating the digital divide; a multi-purpose community room; game room; library/resident co-working space; fitness room; laundry room; cold-storage locker and package rooms; and a bike storage room.

The development is pursuing Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) + 2015 certification, an international standard of building for maximized energy efficiency. Vital Brookdale has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, high performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, along with other energy efficient measures to enhance comfort, affordability, and sustainability.

The development team includes MDG Design + Construction, Smith & Henzy Affordable Group and The New York Foundling.

State financing for Vital Brookdale includes $13.9 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $32.8 million in equity and an additional $30.4 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA's Multifamily New Construction Program will provide $300,000 in support along with more than $161,000 in NY Sun incentives. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities will provide funding for supportive services and rental subsidies for 26 supportive units and the New York State Office of Mental Health will provide funding for supportive services and rental subsidies for 10 supportive units.