NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Audit Finds Lax Oversight of Medicaid Payments May Have Cost Taxpayers Nearly $300 Million

 

Audit Finds No Attempt to Recover $292 Million in Overpayments for Recipients With Third-Party Insurance Coverage

 Too often Medicaid pays medical bills that a third-party insurer should have covered, and not enough is being done to make sure Medicaid recovers that money, according to an audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The audit found that a lack of oversight by the state Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) resulted in nearly $300 million in pharmacy claims that Medicaid never tried to recover from patients’ insurance providers.

“Medicaid is essential for millions of New Yorkers, but the program needs to ensure that funding is only used for appropriate costs for those who need it,” said Comptroller DiNapoli. “This is my office’s latest audit to uncover weaknesses in the Medicaid system’s oversight. These potentially unnecessary payments likely contributed to significant waste and a missed opportunity to recover the nearly $300 million in questionable payments. DOH should recoup any overpayments and take steps to better protect taxpayers from costly billing mistakes.”

The New York State Medicaid program provides a wide range of medical services to many New Yorkers, including those with lower incomes and/or people with special health care needs. As of the close of the State’s fiscal year on March 31, 2022, New York’s Medicaid program had served approximately 7.8 million recipients and Medicaid claim costs totaled about $74.6 billion.

Per federal law and state regulations, Medicaid is always the payer of last resort. This means that if a Medicaid recipient has third-party health insurance (TPHI) coverage, then those third-party benefits must be exhausted before the Medicaid program is billed.

To address instances where a TPHI should have paid instead of Medicaid, the DOH – in partnership with OMIG and Health Management Systems, Inc. (HMS) -- utilizes post-payment reviews. Auditors found that weaknesses in DOH’s and OMIG’s oversight of HMS’ payment reviews likely contributed to significant waste and a missed opportunity to recover improper payments.

Between October 2015 and May 2020, auditors identified drug claims paid by Medicaid managed care plans totaling $292 million for which HMS did not bill claims to TPHI carriers for recovery, despite the individuals having third-party drug coverage. For instance, nearly $40 million was paid for Medicaid recipients with Medicare Part D coverage and for covered medications provided at in-network providers – a scenario that is very likely the responsibility of Medicare, not Medicaid, and that should have been refunded to the state. Also, auditors presented a sample of 50 (which included high-cost drugs) to OMIG and HMS for their review and asked for an explanation as to why they were not billed to the TPHI carrier. HMS was unable to determine why most of these claims – 38 out of 50 – were not recovered, and for another 9 out of 50, auditors found the explanations were not justified.

According to HMS officials, internal processes are not set up to track why individual claims are excluded from the recovery process. Auditors determined that without proper oversight and this level of tracking, there is no way to ensure that all appropriate recoveries are being made. Also concerning, HMS did not have comprehensive reports of its activities available upon auditors’ request. DiNapoli’s audit recommended:

• A review of the $292 million in Medicaid payments made on behalf of recipients with TPHI identified by the audit to ensure overpayments are appropriately recovered;
• An assessment of pharmacy claims that were billed to TPHI carriers but did not result in recovery of payment to ensure that proper steps are taken to obtain recoveries where appropriate;
• An assessment of the third-party liability recovery process for managed care pharmacy services and implementation of corrective actions where necessary; and,
• Implementation of ongoing monitoring of the TPHI recovery process for managed care pharmacy services to ensure that all appropriate recoveries are made within the statute of limitations.

In response to our audit, officials stated that all claims are reviewed as part of existing processes. However, officials acknowledged that they are working on enhancements to the entire recovery process, which will include developing additional reporting to give OMIG greater insight into why claims were not billed to TPHI carriers for recovery.

Report:

Medicaid Program: Recovering Managed Care Overpayments for Pharmacy Services on Behalf of Recipients With Third-Party Health Insurance

Attorney General James Delivers $230,000 to New York City to Support Consumer Financial Literacy Programs

 

Funding From Prior Settlements Will Boost Free Consumer Literacy Programs for New Yorkers

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today delivered more than $230,000 to the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to support free financial literacy programs for New Yorkers. The funding, which comes from a previous consumer fraud settlement secured by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), will help offer New Yorkers free, confidential one-on-one financial counseling at DCWP’s NYC Financial Empowerment Centers. Today’s action is part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to protect consumers.

“Financial literacy is a key pathway to economic justice and equity especially for vulnerable communities,” said Attorney General James. “This funding will support critical programs that help protect consumers from fraud and empower everyday New Yorkers to make responsible financial decisions. I am proud that the money my office has secured will be reinvested into our communities.”

This funding comes from a previous FTC and OAG settlement with direct marketer Allstar Marketing Group, LLC (Allstar) for deceptive practices that hid charges from consumers ordering products primarily advertised through television infomercials. Thousands of customers were hit with unexpected fees added through misleading online and phone ordering processes.

Allstar paid $7.5 million for restitution to customers as part of the FTC settlement, and $500,000 went directly to OAG for penalties, costs, and fees. After consumers were reimbursed, leftover funds were approved to be used by OAG for consumer education.

The $230,926 delivered to DCWP today is the remaining amount from the settlement with Allstar and will support DCWP’s Financial Empowerment Center’s public awareness campaign. The campaign will educate consumers on credit use, banking, savings, debt, safe and affordable financial services, and student loans.

“Whether you’re dealing with job loss or the cost of inflation, struggling with credit card or student loan debt, or having a hard time budgeting your paycheck — the city’s Financial Empowerment Centers can help New Yorkers become more financially stable,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “I thank the attorney general for recognizing the importance of this help and directing these funds to us to further raise awareness of this invaluable service.”

Financial literacy is a crucial part of financial well-being and large numbers of Americans are not well versed in financial literacy. A 2022 annual report by the TIAA Institute and George Washington University shows that more adults in the United States have a very low level of financial literacy than any survey year since the survey began in 2017. For example, adults correctly answered only one half of the 28-question survey designed to test financial literacy. Twenty-three percent could not correctly answer more than 7 of the 28 questions. Only one third of questions were answered correctly involving understanding financial risk. Black, Latino, and younger people had lower levels of financial literacy overall. As shown by the report, people with a very low level of financial literacy (compared to those with a very high level) are:

•   Six times more likely to have difficulty making ends meet;
•   Three times more likely to be debt constrained;
•   Three times more likely to be unable to cope with a $2,000 financial shock; and,
•   Four times more likely to spend more than 10 hours a week on issues related to personal finances.

The 2018 FINRA National Financial Capability Study shows that 69 percent of New Yorkers could not answer more than 3 of 5 questions covering everyday economics and finances. 

The OAG vigorously takes action to protect consumers from fraud and hold unscrupulous companies accountable. The funding for this program will help strengthen consumer protections and help consumers avoid fraud.

The NYC Financial Empowerment Centers have helped clients collectively save more than $10 million since inception and have served more than 66,000 clients, helping them reduce their debt by more than $85 million. Anyone 18 and older who lives or works in New York City can book a free and confidential appointment with a professional financial counselor by visiting nyc.gov/TalkMoney or calling 311 and saying “Financial Counseling.” Services are available in person or by phone and in multiple languages. 

Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Espionage Conviction Of Ex-CIA Programmer Joshua Adam Schulte

 

Joshua Adam Schulte was a CIA programmer with access to some of the country’s most valuable intelligence-gathering cyber tools used to battle terrorist organizations and other malign influences around the globe.  When Schulte began to harbor resentment toward the CIA, he covertly collected those tools and provided them to WikiLeaks, making some of our most critical intelligence tools known to the public – and therefore, our adversaries.  Moreover, Schulte was aware that the collateral damage of his retribution could pose an extraordinary threat to this nation if made public, rendering them essentially useless, having a devastating effect on our intelligence community by providing critical intelligence to those who wish to do us harm.  Today, Schulte has been convicted for one of the most brazen and damaging acts of espionage in American history.

NYC COUNCIL TO VOTE ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS LEGISLATION IN RESPONSE TO ROE DECISION

 

 Today, the New York City Council will vote on several pieces of essential legislation to support and safeguard reproductive rights, including a resolution from Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams urging further federal action to protect the right to an abortion. The Public Advocate is also a co-prime sponsor of key bills in the package to further solidify and protect the right to receive or provide lifesaving healthcare in New York City while conservative states continue to pass new, radical anti-choice legislation. 

“Last month, with the Dobbs ruling striking down Roe, the Supreme Court stripped away a fundamental right to privacy and bodily autonomy, striking at our liberty and at the health and safety of women and pregnant people across the country,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “In New York City and state, where abortion is legal and will remain that way, we can do more to protect both New Yorkers and people who come here for abortion services. New York must be a beacon in this moment, a forceful defender of abortion rights for New Yorkers and a refuge for people who cannot access care in their own states. I thank my colleagues in government for their partnership in helping advance key legislation that will further protect abortion rights in New York, and join them in urging federal and state partners to act with an urgency and scope that meets this crisis moment.”

Today, the City Council will vote on the Public Advocate’s resolution, Res. 245, calling on the U.S. Senate to pass, and President Biden to sign, the Women’s Health Protection Act. The Women’s Health Protection Act prohibits governmental restrictions on abortion services and closes loopholes conservative states have used to unfairly discriminate against and shut down abortion providers. Currently, the Women’s Health Protection Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is waiting to be taken up by the Senate. Read the resolution here. 

To ensure New York City does not spend any of its resources enforcing conservative anti-choice laws, the City Council will vote today on Intro. 466, led by Council Member Tiffany Cabán with the Public Advocate as a co-prime sponsor. This legislation would “prohibit city agencies from using city resources to detain individuals who performed or aided with abortions as well as prohibit city agencies from cooperating with out-of-state entities related to abortions performed in New York state.” Read the bill here. 

The City Council will vote on two additional pieces of legislation to cement New York’s status as a sanctuary city for reproductive healthcare. Intro. 475, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif and co-prime sponsored by Council Member Cabán and Public Advocate Williams, would “allow a person to bring a claim of interference with medical care when a lawsuit is commenced against them,” for accessing healthcare that is legal in New York City – so anyone who is sued for terminating a pregnancy is able to bring a claim of interference. Next, Res. 197, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán and co-prime sponsored by Council Member Marjorie Velázquez and Public Advocate Williams, “declares New York City a safe city for all those in need of abortion-related care,” sending a strong and resounding message that the city will remain a safe haven for anyone seeking reproductive healthcare. 

425 Grand Concourse Completes Construction In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

Construction is complete on 425 Grand Concourse, a 26-story mixed-use building in Mott Haven, The Bronx and one of the largest Passive House structures in the city. Designed by Dattner Architects and developed by Trinity Financial and MBD Community Housing Corporation, the 310,000-square-foot project yields 277 residential units, with 248 units for residents earning 30 to 130 percent of the area median income, as well as a supermarket, a community health center, a cultural center, and a 30,000-square-foot educational facility for CUNY’s Hostos Community College. Monadnock Construction served as the general contractor for the development, which is located between Grand Concourse to the east, East 144th Street to the south, Walton Avenue to the west, and Evelina Antonetty Playground and Hostos Community College to the immediate north.

Recent photos show the completed look of the structure and its gently curving massing, sleek metal façade paneling, and contrasting cutouts topped with protruding solar shades on the southern elevation. 425 Grand Concourse is by far the tallest building in the vicinity, providing residents with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline to the south.

Residential amenities at 425 Grand Concourse include a recreation room, an outdoor landscaped rooftop terrace, a lounge space, a fitness center, on-site laundry rooms, bike storage, and a parking garage. All homes are fitted with dishwashers and energy-efficient appliances.

The closest subways to the property are the 2, 4, and 5 trains at the 149th Street-Grand Concourse Station.

Housing Lottery Launches For The Allerton At 683 Thwaites Place In Allerton, The Bronx

The affordable housing lottery has launched for The Allerton, a six-story mixed-use building at 683 Thwaites Place in Allerton, The Bronx. Designed by RKTB Architects, the structure yields 36 residential units, recreational space in the cellar and on the rooftop, and ground-floor commercial and community facility space. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 35 units for residents at 70 to 110 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $41,863 to $182,050.

Amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, rooftop terrace, laundry room, bike storage lockers, personal storage lockers, a shared laundry room, and an on-site resident manager. Units come equipped with stainless steel energy-efficient appliances. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there is one studio with a monthly rent of $1,135 for incomes ranging from $41,863 to $74,760; two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,427 for incomes ranging from $52,286 to $84,070; and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,705 for incomes ranging from $62,915 to $100,870.

At 110 percent of the AMI, there are two studios with a monthly rent of $1,300 for incomes ranging from $47,520 to $117,480; 21 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,634 for incomes ranging from $59,383 to $132,110; seven two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,054 for incomes ranging from $74,880 to $158,510; and one three-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,366 for incomes ranging from $86,675 to $182,050.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 10, 2022. 

Governor Hochul and Attorney General James Announce Formal Filing of Binding Consent Decree to Further Advance Full Containment of Navy-Grumman Plume

 

Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy Both Formally Committed to Implement Historic Cleanup that Prevents Further Spread of Contamination

Northrop Grumman Agrees to $104.4 Million Natural Resource Damages Settlement to Advance Cleanup, Public Water Supply, and Aquifer Protection Projects

Work Already Underway to Protect and Restore Long Island's Sole Source Aquifer

 Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced the filing of a consent decree with the court that formally requires Northrop Grumman to advance a comprehensive plan to contain and clean up the groundwater plume associated with the Northrop Grumman Bethpage Facility and Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant sites in Bethpage. The full containment of this groundwater plume will prevent the further spread of contamination to water supplies in neighboring communities and provide peace of mind to local residents.  

"Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, clean water, and we will continue to advance bold, aggressive efforts to protect our environment and ensure it is free of contamination," Governor Hochul said. "With this historic agreement, we are delivering justice to Long Island communities that for too long have been negatively impacted by the groundwater plume, while holding polluters accountable for their actions. Ensuring the health and safety of our communities is among our highest priorities in this state, and we will continue to make sure there is a reliable, clean water source for all New Yorkers for generations to come."

Attorney General Letitia James said, "For decades, Northrop Grumman knew its hazardous waste disposal sites leaked toxic substances into the only source of drinking water on Long Island, but for decades, Northrop Grumman denied responsibility. Long Islanders have paid the price for the company's negligence but today, we're finally forcing Grumman to address its environmental abuse by paying the municipalities and the state that had to clean up its mess. In the face the Supreme Court's irresponsible decision to restrict the EPA's ability to regulate companies for their dirty emissions, I am more committed than ever to mitigating the damage done by corporations like Northrop Grumman. I will continue to work with my partners in government to ensure that no one gets away with degrading our environment, our natural resources, and our children's futures."

The final decree reflects the agreement between New York State and Northrop Grumman memorializing the scope of Grumman's cleanup and resolving reimbursement of State costs and Northrop Grumman's liability for Natural Resource Damages (NRD). The agreement also provides for a more robust citizen participation program, including funding by Grumman for a citizen participation working group that will enable all interested stakeholders to have better access to information and provide further input about the company's cleanup as overseen by DEC. For the first time the decree includes a schedule, which ends five years from the effective date of the decree once enacted by the court and requires Grumman to complete all construction documented in the agreement. It also reflects input received from communities during a public comment period on the draft consent decree by directing additional NRD payments by Northrop Grumman to the affected water districts and explicitly preserving the town of Oyster Bay's right to bring claims against the responsible parties.

As announced previously, NorthropGrumman agreed toaNRD settlement valued at $104.4 million that will be used to advance cleanup, public water supply, and aquifer protection projects associated with the plume. A total of $63.5 million in payments is included in the NRD, consisting of $29 million dedicated to the Bethpage Water District, $12.5 million dedicated to the South Farmingdale Water District, and $22 million dedicated to New York State for use on restoration projects. As part of the Consent Decree, Northrop Grumman was credited for $40.9 million for additional cleanup to be undertaken per the settlement agreement.

The consent decree commits Northrop Grumman to containing the eastern and southern edges of the plume, with enhanced contaminant removal in the central portion of the plume. Specifically, Northrop Grumman is designing and drilling containment wells in the east-central and southeast area of the plume to prevent further migration in that area and provide additional protection to nearby public water supply wells.  These wells, along with other actions required under the consent decree, will help clean-up volatile organic compounds and hazardous substances released by these facilities, which include Trichloroethylene and 1,4-Dioxane.

Expedited work advanced by the finalization of the Consent Decree includes Northrop Grumman's launch of a preliminary investigation of the southeast quadrant of the plume. This investigation includes drilling of borings this summer to expedite installation of extraction wells.

In addition, the U.S. Navy, after negotiations with DEC, will implement elements of the comprehensive remedy in areas of the plume the Navy is responsible for cleaning up. These actions are specifically designed to address the western half of the Navy-Grumman plume. The U.S. Navy will perform its obligations in accordance with an Explanation of Significant Differences, which was finalized in September 2021.  

Together, these actions and the Navy's work in the interior and margins of the plume will achieve containment and expedite cleanup of the plume. Furthermore, all parties have agreed to carefully monitor containment and movement of the plume to ensure the continued effectiveness of the remedy and to make any adjustments,within the scope of the agreements, necessary to achieve the objectives of the cleanup plan. 

Since 2020, the U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman have already made significant progress in implementing the required remedy, including starting installation of a network of extraction wells to hydraulically contain and remediate the contaminated plume. For instance, the Navy began construction of a state-of-the-art groundwater treatment plant that is expected to begin operating later this year, installed four of the required six extraction wells, began installing conveyance piping from extraction wells to the treatment plant, and rehabilitated two recharge basins for managing the treated water, among other ongoing work.

As part of a groundwater extraction and treatment system to address contamination south of the Bethpage Community Park, Grumman also began construction of a new groundwater treatment plant that is expected to begin operating by the end of summer 2022, completed the installation of 11,000 feet of conveyance piping, and began outfitting three extraction wells.  Both Northrop Grumman and the Navy also continue to operate three existing groundwater extraction and treatment systems to effectively remove contamination from Long Island's sole source aquifer (greater than 200,000 pounds since the first system came on-line in 1998). Work on the remaining requirements is ongoing and will be closely overseen by DEC.

In addition to the U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman's actions to implement the cleanup, New York State is pursuing additional potentially responsible parties to undertake needed efforts in areas that are not currently attributable to the U.S. Navy and Grumman. If DEC is unable to identify potential responsible parties to remediate these areas, New York State will undertake any necessary cleanup. 

Additional information about the Navy-Grumman cleanup can be found here

MAYOR ADAMS, PROJECT RENEWAL OPEN 117 SUPPORTIVE, AFFORDABLE HOMES WITH AQUAPONICS FARMING IN THE BRONX

 

Bedford Green House Is Home to New Yorkers Formerly Experiencing Homelessness, Families Impacted by Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder, People Living With HIV/AIDS

 

Phase II of Project Will Include Homes for Low-Income Seniors, Community Medical Clinic, Library, and Learning Center

 

Project Follows Mayor Adams’ “Housing Our Neighbors” Blueprint to Get New Yorkers Into Safe, High-Quality, Affordable Homes

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and homeless services nonprofit Project Renewal, today opened the first phase of Bedford Green House — a project that will bring 117 affordable and supportive homes to the Bronx. The project includes 71 apartments set aside for New Yorkers who previously experienced homelessness, families impacted by mental illness and substance use disorder, and people living with HIV/AIDS; with the remaining 46 apartments for low-income households earning up to 60 percent of area median income. Project Renewal is providing on-site wraparound social services, including horticultural therapy utilizing the greenhouse and aquaponic urban farming system on the building’s roof.

 

“Affordable housing, homelessness, public health, and our environment are all connected, and Project Renewal demonstrates the kind of creative thinking we need to tackle all of them together,” said Mayor Adams. “My administration is laser-focused, not on simply creating housing on paper but on getting New Yorkers into the safe, high-quality, affordable homes they deserve, while helping fight climate change and creating our own nutritious food. We are doing that today in the Bronx at Bedford Green House, and we will continue doing it all across the city.”

 

“Bedford Green House helps meet our city’s urgent need for supportive and affordable housing and embodies Project Renewal’s mission to empower individuals and families to renew their lives with health, homes, and jobs,” said Eric Rosenbaum, president and CEO, Project Renewal. “More than just an apartment building, Bedford Green House’s design and programming brings residents together, from children to seniors, around shared activities that support healthy living. As we celebrate the opening of this first phase, we look forward to the second phase, bringing more housing and services to more formerly homeless New Yorkers and the wider community.”

 

Bedford Green House reflects the goals of Mayor Adams’ “Housing Our Neighbors” blueprint for getting New Yorkers into safe, high-quality, affordable homes. The first city housing plan to cover the entire spectrum of New Yorkers’ housing needs and options, the blueprint includes a commitment to accelerate the creation of supportive housing and complete the 15,000 supportive homes promised by 2030, two years ahead of schedule.

 

Project Renewal’s multidisciplinary team will provide wraparound, on-site services, including case management, occupational therapy, horticultural therapy, and entitlements support. Later this year, construction will begin on a second phase with 116 additional apartments, nearly half of which will be reserved for low-income seniors; a 5,000-square-foot medical clinic; a gym; and The Molly B. Kronick Library and Learning Center for residents. The medical clinic in phase two will offer primary care, pediatrics, podiatry, digital radiology, and other health care services to the whole community.

 

Integrated throughout the LEED-certified building are innovative design elements, amenities, and services that support residents’ health and long-term stability. A 1,500-square-foot rooftop greenhouse and aquaponics urban farming system allows residents to grow fresh vegetables year-round. A green exterior façade features plantings that will grow to cascade from the top floors to the ground, reducing the building’s energy use and removing airborne pollutants in a borough where children are hospitalized by asthma at a rate 21 times higher than more affluent areas of New York City. Bike storage and a playground encourage active lifestyles for all ages.

 

“Bedford Green House is what climate and housing justice looks like,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Project Renewal is giving low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers a new outlook on life with the opening of Bedford Green House. This development is a model for housing New Yorkers with dignity, while providing the services needed to live healthy lives. Thanks to Project Renewal, our partners at the city and state, and the entire development team for making this innovative and sustainable project a reality.”

 

“With critical on-site supportive services, sustainable design features, and a host of community-focused programming and amenities, Bedford Green House offers low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers security, peace of mind, and a place to call home,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “I’d like to thank all of our partners and elected officials for their work to bring holistic solutions to support our city’s affordable housing needs at a time it’s needed more than ever.”  

 

“This administration’s comprehensive plan for addressing homelessness and housing insecurity prioritizes the creation of supportive housing while also strengthening and expanding access to these critical opportunities for our most vulnerable communities,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “We are making vital investments, implementing strategic reforms, and working tirelessly to support our low-income communities and New Yorkers experiencing homelessness in ways that position them for long-term housing stability. The Bedford Green House exemplifies the kind of innovation, sustainable models, and quality of services we envision as we continue to find more impactful ways to support New Yorkers in need, and we are grateful to our incredible partners for bringing this project to life.”

 

Studies showing the mental and physical health benefits of exposure to the natural world inspired Bedford Green House’s design, including the interior green wall in the lobby and exterior living green facade. In addition to removing pollutants, the vines will reduce the building’s energy usage by absorbing solar radiation during the summer months. During winter months, the vines will shed their leaves and allow sunlight to warm the building. Meanwhile, Bedford Green House’s high-performance building envelope has continuous exterior insulation, which lowers energy usage and operating costs and significantly reduces its carbon footprint.

 

The aquaponics farming system in the rooftop greenhouse contains fish, vegetables, herbs, and micro greens growing in a symbiotic ecosystem. The fish live in large tanks connected to a bio-filter that breaks down fish waste and carries nutrients to the plant roots, while the plants clean the water for the fish. The space outside the greenhouse will be used for organic farming in planter boxes to grow vegetables that are less suited to aquaponics. Residents will work with Project Renewal’s horticultural therapist to grow their own food year-round, alongside their neighbors. Access to these green and light-filled spaces is especially beneficial during winter months when cold and darkness can contribute to depression.

 

Additionally, Bedford Green House creates an inviting streetscape through landscaping along the sidewalk frontage, seats at the setbacks, the playground, and public art that encourages residents and neighbors to engage with the building.

 

Bedford Green House’s construction was financed by HDC, HPD and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through their Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Bank of America served as tax credit investor as well as providing the construction letter of credit. Additional grant funding was provided by the Harold and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, TD Bank, and Deutsche Bank Foundation. Operating funding is provided by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and New York City Human Resources Administration. A pre-development loan was provided by the Corporation for Supportive Housing.

 

“Addressing the challenges posed by serious mental illness or chronic disease can be daunting in the most stable of settings, but overwhelming for those who are unhoused,” said New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz. “Project Renewal’s Bedford Green House will provide individuals and families permanent housing and the supportive services they need to stabilize their lives and thrive in their community – all within an innovative and therapeutic setting. Like the many other projects funded through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, this development will provide struggling New Yorkers with permanent housing and the opportunity to thrive in an independent setting.”

 

“The Bedford Green House will provide low-income and vulnerable Bronxites including formerly homeless individuals, families impacted by mental illness and substance use disorders, and people with HIV/AIDS, with a much-needed affordable place to live," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I want to thank Project Renewal, Mayor Adams’ administration, and all participating public and private partners for investing in a project that will increase the number of affordable and supportive housing units in my district while integrating access to healthy activities including a greenhouse and an innovative urban farming system.”

 

“At a time in which housing insecurity is an all-time high, it is imperative that we provide affordable, permanent, and supportive housing to our most vulnerable residents.” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “I want to applaud Mayor Eric Adams and Project Renewal for the opening of the first phase of Bedford Green House in the Bronx and for their commitment to decreasing homelessness in our borough. With on-site wraparound services, case management, occupational therapy, and other holistic amenities, this project will not only support our communities` physical needs but also their emotional and mental ones as well.”