Governor Hochul Announces More Than $400 Million in Financing to Build and Preserve 1,100 Affordable Homes

Funding Will Support Affordable and Supportive Homes in New York City and Ontario and Ulster Counties

Builds on Governor Hochul’s Agenda to Address the Housing Crisis and Increase New York’s Housing Supply – Including a Five-Year $25 Billion Housing Plan

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $412 million in bonds and subsidies to expand and protect the housing supply, creating and preserving nearly 1,100 affordable homes in New York City, the Finger Lakes, and the Hudson Valley. The six projects receiving funding advance New York's commitment to expanding the supply of safe, secure, and healthy housing opportunities for individuals and families.

“My administration is committed to tackling our state’s housing shortage head on and expanding opportunities in communities big or small,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will generate housing opportunities that are affordable, modern, sustainable, and offer the types of services that can improve the lives of more New Yorkers.”

The awards announced today are part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with supportive services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The financing is allocated through New York State Homes and Community Renewal's March 2024 bond issuance which provided $283 million in tax-exempt housing bonds and $129 million in subsidy. All awarded projects will achieve high levels of sustainability and carbon reduction. When coupled with additional private funding and resources, the projects receiving funding are expected to create $625 million in overall investment.

The awarded projects are:

Brooklyn

• $170.3 million for the new construction of Innovative Urban Village Phase 1a to create 385 affordable homes in East New York, Brooklyn. The project is the first phase of a comprehensive redevelopment of the Christian Cultural Center’s 10-acre campus and will include 94 supportive units for homeless families. The development team is a joint partnership between The Gotham Organization, Urban Living Alternatives, and Monadnock Development, LLC.
• $82.8 million for the new construction of Marcus Garvey Extension Phase 2 to create 178 affordable homes in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The development will be constructed on a vacant parking lot on the campus of Marcus Garvey Apartments, an existing Mitchell-Lama housing complex. Eighty-eight apartments will be reserved for individuals in need of supportive services, which will be provided on-site by the Osborne Association. The developer is L+M Development Partners.

Bronx

• $54.1 million for the new construction of La Olazul to create 115 affordable homes in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx. The 13-story building along Jerome Avenue will include 69 supportive units for homeless adults and families, and over 11,000 square feet of retail and community space. The developers are Westhab, Inc. and Vaya Development LLC.
• $51.8 million for the new construction of Jericho 158 to create 129 affordable homes in the Melrose section of the Bronx. Jericho 158 will consist of two buildings with a total of 129 affordable apartments, including 78 supportive units for homeless adults and young adults, and 42,000 square feet of community space. The developers are The Jericho Project and Procida Development Group.

Ontario County

• $15.2 million for the new construction of Sunlight Lane Apartments to create 78 affordable homes in Geneva, Ontario County. Sunlight Lane Apartments will offer 78 affordable homes for low- and moderate-income households. The net-zero development will be fully electric and features rooftop solar panels. The developer is Home Leasing, LLC.

Ulster County

• $37.9 million for the rehabilitation of three properties known as the Ulster Portfolio to preserve 212 affordable homes in Ulster County. The Ulster Portfolio consists of the 80-unit Birchwood Village in the city of Kingston, The Birches at Saugerties in the town of Saugerties with 60 apartments, and 72-unit Chambers Senior Housing in the town of Ulster. The three properties will undergo extensive capital improvements and interior renovations, including sustainability improvements. The developer is Beacon Communities LLC.

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today’s $412 million announcement is another significant investment to bring more affordable housing to New York City, the Finger Lakes, and the Hudson Valley. These six developments will deliver nearly 1,100 affordable, secure, and healthy homes, provide supportive services for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity, and help strengthen the overall community for years to come. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan, we will continue to use every resource we have to expand and protect the State’s housing supply so that more New Yorkers can afford to stay here and thrive here.”

Demolition Wraps Up At 200 East Tremont Avenue In Mt. Hope, The Bronx

 

Demolition work is nearing completion at 200 East Tremont Avenue in the Mt. Hope neighborhood of The Bronx. 200 East Tremont JV LLC is listed as the owner and Xolle Demo LLC is the general contractor for the property, which spans a quarter of an acre at the corner of East Tremont Avenue and Monroe Avenue, just to the east of the Grand Concourse. No information has been revealed for the forthcoming development, as only demolition permits have been filed thus far. The land currently remains zoned for commercial development.

Recent photographs show the former low-rise occupant of the property fully razed and an excavator tearing up the concrete slab, revealing the cellar level. Large piles of excavated dirt, debris, and brick rubble can be seen through the wraparound sidewalk shed.

The nearest subways from the property are the B and D trains at the Tremont Avenue station to the north. The Tremont Avenue station of the Metro-North Railroad is also located nearby, providing access to the Harlem Line.

Demolition is slated to be finished later this spring.

Housing Lottery Launches For 714 East 217th Street In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 714 East 217th Street, a four-story residential building in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Baobab Architects and developed by Shaya Seidenfield, the structure yields 17 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 16 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $72,000 to $167,570.

Residences come with air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, smart controls for heating and cooling, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 15 studios with a monthly rent of $2,924 for incomes ranging from $100,252 to $146,900; and one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $3,126 for incomes ranging from $107,178 to $165,230.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 22, 2024.

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

LAST MILE WALKTHROUGH 

Thank you to The Point CDC Youth Organizers and students from Lehman College for inviting me to participate on a walkthrough of Last Mile Warehouses on the Hunts Point Peninsula.

Alongside the students, I had a very productive discussion with The Point CDC Staff and Bronx Community Board 2 on the pressing Environmental Justice issues facing our Bronx community today.

CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS IN THE BRONX

RAMADAN MUBARAK UPCOMING EVENTS 2024 HEROES RECOGNITION BREAKFAST *Thank you to all who registered for our Heroes Recognition Breakfast next week! We have now reached full capacity and will no longer be  accepting any more RSVP’s.* COMMUNITY BOARD & PRECINCT  COUNCIL APPRECIATION BBQ Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Attorney General James Announces Convictions of 12 Defendants for Trafficking Cocaine, Heroin, and Methamphetamine in the Hudson Valley

 

AG’s Investigation Seized Over $1.3 Million in Drugs, 39 Guns, and $120,000 in Cash

All Defendants Pled Guilty to Felony Charges

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions of 12 defendants responsible for flooding communities in the Hudson Valley and the Capital Region with heroin and methamphetamine disguised as prescription drugs, as well as cocaine and counterfeit Xanax pills. An 11-month investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) found that the 12 individuals trafficked cocaine and thousands of pills throughout Ulster, Dutchess, and Saratoga counties, and illegally possessed firearms, including assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The investigation led to the recovery of over $1.3 million in narcotics, 39 firearms (including four assault weapons), hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and $120,000 in cash. All of the defendants pled guilty to felony charges for their roles in the trafficking operation.

“Going after those who fuel the gun violence and opioid epidemics is critical to keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Attorney General James. “These individuals flooded communities in the Hudson Valley with deadly narcotics, and they put New Yorkers in even greater danger by disguising their drugs as prescription medications and illegally possessing assault weapons, which are claiming lives every day. I thank all of our partners in law enforcement who contributed to this investigation and helped secure these convictions to put an end to this dangerous drug trafficking operation.” 

“The alliance between law enforcement partners along with considerable efforts have resulted in the notable arrests and convictions of these individuals,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Drug trafficking perpetuates a vicious cycle that is a catalyst for violence and other criminal activities that plague our state. The New York State Police pledges to continue to work with the Attorney General’s office and our partners in law enforcement to keep illegal drugs and weapons out of our communities.”

The convictions were the result of an 11-month joint investigation by OCTF, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO), the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT), the Dutchess County Drug Task Force (DCDTF), the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), and the New York State Police (NYSP) Special Investigations Unit (SIU), with support from the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office (UCDA).The investigation included hundreds of hours of physical and covert surveillance, court-authorized wiretapping of cellular telephones, and review of phone records and law enforcement databases.

The investigation revealed that Christopher Pulichene operated an illegal pill distribution network in and around Ulster County, Dutchess County, and Saratoga County. Pulichene supplied heroin pills disguised as oxycodone pills for resale to Thomas Colon, Julia Eaton, and Zachary Vanvlack, and supplied methamphetamine pills disguised as Adderall pills for resale to Colon, Eaton, Vanvlack, and Devyn Wolny. Colon would then sell the pills to Ralph Banks, Jr., and others. Pulichene obtained the heroin pills from Alton Countryman (who was assisted by Thekla Countryman and Joshua Guldy), and obtained the methamphetamine pills from a source on the West Coast.

The investigation also revealed that Pulichene sold cocaine to Colon, Eaton, and Wolny for resale to others. Specifically, Colon resold cocaine to Banks, Kevin Drake, Jr., and Nicholas Lasusa. Pulichene obtained the cocaine from a source located on the Gulf Coast.

The investigation led to the recovery of:

• 11 kilograms of cocaine, with an approximate street value of $1.2 million; 
• 15,000 methamphetamine pills, disguised as Adderall pills, with an approximate street value of $100,000; 
• 5,000 artificial Xanax pills, with an approximate street value of $50,000; 
• 750 heroin pills, disguised as oxycodone, with an approximate street value of $20,000; 
• 39 firearms, including four assault weapons; 
• 40 high capacity magazines;
• Hundreds of rounds of ammunition; and 
• $120,000 in cash. 

The twelve defendants were charged with various counts of Conspiracy, Criminal Possession and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. All of the defendants have pled guilty to felony charges before the Honorable Bryan E. Rounds in Ulster County Court.

Robert Curry, 44 years old, of Albany, New York, pled guilty in October 2023 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (a Class A-II felony), for which he was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision.

Christopher Pulichene, 41 years old, of New Paltz, New York, pled guilty in December 2022 to one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (a Class A-I felony), for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (a Class D violent felony), for which he was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision (to run concurrent with the other sentence). Pulichene further forfeited approximately $99,071.00 of seized cash, 50 percent of the proceeds ($89,893.62) resulting from the sale of his condominium apartment in New Paltz, where he stored both narcotics and the proceeds from their sales, and a seized 2017 Nissan Rogue vehicle.

Ralph Banks, Jr., 52 years old, of Saugerties, New York, pled guilty in May 2023 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a Class B felony), for which he was sentenced to five years in prison followed by two years of post-release supervision, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm (a Class E felony), for which he was sentenced to two to four years in prison (to run concurrent with the other sentence).

Thomas Colon, 62 years old, of Saugerties, New York, pled guilty in January 2022 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree (a Class A-II felony), for which he was sentenced to six years in prison and five years of post-release supervision, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (a Class A misdemeanor), for which he was sentenced to one year in jail (to run concurrent with the other sentence). Colon further forfeited a seized 2013 Mercedes Benz sedan and a seized 2015 Toyota Tundra.

Alton Countryman, 36 years old, of Kingston, New York, pled guilty in November 2022 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a Class B felony), for which he was sentenced to eight years in prison and three years of post-release supervision, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a Class C violent felony), for which he was sentenced to eight years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. Countryman (with Thekla Countryman) forfeited $3,919.00 in seized cash, a seized 2010 Honda Accord, and a seized 2005 Toyota Corolla. 

Thekla Countryman, 36 years old, of Kingston, New York, pled guilty in November 2022 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B felony), for which she was sentenced to five years of probation. 

Kevin Drake, Jr., 34 years old, of Kingston, New York, pled guilty in March 2023 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (a Class C felony). His sentence is pending.

Julia Eaton, 35 years old, of Gansevoort, New York, pled guilty in October 2022 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a Class B felony), for which she received a sentence of five years of probation. 

Joshua Guldy, 22 years old, of Kingston, New York, pled guilty in September 2022 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a Class B felony), for which he received a sentence of three years in prison and two years of post-release supervision.

Nicholas Lasusa, 33 years old, of Saugerties, New York, pled guilty in January 2023 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (a Class D felony), for which he received a sentence of five years of probation. 

Devyn Wolny, 26 years old, of New Paltz, New York, pled guilty in September 2023 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (a Class B felony), for which he received a sentence of three years in prison and two years of post-release supervision. 

Zachary Vanvlack, 34 years old, of Wappingers Falls, New York, pled guilty in January 2023 to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (a Class C felony). Vanvlack further forfeited $2,823.00 of seized cash and a seized 2016 Subaru Impreza WRX vehicle. His sentence is pending. 

Attorney General James thanks the UCSO, URGENT, DCSO, SIU, DCDTF, and UCDA for their valuable work and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

The investigation was led by UCSO Detective Sergeant Joseph Stock, UCSO Detective Sergeant Jason Bruck, and UCSO Detective Lieutenant Abram Markiewicz (all formerly with URGENT), and OAG OCTF Detective David Walsh, under the supervision of Detective Supervisor Bradford Miller and the overall supervision of Assistant Chief Investigator Ismael Hernandez and Deputy Chief Investigator Andrew Boss. The OAG’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Investigator Oliver Pu-Folkes. The UCSO is led by Sheriff Juan Figueroa.

News from Senator Gustavo Rivera

 

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS 1199'S MARCH FOR HOMECARE WORKERS

This week, Senator Rivera attended a march and press conference organized by 1199 SEIU, CDPAANYS, The Caring Majority and other advocacy organizations in which we opposed the Executive's proposed freezing of CDPAP's workers wages. Senator Rivera reiterated that the drastic cuts in the Executive budget proposal are detrimental for New Yorkers and will exacerbate the workforce shortages that hurt communities throughout the state.

Senator Rivera also spoke about his Home Care Savings & Reinvestment Act (S7800) as an alternative to these drastic cuts. This legislation will save hundreds of millions a year in long term care by removing private insurance companies from the equation, ensuring that we put people first.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS EASTER EGG HUNT AT SID AUGARTEN FIELD

Senator Rivera joined hundreds of families in the Bronx at an Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Sid Augarten Field at Vinmont Veteran Park. Senator Rivera thanked KRVC and Laura Levine-Pinedo for putting together a great event, and wished all participants a Happy Easter.

4/15 TO 4/17: GET YOUR IDNYC CARD WITH

SENATOR RIVERA AND COUNCILMEMBER SANCHEZ!

Senator Rivera will host the IDNYC van in collaboration with Councilmember Sanchez's office. Appointments are available:

Monday, April 15th from 10 am - 5 pm 
Tuesday, April 16th from 10 am - 1 pm
Wednesday, April 17 from 10 am - 5 pm

Call our office at 718-933-2034 to make an appointment and learn which documents you will need to bring to apply to get the IDNYC card.

APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH!

April is Autism Acceptance Month, where we acknowledge and celebrate all New Yorkers across the autism spectrum. Senator Rivera, as Chair of the Senate Health Committee, remains committed to removing all barriers to health care that people with autism face including raising early intervention rates (S.1198), which is especially critical for children with autism.

VISIT THE NY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR SUPPORT WITH YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS

In partnership with New York City Public Schools, the State University of New York, and the City University of New York, The New York Public Library is offering free drop-in support sessions to students and families who need help with the new process for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications.

All students seeking financial aid for college, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans, should fill out the FAFSA application.

Bronx Locations (one-on-one assistance, first-come, first-served basis)

•   Parkchester Library; Wed, Apr 10, 4–5:30 PM; , 1985 Westchester Avenue
•   Bronx Library Center; Sat, Apr 20, 1–3 PM; 310 E Kingsbridge Road
•   Woodstock Library; Thurs, Apr 25, 3:30–5 PM; 761 E 160th Street

4/12: BRONX HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS "THE SURREALIST GYPSY AND THE POET"

4/27: DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL CLARK'S 7TH ANNUAL CHILD SAFETY FAIR

5/4: NWBCCC COMMUNITY MEETING ON #ENDMEDICALDEBT

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament Announced

 

Over 200 notable thought partners, colleagues in business, and influential New Yorkers will tee off for the 2024 Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament at Bally's Links at Ferry Point. Take in the stunning New York City skyline from the award-winning Bally's Links at Ferry Point. The 18-hole links-style course offers golfers a tournament quality experience, top tier entertainment, and dining.

The 2024 Tournament features a morning and afternoon shotgun start, an 18-hole scramble style tournament, delicious dining, beverages, and more!

A variety of Sponsorship Opportunities are available, please click here or contact Dolores Saldana, dolores@bronxchamber.org for registration and sponsorship details.

Foursomes & Sponsorships - Click Here

MARK STAGG CEO | FOUNDER STAGG GROUP DEVELOPMENT Mark Stagg founded Stagg in 1996 and to date has built over 3,500 units of affordable housing with a portfolio value exceeding $1.5 billion in real estate development. Stagg stresses high-quality, brick construction, designed to blend into the existing community architecture. Stagg’s mission is to provide practical and quality affordable housing on a timely basis, utilizing energy efficient, state-of-the-art building techniques and practices. Stagg has two decades of affordable housing and market rate building experience. Stagg believes that giving back to the community should be his highest priority. Whether it is building community centers, funding after-school programs or supporting Christmas toy drives or back-to-school supply giveaways, Stagg believes it is his responsibility to continue to improve the neighborhoods and communities he becomes part of. About the Tournament: Joe Kelleher, for which the tournament is named, was a friend and mentor to many, and served as the Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for 18 years – guiding it to be one of the best economic development organizations in New York. Joe passed away after a valiant fight against cancer. To keep Joe’s significant contributions to the Bronx Chamber, the Borough, and State ever-present and top of mind we named the golf tournament in his honor.