Affordable Housing being constructed in the Bronx


07/21/2015

Thanks to the State of New York and UnitedhealthCare and others, an affordable housing complex is being developed and is scheduled for completion in July 2016. Featuring flexible multi-option homes, it is all thanks to Governor’s Cuomo's initiative.


Affordable housing advocates, key investment partners along with community leaders have toured an affordable housing development site, under construction, which can house 68 affordable homes. The site, located at 450-458 Gouverneur Place, is an affordable housing community featuring a mix of 1,2,3 bedrooms, including studios and have a superintendent’s unit as well.
 
Fifty of these homes have been reserved for those who are mentally challenged or have mental health disabilities. The funding for these 50 homes will be met by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).
 
All of these houses will be affordable for families who earn more than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). These will feature a community room, laundry room, outdoor recreation area, computer lounge, on-site support services, and storages for vehicles, etc.
 
This project is likely to be completed by July 2016. It is being developed by Westhab, Inc., which is one of the largest NPO for affordable housing and supportive services in Westchester County. It will also manage the property upon its completion.
 
“Gouverneur Place is an important public-private partnership that will bring new, affordable housing for individuals and families in need to the Bronx. When completed next year, this new community will bring hope and opportunity for the people who will call Gouverneur Place their home,” said Richard Nightingale, president & CEO of Westhab, Inc.
 
UnitedHealthCare and the State of New York are the primary investors in this $20.7 million project. Already The OMH and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) have invested $11.7 million in this project by means of bonds and capital funds. Apart from funding OMH will also provide subsidies and support the day-to-day operations and support services needed when this project goes live. New York’s Community Renewal and State Homes have contributed 4% tax credits to this project.
 
“As one of the largest issuers of tax-exempt debt in the nation, DASNY understands the value that these funds provide to the development of critical social infrastructure projects across the state. The Gouverneur Place project is a great example of how public-private partnerships can successfully advance our social goals,” said Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY president & CEO.
 
Ann Marie T. Sullivan, M.D., from the Office of Mental Health Commissioner, said, “Safe, secure, and affordable housing helps individuals with mental illness find recovery and build the resiliency they need to live happy and healthy lives in their home communities. To date, the Office of Mental Health has created nearly 20,000 units of supported housing in New York State and is proud to extend our financial and technical support for the development of Gouverneur Place.”
 
The funding from the state of New York is thanks to Governor’s Cuomo's initiative for affordable housing. He is also pushing for community revitalization programs. This includes a $1 billion in House NY program, which is the largest contribution from the state of New York  in nearly 20 years.
 
“The Gouverneur Place Apartments project is part of our mandate from Gov. Cuomo to provide safe, affordable and inclusive housing for a wide range of people. This collaborative effort is a prime example of our commitment to enhance the quality of life of our fellow New Yorkers,” said James S. Rubin, commissioner/CEO of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
 
As for UnitedHealthCare, it already employes 4300 people in the state of New York alone, serving more than 3.8 million New Yorkers. It has invested $7.8 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity through its partnership with Enterprise Community Investment.
 
“This partnership is helping people live healthier lives by connecting health to housing, expanding access to safe affordable housing with support services,” said UnitedHealthcare’s New York CEO, Michael McGuire.
 
He went on to add, “UnitedHealthcare is grateful for the opportunity to work together with Enterprise and the other development partners to bring this new apartment community to the Bronx.”
 
References:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150720006386/en#.Va5LaKSqqko