New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction has begun on a $72.1 million affordable housing development in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx.
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Bedford Green House II will create 46 affordable apartments for families and seniors and 70 supportive apartments for families, individuals, and seniors experiencing homelessness. The development will also house a 2,410-square-foot medical clinic offering services to residents and the wider community.
Bedford Green House II will consist of a newly constructed, 17-story building located at 2880 Jerome Avenue. Bedford Green House I, the first phase of this two-part development, was completed in December 2021.
All of Bedford Green House II’s apartments will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. Of the 116 units, 80 will be studios, 24 will have one bedroom, and 12 will have two bedrooms.
Seventy apartments will be reserved for households in need of supportive services. These residents will have access to rental subsidies and on-site services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Supportive services provided by Project Renewal will include coordination of medical services, occupational therapy, crisis management, and assistance with access to public benefits.
Fifty-five apartments will be set aside for seniors aged 62 or older through New York City’s Zoning for Quality and Affordability amendment and Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors provision. Of these 55 apartments, 14 will house seniors who will also benefit from the above-mentioned supportive services through ESSHI.
The building’s medical clinic will offer services including primary care, podiatry, gynecology, and substance abuse treatment. Operated by Project Renewal, Inc., the clinic will serve clients with or without insurance.
Bedford Green House II will be highly energy-efficient and is expected to meet Energy Star Multifamily High Rise performance requirements and LEED Gold certification under LEED for Enterprise Green Communities. Energy-efficiency measures will include a high-performance building envelope and windows as well as motion-sensor lighting.
Residential amenities will include a library and learning center, free Wi-Fi in each apartment, and a backyard shared with Bedford Green House I. Residents will also have access to amenity areas at Bedford Green House I, including its playground and rooftop greenhouse garden.
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) provided $9.77 million through the Supportive Housing Loan Program, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance contributed $6 million through the Homeless Housing and Prevention Program, the New York City Council provided a $1.2 million grant, and the Office of the Bronx Borough President provided a $300,000 grant.
State financing for the Bedford Green House II includes $5.7 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, federal low-income housing tax credits that generated $34.6 million in equity, and $9.77 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
The remainder of the funding comes from private partners. ■