Categories:
08.06.2025
On August 4th, Bowery Residents' Committee (BRC) joined project partners and elected officials to celebrate the opening of Robert C. Wood Apartments in Far Rockaway, Queens. This new residence brings 147 affordable apartments, including 88 supportive apartments for formerly homeless individuals. On-site services are provided by Bowery Residents' Committee funded by NYC 15/15 administered by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH). The project also includes the Wanda Patterson Women's Residence, a 100-bed shelter for women.
BRC's Chief Executive Officer Muzzy Rosenblatt remarked, "Today, alongside Camber Property Group, we dedicate BRC's newest permanent supportive housing program to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Robert C. Wood, a man who spent his life championing the needs of the underserved. He continued, "The Robert C. Wood Apartments and the Wanda Patterson Women's Residence exemplify the passion, dedication, and innovation that are core of BRC's work as we strive to implement solutions that will help vulnerable New Yorkers navigate pathways from homelessness to home. This project would not have been possible without examplary government partners like NYC DSS for investing in housing subsidies and NYC HPD for providing capital."
Camber Property Group Founding Principal, Rick Gropper said, “The Robert C. Wood Apartments project is more than just an affordable housing project, it is an innovative new community and home for New Yorkers who need it the most,” he continued “Thanks to our partnership with BRC, we are able to provide much-needed affordable housing as well as shelter space and community services focused on recovery. We look forward to being a fixture in this community for decades to come.”
Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park said, “With the opening of this site, we look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with BRC which has helped countless individuals get back on their feet and secure long-term housing stability. To see the realization of our investments in innovative models that continue to raise the bar is incredibly gratifying and reinforces our commitment to embracing bold ideas that reimagine the city’s housing ecosystem for vulnerable New Yorkers.”
United States Senator New Hampshire and Dr. Wood’s daughter Hon. Maggie Hassan expressed praise to BRC and said, “As you know well, there is perhaps no more daunting barrier to the American dream than the peak cost of housing. And BRC is doing indispensable work to not simply analyze this problem, but to actually try to make a difference and make the dream a reality for more Americans.”
New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani remarked, “The Robert C. Wood Apartments represents 147 commitments to meeting people where they are and helping them move forward as we bring 147 deeply affordable homes, including 88 supportive housing units, and a 100-bed women’s shelter under one roof. We’re showing what’s possible when we lead with compassion and collaboration.”
Robert C. Wood Apartments Tenant Antonio expressed gratitude and said, “Today, this building to me is a place that I was able to start over with getting my IDs back, my birth certificate. All these things happened because of everyone’s work here, that I didn’t know about, that I am here to thank you for. Everything that’s being done here, is such a beneficial thing for those that can’t do things for themselves, and for those that are halfway there.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said, “Congratulations to the families, because behind every unit there is a story to be told. We are going to be having 147 residents who call this place home and 147 less people in our homeless shelters. Congratulations to everyone who made this possible.”
Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson remarked, “The apartment building is a representation of creating a new model...It’s creating a healthy ecosystem of supportive services here, but also showing people that it is possible to own and possible to rent one of their own places, that they don’t have to be reliant and that’s important.”
Additional remarks were also provided by Felicia Johnson, District Manager Community Board 14; Renee Taylor, Chief of Staff, Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers; and Richard Gerwitz, Managing Director, Citi Community Capital.
Building amenities include a community room, outdoor recreational space, bike storage, and a laundry room. The building is named after Dr. Robert C. Wood who led the task force that created the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He also served as HUD Secretary and Undersecretary under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Additionally, he was one of the authors of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. He was a visionary leader in housing and urban development and spent his career championing the needs of the underserved.
Funding for this project comes from CitiBank, Freddie Mac, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Supportive Housing Loan Program, and the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Nonprofit Owned Initiative.
The general contractor is Urban Architectural Initiatives (UAI) and the architect is Fifth Ave Builders.