Categories: New York City, Openings
06.16.2022
On June 16th Breaking Ground joined elected officials and project partners to celebrate the opening of new affordable/supportive housing project, Betances Residence.
Located in the South Bronx, Betances Residence is creating 152 homes for older adults who have very low incomes, including those who previously lived in NYCHA apartments and 47 supportive housing units for those who have experienced homelessness. Support services are provided on-site by the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) funded by NYC 15/15, as well as primary care by Janian Medical.
The residence was built on two former empty NYCHA lots, received Passive House certification, and features a library, computer lab, laundry room, fitness room, bicycle storage and landscaped courtyard and terrace spaces, as well as a community facility space that will host programs for youth.
Breaking Ground Board Member David Picket launched the program congratulating the team on the residence’s passive house certification and stating “developing supportive housing is no easy task and takes perseverance and great skill.”
“Older adults are the fastest growing population in New York City today. Betances will be home to extremely disadvantaged seniors providing them with a dignified place to live” said Breaking Ground President and CEO Brenda Rosen, “We are proud to create residences for low and extremely low-income New Yorkers to age in place.”
“We want to make sure we are giving people not only a roof over their head, but stability,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “A critical component of affordable and supportive housing is providing social services on the ground with a trauma-informed and holistic approach.”
“Betances helps our most vulnerable neighbors age in place without fear of losing their home,” said Jose Rodriguez Chief of Staff for and on behalf of NYC Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “With this new development, we are ensuring some of the City’s most vulnerable receive the services they need.”
“This week New York City Mayor Eric Adams released a housing blueprint. Betances Residence is a great example of what we want to do more of,” said Sara Leitson, Director, Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program, NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
“Betances is reflective of the needs of the community, providing 152 affordable apartments for older adults, including 47 for homeless single adults,” said Brenda McAteer, Vice President, NYS Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation. “Supportive housing brings together housing and tailored services. Betances will bring peace and comfort for those who have struggled in the past.”
Jonathan Gouveia, Executive Vice President, Real Estate Development, NYC Housing Authority and Jennifer Trepinski, Director of Loan Originations, Corporation for Supportive Housing, also spoke.
Financing for this project came from NYC HPD, NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC), NYCHA, and NYS Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP).
The architect is COOKFOX and the general contractor is Monadnock.