Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
03.20.2024
On the sunny first day of spring – March 19th – friends, staff, elected officials, and supporters gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of River Avenue, Community Access’ newest supportive and affordable residence in the Concourse section of the Bronx. River Avenue has 245 apartments, a mix of studios, one, two- and three-bedrooms, 148 of which are supportive for individuals and families living with mental health concerns. On-site services are funded by OMH under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
Community Access CEO Cal Hedigan emceed the event noting that many of the attendees had gathered in October 2020 on a cold rainy day to break ground on the project. She ticked off various features of the project – including an eleven-person staff, 17 three-bedroom apartments that were added to the design at the behest of feedback from Community Board 4, and great views of Yankee Stadium.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas spoke next, congratulating the huge team of project partners and noting the context: “Projects like this are so important and the housing crisis is so real, with the availability of apartments for lower income New Yorkers at functional zero. We hope the final state budget allows us the ability to build a lot more of every type of housing.”
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan spoke next, first applauding the community and other stakeholders: “Not all communities welcome people with mental health concerns in their neighborhood: you do!”
HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrion told his family’s story of immigration and path from a ‘ratty basement apartment’ to homeownership through government investments in housing. He also noted that 2023 had seen the creation of more supportive housing than any other in the city’s history.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson took the podium next proclaiming, “It’s Women’s History Month, it’s Community Access’ 50th Anniversary AND IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!” She went on to note the long road to getting to the ribbon-cutting and saying that River Avenue “embodies progress.”
CSH’s Senior Community Investment Officer Karuna Mehta spoke next, congratulating all the partners: “When affordable housing is recognized as healthcare, people thrive.”
River Avenue features 24-hour security, an exercise room, laundry room, computer room, community room, tenant and bike storage areas, lounges, and a commercial kitchen.
The development was designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities Standards and Energy Star's Multifamily High Rise standards and includes such energy-efficient features as Energy Star appliances and low-flow fixtures which conserve water.
Services include counseling, group activities, health and wellness workshops, harm reduction services, linkages with health care providers, crisis intervention, money management, and educational, vocational and employment referrals.
Capital funding came from NYS HCR’s SHOP, NYC HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, NYS HFA 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, with predevelopment funding from CSH and acquisition funding from the NYC Acquisition Fund.
The architects on the project were Urban Quotient and Aufgang Architects. Construction was by Joy Construction.