Categories: Member News, Openings
11.18.2024
With a stunning view of the Verrazano Bridge as a backdrop, friends and partners of Selfhelp and BFC Partners gathered on the roof of the new supportive/affordable building The Pearl in Staten Island on November 15th. The 12-story building features 270 units, including 138 units reserved for formerly unhoused older adults and 131 studios, 1 and 2-bedrooms designated for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Onsite services will be provided by Selfhelp through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by the New York State Department of Health.
BFC’s Community Engagement Manager Megan Do kicked off the event, thanking everyone involved involved for their various roles in the completion of the largest affordable housing project under the Bay Street Corridor Neighborhood Plan
Community Liaison Kelly Henry spoke on behalf of State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/Southern Brooklyn): “The Pearl opening its doors will provide comfortable, secure housing that meets the needs of our most vulnerable seniors. Our seniors deserve the opportunity to age in place, and I am happy to celebrate its opening with the Stapleton community,”.
Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Adolfo Carrión, Jr. spoke next saying “This a great example of what comprehensive zoning law changes can accomplish. This beautiful building delivers a long-lasting positive impact for 270 families, including housing for older formerly homeless adults who will call this place home. This is all part of our continued effort to improve the infrastructure and quality of life of the entire North Shore neighborhood.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas spoke next saying “The Pearl brings 270 quality homes to Staten Island that keep seniors and families safe, while offering access to the amenities and services that give them the chance to thrive. This development complements New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative investment and enhances the Bay Street Neighborhood Corridor Plan to connect neighborhoods and create a vibrant, walkable community.
Katelyn Meehan, Director, Wells Fargo’s Relationship Manager added, “Wells Fargo congratulates BFC Partners and Selfhelp Community Services on the completion of this project, which will provide much needed affordable housing to the Bay Street Corridor neighborhood.”
“Selfhelp is proud to be a development partner and the onsite social service provider of The Pearl. Together with BFC Partners, we’re bringing much-needed homes and integrated services for vulnerable older adults to Staten Island,” said Lisa Trub, Executive Director, Selfhelp Realty Group. “We know adults can age with dignity when they have stable affordable housing with onsite services that meets their needs and respects their life experience."
“As a native Staten Islander, I am incredibly proud to bring community-centered, urban development solutions to our borough,” BFC Partners Principal Joseph Ferrara said. “Securing essential housing for those in need is deeply rewarding, and the opening of The Pearl marks a significant step toward inclusivity, demonstrating our commitment to accessible housing for all.”
The Pearl will feature will offer outdoor roof decks, a fitness center, a children’s playroom and a communal lounge. There will also be a collection of spaces designated for use by older adults — a multi-function screening room; recreational space, a dedicated rooftop terrace, a communal kitchen and a computer room. There is also a rooftop terrace,, washers and dryers on every floor and 24/7 front desk coverage.
The development received support from HCR, HPD’s Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) Program, and the Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Program. Financing was provided by Wells Fargo and the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
GF55 Architects designed the building and BFC Partners was the contractor.