Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
09.26.2024
On September 25th, The Bridge, Mega Development, and Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC) joined elected officials and project partners to celebrate the opening of Bridge Rockaway in Brownsville Brooklyn. On the site of the former Fox's U-Bet Chocolate Syrup factory, the new development is creating 174 affordable apartments, 87 of which are supportive, as well as 39,000 square feet of affordable ground-floor light manufacturing space known as the GMDC Brownsville Industrial Center. This housing model is the first of its kind in New York City to co-locate residential and light manufacturing uses on underutilized manufacturing property. On site services are provided by The Bridge funded by both the city’s NYC 15/15 Initiative through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the state’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
“After nearly eight years of planning, development, and construction, we are thrilled to finally open our doors,” said Brian T. Coleman, CEO of GMDC. “Now, as we get ready to welcome our first tenants, I thank our partners at The Bridge, Mega Development, and at every level of government for supporting our vision to transform this block and create a stunning new home for businesses and residents in Brownsville.”
“This first of its kind project proves a concept that can be replicated across the city,” said Susan Wiviott, CEO of The Bridge. “I am deeply grateful to our entire development team, particularly Mega Contracting, Think! Architecture and Design, and GMDC for seeing this project through to completion.”
NYS Homes and Community Renewal Senior Vice President of Multifamily Finance and Development Alexa Sewell said, “HCR’s sizable investment in this project really speaks to how complicated and difficult these projects can be, that so many other partners came to the table and with creativity, and what I know is a ton of tenacity to get something so incredible and ambitious done.”
NYC Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg said, “What is so special about projects like this is that it brings to life just the reality that our neighbors, individuals, and communities need so much more than just housing—and that's what this project provides. It provides great supportive services. It provides great jobs so that folks can not only pay the rent, but pursue their dreams and sustain their families with the manufacturing space.”
NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Director Brenda McAteer said, “We’re proud to have participated in this project to help individuals achieve more stability. The Bridge intends to provide people with the tools they need to pursue their dreams and live meaningful lives.”
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said “By us all coming together, we're showing the world that the problems that we're encountering, if we work together, we can overcome it.”
Assembly Member Lattrice Walker said, “This project represents a bridge to hope and a bridge to opportunity, and, more importantly, a bridge to safety. We thank all of the partners who were involved in the transformation of this site leading up to 174 units of hope and stability, and we are excited that 87 units will be dedicated with supportive housing for seniors, veterans, and formerly homeless New Yorkers.”
Building amenities include a large outdoor space for gardening, seating, exercise, a children’s play area, two community rooms, a computer lab, a laundry room, bike and other storage space, 24/7 front desk coverage, and onsite support services
Funding for this project comes from permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, HCR, OTDA, HPD, an Empire State Development capital grant, New Market Tax Credits, JP Morgan Chase, NYC Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Small Business Administration, NYC Neighborhood Capital Corporation, NYC Industrial Development Agency, Partnership Fund for NYC, Enterprise Community Loan Fund, and National Grid.
The Bridge and Mega Development are co-developers for the project. The general contractor is Mega Contracting Corp and the architect is Think! Architecture and Design. The project received the 2024 Downstate Project of the Year award by NYSAFAH.