Categories: New York City, Member News, Groundbreakings
03.31.2026
On March 29th, the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) , project and community partners, gathered to break ground on West 108th Phase II. Once complete, this new affordable and supportive housing residence will bring 84 apartments for seniors, including 40 supportive for adults over 55 living with serious mental illness and/or substance use concerns, to the Upper West Side in Manhattan. WSFSSH will provide on-site services funded through NYC 15/15 administered by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
WSFSSH Director of Real Estate Development, Nicole Marocco opened the program and said, “Just across Anibal Aviles Playground we’re breaking ground on Phase 2 of WSFSSH at West 108. New York City’s senior population is increasing rapidly —that is reflected in the growing number of older adults within the City’s shelter system. Projects like Phase 2 of WSFSSH @ West 108 won’t solve this challenge on their own, but they are an essential part of the solution—and a reflection of what’s possible when committed partners come together to invest in housing that is not only affordable, but supportive, sustainable, and rooted in community.”
WSFSSH at West 108th Street Phase 1 resident Lockett Strowder spoke at the ceremony and said, “I’m glad to have found this place, because I didn’t think there was anything like it.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal remarked, "New York City is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, and for older adults, the need is especially urgent," he continued, “By transforming an underutilized site into deeply affordable, supportive housing, this development will help ensure that older New Yorkers can remain in the neighborhoods they call home with dignity, stability, and access to care."
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg said, ““We must build much more affordable housing across the city — especially those with few affordable options — to ensure all New Yorkers can live with dignity”, she continued “Congratulations to WSFSSH on breaking ground on this important project, which will provide 84 life-changing homes and services on the Upper West Side. I am looking forward to seeing it completed and building a more affordable neighborhood and city together.”
New York City Comptroller Mark Levine said, “It is obvious that this block is more beautiful and safer than it was before. We have homes for neighbors like Lockett and improvements to the park. For any tough fight, once we bring it to fruition, the community comes around. Let’s take this experience and tell the world that when you have a residence that has healthcare and other needed services, it doesn’t make the community less safe—if makes it safer.”
New York State Senator Cordell Cleare remarked, “Housing is probably the most needed resource in our community. The number one concern all over the city and state is housing—especially for older New Yorkers. They need a place they can be, but especially supportive housing, to help them battle all the things our community faces, like homelessness and mental health. People are afraid of the name, and don’t even know the people. This program is going to be transformational for the community.”
West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing Executive Director Paul Freitag closed the program and said, "For nearly five decades, WSFSSH has worked to serve and care for our most vulnerable older New Yorkers," Paul Freitag, the federation's executive director, said. "This next phase at West 108 builds upon this commitment by providing an additional 84 permanent affordable, supportive units for low-income older adults, many with a history of homelessness. Together with our partners in the City, State, and private sector, we are not just building homes; we are building a model for what this city can and must do for our growing aging population."
Remarks were also given by New York City Housing Development and Preservation Assistant Commissioner and Chief Sustainability Officer, Jennifer Leone, JP Morgan Chase Executive Director, Jane Silverman, Enterprise Community Partners Managing Director, Acquisitions, Daniel Magidson, New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance Assistant Director (HHAP), Mike Washburn and representative from Assembly Member Micah Lashler’s Office, Hannah Freidman.
Building amenities include a community room, a landscaped rear year, and communal laundry facilities.
Funding for this project comes from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, Enterprise Community Partners, Bellwether Enterprise, JPMorgan Chase, Capital One Community Investments, HPD-NYSERDA Future Housing Initiative and discretionary funding from Council Member Shaun Abreu and Comptroller Levine.
The general contractor is Procida Construction Corp and the architect is Dattner Architects.