Categories: New York City, Member News, Groundbreakings
09.13.2023
Some 50 staff and partners turned out September 12th to break ground on West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing’s (WSFSSH) Fischer Senior Apartments, a new apartment complex in the Highbridge section of the Bronx that will provide affordable homes to 105 seniors including 54 supportive units. Onsite services will be funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through the NYC 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative.
The event was emcee’d by WSFSSH Executive Director Paul Freitag who noted the Apartments will support more than 100 elderly New Yorkers “Physically, mentally and financially”, noting that Community Board 4 had been an essential partner in developing the project. The Fischer Apartments will be WSFSSH’s second residence in the neighborhood.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke next saying about the 105 future residents: “It’s time we take care of them as they have taken care of us.”
Council Member Althea Stevens spoke next saying her support for the Apartments was a “no-brainer. This is what we need in our district.”
HPD Commissioner (and former Bronx Council Member and Borough President) Adolfo Carriόn Jr. came next calling himself a ‘son of the Bronx’ and congratulating the “many hands that brought us to this moment”.
Also speaking were Michael Washburn, Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) Project Manager from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and Ian McIntire from Capital One.
Fischer Senior Apartments is funded by HPD’s SARA program, contributions from the Borough President and Council member Stevens, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s HHAP program, construction and permanent financing from Capital One, and 9% tax credit equity syndicated by the National Equity Fund.
The architect on the residence is Shakespeare, Gordon, Vlado: Architects with construction by Procida-Butz.