NEW YORK — New York will build a development of 158 affordable homes, including 86 with supportive services for the homeless, in the Claremont section of the Bronx, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
The $86 million complex will be called Baez Place and consists of 105 studios, 21 one-bedrooms, 22 two-bedrooms and six three-bedrooms. The apartments will be affordable to families with incomes between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income.
“We’re tackling housing insecurity and homelessness head-on with this project that will bring high-quality, affordable housing to New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “This development at Baez Place in the Bronx will enhance the entire community with more than 150 housing units, as well as comprehensive services for seniors and the homeless, the latest effort in our $25 billion housing plan to unlock opportunity and provide families with a safe and stable place to call home.
Baez Place is part of the Democrat’s sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable and stable. A new five-year, $25 billion comprehensive housing plan was introduced and successfully secured in the FY 2023 state budget that will increase the housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with housing services. support for vulnerable populations, in addition to the electrification of 50,000 additional homes.
Supportive services and rental subsidies will be funded through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Community Access Inc., also the developer of the project, will provide on-site social services including individual counseling, self-help groups, structured group activities, harm reduction services, linkages with community health and mental health providers, management assistance medications and employment referrals.
Additional services focused on older tenants will include one-on-one support and links to services from a dedicated senior advocate, and on-site primary care services provided by a doctor or nurse practitioner under contract with Community Access.
Residential amenities at Baez Place will include a community room with commercial kitchen, computer room, laundry room, exercise room, and 24/7 front desk security. Each apartment will be equipped with free broadband Internet access. Residents will have the opportunity to engage in urban agriculture in the outdoor green space and greenhouse located on the top floor of the building.
The neighborhood area in the immediate vicinity of the development offers a diverse mix of parks and recreation spaces, places of worship, health care facilities, schools, and several restaurants. The site is adjacent to Richman (Echo) Park to the north and close to MTA bus stops, subway stops for the B and D lines, and the Tremont Station on the Metro North Harlem Line.
State funding for Baez Place Apartments includes $17.6 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, low-income federal tax credits that will generate $38.7 million in principal, and $12 million in grants New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $7 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
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