The Community Builders (TCB), BronxWorks, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC), development partners and public officials gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Park Haven Apartments on Nov. 1. The 178-unit affordable housing development is located at 345 St. Ann’s Ave. in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx.
“TCB is proud to bring new, affordable homes and community services to the Mott Haven neighborhood,” said Desiree Andrepont, senior project manager at The Community Builders. “This mixed-use, mixed-income development provides housing stability, economic opportunity, and healthy food options to the community; these efforts would not be possible without the help of our partners and neighbors.”
The new 10-story, 180,000-square-foot building includes a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units available for families and individuals with incomes up to 80% of Area Median Income. Residents can enjoy a wellness room, a resident lounge, a children’s play area, a community room, onsite laundry, bicycle storage and outdoor landscaped recreation areas to encourage active and healthy living.
Of the 178 units, 50 are designated as permanent housing for chronically homeless families and individuals. BronxWorks is providing onsite services to residents, funded through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) grant awarded by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The ground floor includes 7,000 square feet for BronxWorks workforce development programs and 14,000 square feet for a Food Retail Expansion to Support Health Program (FRESH) grocery store. When complete, the project’s 70 permanent full-time and part-time jobs and the BronxWorks workforce development programs will expand economic opportunity in the community.
“BronxWorks is so proud to be a part of today’s ribbon-cutting event and especially the Park Haven project,” said Eileen Torres, executive director of BronxWorks. “As the Bronx continues to recover from the pandemic, developments such as Park Haven are even more important to the community than when first envisioned. The BronxWorks staff stands ready to assist our new neighbors.”
The building is 100% affordable and was financed under HPD and HDC’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program. HDC provided $39 million in tax-exempt bonds and $11 million in subsidy; HPD subsidy financing included $22.3 million in city capital funds. The NYC City Council also provided $1 million in Reso A funds. Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity of $33.6 million was provided by RBC and Bank of New York Mellon provided a standby letter of credit.
The building includes a large rooftop solar array and other sustainable features which reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor and outdoor air quality, and reduce utility costs to residents.
The project was awarded $750,000 as part of New York State’s inaugural $40 million Buildings of Excellence Competition for building design that implements advanced, climate-specific design strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. This competition, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), supports New York State’s climate and energy goals including the mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050. NYSERDA supported the project with an additional $400,000 through its Multi-family New Construction and NY-Sun programs.
