Ground broken on $225M affordable housing project in the Bronx

New York Construction Report staff writer

Construction has begun on a $225-million affordable housing development in the West Concourse neighbourhood that will deliver nearly 300 units, including a significant number with on-site support services.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the groundbreaking of River Avenue Apartments II, a 292-unit project aimed at addressing housing affordability and homelessness in the borough.

“This major investment in River Avenue Apartments is a perfect example of how we’re tackling the housing crisis,” Hochul said in a statement. “The State, the City and our private partners are working hand-in-hand to create new opportunities for individuals and families to find an affordable home.”

The project is being developed by Community Access and Blue Sky Bronx, and will serve households earning up to 80 per cent of the area median income. Units will range from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

More than half of the units — 173 apartments — will be set aside as supportive housing for veterans with disabilities, individuals with mental illness and people who have experienced homelessness. On-site services will include counselling, group programming, harm-reduction supports, and connections to health care and employment resources.

The development will also include 21 fully accessible units, with 15 designed for residents with mobility impairments and six for those with sensory disabilities.

Designed with a focus on wellness and community, the building will feature green space, a rooftop urban farm, a children’s play area, outdoor exercise equipment and a meditation walking path. Commercial space is planned for a grocery store to improve access to fresh food.

Located along the River Avenue corridor near Yankee Stadium, the project offers access to transit, jobs and health services, and continues redevelopment efforts in the area since the stadium opened in 2009.

The all-electric building will meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction standards and incorporate energy-efficient features such as air-water heat pumps, LED lighting and low-flow fixtures.

River Avenue Apartments II follows the completion of the $120-million River Avenue Apartments I in March 2024, which added 245 affordable units, including 148 supportive housing units.

State financing for the project includes funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal through low-income housing tax credits expected to generate about $90 million in equity and $60 million in subsidy. Additional support includes $9.8 million from New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

Operating support for 70 units will come through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, while 103 units will receive rental assistance through New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s NYC15/15 program.