New York Construction Report staff writer
Westchester County Executive George Latimer joined members of Westchester County’s LGBTQ+ advisory board, The LOFT LGBTQ+ community center, Monadnock Development and HANAC to launch construction on Westchester’s first LGBTQ+ friendly housing development.
The site includes 140 units of affordable senior housing in downtown White Plains and will include a larger space for The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center. The downtown White Plains development is slated to be completed by 2024.
“This partnership will lead to the creation of a safer space for everyone, not just for LGBTQ+ people,” Latimer said. “We want our neighbors, no matter what age they are, to know this county is inclusive, their identity is accepted and they can make a home here.
“Affordable housing has been a priority for my administration and we want to reach all corners of the county with this opportunity. It will address the pressing needs of the LGBTQ+ community while expanding the vital services provided by The LOFT.”
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center will occupy more than 7,000 square feet of a newly constructed building at Court and Quarropas Streets in White Plains. HANAC and Monadnock will own and operate the housing components and work with The LOFT to ensure all seniors feel welcomed.
While the housing is not exclusively for members of the LGBTQ+ community, this is the first housing complex in the County that is friendly and supportive to LGBTQ+ residents with services being provided by the LOFT. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force estimates there are over three million LGBTQ+ seniors in the United States with that number expected to double by 2030.
“Producing high quality, affordable senior housing is a critical part of the Monadnock Company identity,” said Nick Lembo, chair of Monadnock Development. “We are energized by the opportunity to partner with HANAC and continue our mission in collaboration with Westchester County and the City of White Plains to provide best in class affordable senior housing.
“Furthermore, we are looking forward to having The LOFT provide essential services to the LGBTQ+ community out of our development. We thank County Executive Latimer for his vision and leadership.”
Since the start of Latimer’s administration, nearly 4,800 units of affordable housing have been built, under construction or in the pipeline in Westchester County including Greenburgh, New Rochelle, Harrison and Yonkers.
