The new plan is part of the $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative, which aims to bring affordable housing, new jobs and better healthcare services to Central Brooklyn
The state plans to build 1,000 affordable senior homes on underutilized land owned by the New York City Housing Authority in Central Brooklyn, announced Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday.
The $15 million plan is part of the governor's $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative, which aims to bring affordable housing, open space and recreation, new jobs and better healthcare services to the neighborhoods of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Bushwick, Crown Heights and East New York.
"This investment will seize the potential of vacant properties and help 1,000 seniors move into quality living environments, and support our efforts to improve wellness and opportunities in these communities," said Cuomo.
The 1,000 affordable senior apartments will spread across several underutilized NYCHA properties in Central Brooklyn. Proposed sites will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the New York State Homes and Community Renewals (HCR). After a site is selected by NYCHA, the proposed project will then be able to apply for the $15 million in low-income housing tax credits set aside to lower the financing costs for housing developments to make them affordable.
"This unprecedented investment in affordable housing addresses a critical challenge in Brooklyn and will pave the way for a better future for generations to come," said Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy.
Earlier this summer, as part of the Vital Brooklyn initiative, Cuomo announced a $3.1 million investment to renovate and transform eight community gardens in Central Brooklyn. At the beginning of the year, the state also launched a 32-site ambulatory care network to close current gaps and increase access to quality health services and preventive care.
