Fort Greene will be home to NYC's first LGBT-friendly affordable senior housing development, announced real estate developer BFC Partners and LGBT advocacy group SAGE.
Ingersoll Senior Residences, a 17-story NYCHA development at 112 St. Edwards Street, will provide 145 units of affordable senior housing. The units will consist of 54 studios and 91 one-bedrooms, and will be available to seniors age 62 and older who earn up to 60 percent of the area median income.
The building will also include a new 7,600-square-foot senior center operated by SAGE. The facility will provide all residents with a range of supportive services designed to help tenants achieve the highest possible level of health and well-being.
"We are proud to work with SAGE and the de Blasio administration to help address the urgent need for affordable housing that is truly welcoming and supportive of LGBT seniors," said Don Capoccia, principal and founder of BFC Partners. "It is our hope that this project will continue the conversation about how stakeholders across the nation can further step up to aid elders of the LGBT community -- many of whom have played a direct role in the fight for civil rights and equality that began with the Stonewall Uprising and continues today."
While the new housing and SAGE Center will be open to all qualifying low-income seniors, BFC Partners and SAGE stated that the building is uniquely designed to meet the needs of older members of the LGBT community. Older LGBT people are statistically more likely to face housing discrimination and harassment, and are less likely to have children and other family members to help care for their needs.
"I struggled with housing for many years and found myself homeless at one point. When you are homeless, you can sometimes forget what it's like to feel human and have connections with other people," said SAGE constituent Lujira Cooper. "That is why I appreciate and understand the need for safe and affordable housing for the LGBT community. This residence will provide both a haven and a vibrant community for us LGBT elders, and I cannot wait to apply."
Ingersoll Senior Residences is currently in the final phase of construction. Officials said the building is expected to open for residents in June 2019, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and celebration of World Pride in New York City.
