Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of construction on Vincent's Village, a new $42 million affordable and supportive housing development for seniors in the Village of Nanuet. The development will create 93 affordable homes with on-site health and wellness services to help vulnerable seniors live independently and thrive in their communities.
"Affordable and supportive senior housing is critical to reducing homelessness in communities across the State," Governor Cuomo said. "These homes for seniors will deliver on-site services to residents, ensuring safe and healthy homes and enhancing the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers."
"This project will add affordable, quality housing for seniors with the health and support services they need," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Vincent's Village will offer nearly 100 apartment units in Nanuet, making sure seniors have the resources to live independently and thrive in their community. The development continues our efforts to create and retain affordable and supportive housing across the state for all New Yorkers."
The Governor's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing is reflected in the State's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building or preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and 6,000 with support services. The plan is a comprehensive approach to statewide housing issues and includes multi-family and single-family housing and community development. Since 2011, HCR has created or preserved over 10,800 affordable multifamily homes in the Mid-Hudson region.
Vincent's Village will include 93 apartments across three residential buildings. There will be 81 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments. Thirty-five apartments will be set aside for frail elderly households. Rents will be affordable to senior households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income.
The development complex on Convent Road will also have two additional buildings with community facilities including a fitness room, computer room and support services provided by the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation. Support services for all residents include health monitoring, care coordination and case management, counseling and social activities.
Vincent's Village will have numerous energy-efficient features including high-performance thermal enclosure and air-sealing; high efficiency heating, cooling and ventilation equipment; Energy Star-rated appliances and lighting; and low flow plumbing fixtures.
The development is within a half mile of shopping and other services along Route 59 and close to public transit including NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line. Local transportation for residents will be available through Rockland County Mini Trans and "TRIPS," the county's paratransit service.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal's financing for Vincent's Village includes $7.5 million in tax-exempt bonds, federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $14.7 million in equity and $14.4 million in subsidy through the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program. The NYS Department of Health will provide rental assistance and financing for supportive services through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. The project's co-developers are the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation and Rockabill Development, LLC.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "As we break ground on this development, we are furthering Governor Cuomo's commitment to increasing housing opportunities for older New Yorkers. Vincent's Village will provide more than 100 seniors with an affordable, supportive, and comfortable community so that they can age in place with dignity."
Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "This housing development is another example of Governor Cuomo's commitment to the Health Across All Policies approach and making New York the most Age Friendly State in the nation. The integration of community based supportive housing with access to high-quality health care services will help residents improve their overall health while allowing them to remain in and engaged with their community."
Greg Olsen, Acting Director of the New York State Office for the Aging said, “I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership and recognition that access to age-friendly, affordable housing opportunities is paramount to living with autonomy in the community. This latest investment will help older New Yorkers remain connected to the vital community resources they need to remain healthy and engaged, and further our efforts as the first age-friendly state in the nation.”
Senator David Carlucci said, "We need more affordable housing in Rockland County and across New York State. This joint effort will offer safe and cost efficient housing for families and seniors who need it most. I thank the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation and Rockabill Development for their efforts on Vincent's Village."
Assemblymember Kenneth Zebrowski said, "I am thrilled to see this project moving forward. Vincent's Village will provide Rockland County with desperately needed affordable senior housing. Our senior citizens who helped in building Rockland into the community it is today should be able to continue living here and Vincent's Village will help in providing that opportunity."
County Executive Ed Day said, "Increasing access to affordable housing is critical to ensuring the ability of our senior citizens to stay in this beloved county they call home. I thank everyone involved in the development of Vincent's Village and look forward to visiting these new buildings when they open. My administration will continue to look for ways to support affordable housing so Rockland can continue to grow and serve the needs of our citizens."
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said, "Senior housing has always been one of my top priorities. I am delighted the Sisters of Charity and Rockabill Development have partnered to construct Vincent's Village in the Town of Clarkstown. The new development will provide our seniors with an opportunity to have safe, accessible, affordable housing in Clarkstown, while also providing them the support services they need. Also, thank you to the Office of New York State Homes and Community Renewal for helping finance this project."
Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation Sister Donna Dodge said, "The Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation has been dedicated to the ministry of providing affordable housing to New Yorkers since 1986. We are thrilled to realize a long held dream to develop housing on the site for Vincent's Village. The site stands adjacent to Seton Village and was once part of the campus of St. Agatha's Home for Children. St. Agatha's was established in 1884 to nurture and care for children, and we are honored to be able to provide a loving home for seniors on this same site. It has been a pleasure working with HCR and Rockabill Development, and we look forward to future partnerships to meet the needs of New Yorkers."
Rockabill Development, LLC, Managing Principal Niall Murray said, "Rockabill is committed to a business that creates and preserves affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers. It has been an honor to work in close partnership with the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation to bring to fruition their vision for this magnificent site. With an ever-increasing aging population, Vincent's Village's model of independent living bolstered with onsite services will allow seniors the dual benefit of an affordable place to live and to age in place with dignity."