February 11, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal today announced the start of construction on White Plains Road Apartments, an $86 million newly constructed, eight-story development in the Williamsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx that will create 136 affordable, all-electric apartments, including 82 with on-site support services for formerly homeless residents. Developed by WellLife Network, Inc., the development is just two blocks from the Gun Hill Road subway station. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 14,000 affordable homes in the Bronx. White Plains Road Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“White Plains Road Apartments exemplifies my Administration’s commitment to reducing costs and ensuring all New Yorkers have access to a stable, secure, and affordable place to live,” said Governor Hochul. “With our latest development in The Bronx, we are bringing a critically-needed transit-oriented development to the Williamsbridge neighborhood that will create more than 130 affordable homes and on-site services that help formerly homeless residents thrive.”
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Our mission is to address the housing crisis by creating affordable living options for all New Yorkers, particularly those requiring supportive services. White Plains Road Apartments will provide 136 families a modern, environmentally-friendly home that is just blocks from the subway, while also offering resources, security, and a way forward for individuals who are working hard to overcome life’s challenges. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to long-term investments across the Bronx and throughout the state, as well as our partners for reaching this milestone in development.”
All units at White Plains Road Apartments are affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Residential amenities will include a fitness center, bike storage, a courtyard, and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the development.
The supportive apartments will benefit from an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Services including case management, housing support, behavioral health, and employment and vocational support will be provided by WellLife Network, Inc.
The all-electric, highly energy-efficient development will be certified under Enterprise Green Communities 2020 and Energy Star Multifamily New Construction Program criteria. Efficiency measures will include solar panels, Energy Star appliances, a central cold climate heat pump water heating system, an energy recovery ventilator, and two electric vehicle charging stations.
State financing includes Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $35 million in equity and $26 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $9.8 million in support from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investment in White Plains Road Apartments will provide Bronx residents, including individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, with safe, affordable, and energy efficient apartments with easy access to support services that will help them thrive in their community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for prioritizing the creation of affordable and supportive housing throughout New York State, and to WellLife Network and all the state and local partners who are supporting the development of this much-needed project.”
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “A welcoming home with supportive services enables New Yorkers living with mental illness to live and thrive within their community. Once completed, the White Plains Road Apartments will provide such a safe and supportive space for individuals on their recovery journey. This development reflects Governor Hochul’s ongoing investments in mental health throughout our state and her commitment to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”
Senator Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered $35 million to help build White Plains Road Apartments in the Bronx—a new development that will have more than 130 affordable apartments for people with histories of homelessness. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to create and preserve affordable homes across the state, especially for vulnerable New Yorkers, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources needed for more affordable housing options.”
Speaker Carl E. Heastie said, “The groundbreaking for the 3663 White Plains Road Apartments underscores New York State’s unwavering commitment to providing families with secure and stable housing. Comprehensive supportive services for individuals who have experienced homelessness as well as those affected by mental health challenges are pivotal in fostering an environment conducive to family well-being. Affordable housing remains a fundamental necessity, making this project a step in the right direction. I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Hochul, my partners in government, and WellLife Network for their invaluable contributions in making this project a reality.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said, "Developing the White Plains Road Apartments is a critical step in addressing the housing and mental health crises in our borough. By creating 136 rental units, including 82 units dedicated to supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals and families, we are not only providing safe, stable homes but also offering a path to healing and self-sufficiency. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every Bronx resident has access to the housing and resources they need to thrive."
Sherry Tucker, CEO, WellLife Network, said, “The White Plains Road Apartments represent more than just brick and mortar—they are a symbol of hope, stability, and opportunity. By expanding access to affordable and supportive housing, we are investing in the future of individuals and families who deserve a safe place to call home. This development underscores WellLife's commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has the resources they need to thrive.”
Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 50,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.
The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Currently, 275 communities have been certified, including New York City.