Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $49 million housing development that will bring 80 new affordable apartments to downtown Yonkers. Landy Court, a seven-story building located on School Street, will include homes reserved for formerly unhoused residents who will have access to on-site supportive services.
"As we work to fight homelessness and provide housing stability to all New Yorkers, it is critical that we expand access to supportive housing and quality healthcare," Governor Hochul said. "Our investment in Landy Court will provide 48 individuals and families with the on-site care and services they need to thrive. By creating new affordable housing options in downtown Yonkers, we will improve the quality of life of our most vulnerable neighbors and strengthen the community they call home."
Landy Court is part of Governor Hochul's sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the recently enacted State Budget, the Governor successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. As part of that plan, this week the Governor signed new legislation to help convert underutilized hotel space into affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers.
Landy Court consists of 80 apartments for households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The School Street location was originally comprised of three parcels with vacant buildings that have been demolished.
Residents of the supportive apartments will receive services through St. Joseph's Medical Center. These services include individual case management, educational services, employment assistance, psychiatric and behavioral health coordination and substance abuse support, along with referral services with the hospital's in-network array of programs.
Residential amenities include a community room with a kitchen, staff offices, an exercise room, a library, laundry facilities, and a rooftop garden. The development also includes 2,200 square feet for social services office space to be used by St. Joseph's and 34 parking spaces.
Landy Court is located within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, bus lines, parks, municipal services, and the St. Joseph's main hospital campus.
State financing for the $49 million development includes $15.1 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Tax Credits that generated $17.2 million in equity and $10.7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $2.8 million through the Homeless Housing Assistance Program. The New York State Office of Mental Health provided construction financing and $345,000 in Program Development Grant funding to support start-up costs such as furniture, staff recruitment, and training.
OMH also provided funding for rental subsidies and supportive services. The development team consists of St. Joseph's Medical Center and Concern Housing, Inc.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "In the last decade, HCR has invested over $462 million to create and preserve 3,500 affordable homes in Yonkers. The $49 million Landy Court builds upon this success with an additional 80 apartments, including 48 with on-site supportive services. Along with our partners, St. Joseph's Medical Center and Concern Housing, Inc., we are helping residents build stable and successful lives in a modern building with easy access to transit and services. This development demonstrates how we can fight homelessness and housing insecurity while keeping our downtowns thriving. Congratulations to everyone who played a role in bringing this development to Yonkers."
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Landy Court will provide people living with mental illness with the on-site services and the safe and stable homes they need to live full and productive lives in their own communities. This is a great addition to downtown Yonkers and another example of Governor Hochul's commitment to helping vulnerable New Yorkers, and we at OMH are proud to have played a role in its construction."
State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "Supportive housing plays a critical role in ensuring long-term housing stability for many who have experienced homelessness. Landy Court provides permanent housing paired with supportive services for adults with a serious mental illness, while also bringing renewed vitality to a city block previously characterized by vacant, dilapidated buildings. This project, like many others supported through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, further demonstrates Governor Hochul's unwavering commitment toward ensuring all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable homes."
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, "Congratulations to St. Joseph's Medical Center on the vision and completion of this wonderful addition to our city's housing stock. St. Joseph's has long been a cornerstone of our community and this project demonstrates their continued commitment to the needs of our residents, providing new, quality affordable housing."
Assemblyman Nader Sayegh said, "All Yonkers residents deserve to live in affordable, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods which is why I voted in favor of New York State's 5-year plan to add 100,000 affordable housing units. Working together with State and Local Government, community organizations, and developers, we can tackle the housing crisis and make our city a more affordable place for everyone."
State Senate Majority-Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The naming of this development is a great and fitting tribute to Jim Landy and all his efforts to create affordable housing in Yonkers in his roles as Chair of the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers and Chair of St. Joseph's Medical Center. Landy Court is a unique and innovative development, which will not only provide safe, low-cost housing for those that will live there, but provide rental subsidies and on-site supportive services for 48 formerly homeless adults. The whole community benefits when partnerships such as this one between St. Joseph's Medical Center, Concern Housing, Inc., the New York State Office of Mental Health, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Homes and Community Renewal exist. I understand how critical affordable housing is, which is why I've strongly prioritized funding for these agencies."
County Executive George Latimer said, "Westchester County is pleased to have played a part in the redevelopment of vacant buildings on School Street in Yonkers, which will now provide 80 units of affordable housing for families, and 48 units dedicated to adults struggling with homelessness. The completion of Landy Court adds to our mission to create and sustain affordable housing in Westchester, while providing necessary support services and helping to revitalize this Yonkers community."
Saint Joseph's Medical Center President and CEO Michael Spicer said, "Saint Joseph's affordable and supportive housing meets a significant need in our community. The 32 affordable housing units provide an attractive, new permanent place to live for local individuals and families who meet the qualifications. The 48 supportive apartments will meet the needs of those individuals who have demonstrated the ability to live independently in the community with on-site support services. This program is designed to offer support and assistance to help individuals maintain skills of daily living and foster successful integration in the community. The building has been named, Landy Court, after James J. Landy, our Chairman of our Board and longtime supporter of affordable housing."