September 26, 2023
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of 2850 Webster Avenue in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, which offers 188 apartments for New Yorkers aged 62 and older. The energy-efficient, mixed-use development includes a 12,000-square-foot grocery store operated by Cherry Valley Marketplace and on-site social services provided by Fordham Bedford Community Services. The development was constructed on property owned by and adjacent to the New York Botanical Garden, and residents will enjoy complimentary membership to the garden.
“As we work to increase New York’s housing supply, it is critical we invest in housing that allows seniors to live independently with access to the life-enhancing resources and amenities they need to thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Support services, sustainable features, and access to green space improve outcomes and help people flourish. 2850 Webster Avenue is the result of public and private partners committed to creating housing that has long-term benefits – not just for residents, but for their families, their communities, and our entire State.”
The recent completion at 2850 Webster Avenue complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 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.
The 12-story development includes 151 studio apartments and 36 one-bedroom units affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Fifty-seven units are reserved for individuals formerly experiencing homelessness. Fordham Bedford Community Services offers on-site social services to residents including benefits screening, advocacy, and group activities.
Additionally, the building is designed with features that promote aging in place, such as grab bars in bathrooms, roll-in showers, and lower counter heights. Other amenities include an on-site laundry room, fitness room, bike storage, and outdoor space on both the second floor and the building’s rooftop.
The building is also designed to meet criteria for certification from Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star programs. Energy efficient features include low flow, water sense plumbing fixtures, and Energy Star appliances and lighting. The building also includes a green roof and urban gardening planters on the terrace.
The 2850 Webster Avenue units were constructed by Douglaston Development LLC and are the first of a two-phase development being built on lots owned by the New York Botanical Garden. The second phase will include 258 units for low-income households and an additional 8,000 square feet of grocery space on the ground floor.
State financing for the $91 million development includes $32.1 million in tax-exempt bond financing, $33.6 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $6.6 million in subsidy. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development provided $14 million through the Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “State investments in buildings like 2850 Webster Avenue are helping to make the Bronx a more affordable place to live and bringing much-needed support services and healthy food options to more neighborhoods. We are grateful to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York Botanical Garden, Douglaston Development and Fordham-Bedford Community Services for their partnership in this remarkable development and helping provide nearly 200 seniors with a safe, secure place to call home with convenient access to transit.”
Representative Ritchie Torres said, “As someone who was raised in public housing, there is no higher priority for me than making sure people in our community – particularly our seniors – have access to safe, quality affordable housing. This development not only addresses the dire need for more housing stock in our city but will improve the lives of our seniors by surrounding them with access to reliable food sources, nature and the outdoors, and social services. Together, city and state entities, our beloved cultural institutions, and the real estate community are demonstrating the power of what we can all accomplish through meaningful collaboration, problem solving, and teamwork.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “The newly completed building at 2850 Webster Avenue in Bedford represents a much-needed addition to the affordable housing stock in The Bronx. Seniors and formerly homeless individuals will have access to an affordable place to live, critical supportive and health services, and a variety of amenity spaces at the 188-unit green, mixed-use development. I commend Governor Hochul and her administration for working with nonprofit partners to make critical investments in quality housing for those who need it most, like this project for the Bronx."
Assemblymember George Alvarez said, "Housing is a human right and as such, my top legislative priority is working tirelessly to generate and invest in more affordable housing in the beautiful 78th Assembly District and the Bronx. Today, I proudly join Governor Hochul, our partners in government, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and community partners like the New York Botanical Garden in celebrating the completion of yet another affordable senior and supportive housing development in the 78th Assembly District! Excelsior—ever upward—it’s not only our State’s motto but it’s our collective mission: It is incumbent upon us as to expand housing options for all New Yorkers and to work tirelessly to ensure that New York is the greatest State in the Union to live, work, and play. The completion of 2850 Webster Avenue in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx is a bold example of the power of State, local, and community partnerships for the betterment of our community."
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “As the cost of living increases in our city so has the need for affordable and supportive housing in our borough. The 2850 Webster Avenue project will ensure Bronxites have affordable, quality, and safe housing needed to age in place and with dignity in our communities with a laundry room, fitness space, and other amenities so tenants are not forced to leave their neighborhood. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and her team for their work on this housing development and for her continued commitment to increasing our housing stock for our most vulnerable residents.”
New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz said, “I’m proud to welcome almost 200 seniors to their new homes in the 15th Council District. Our senior citizens stand at the forefront of New York City’s affordable housing crisis despite having dedicated countless years in service to their communities and families. I would like to thank The New York Botanical Garden and our partners in Government for making this Senior Housing Development possible and ensuring that our elderly can live in dignity. I look forward to representing our new senior residents.”
Douglaston Development Founder and Chairman Jeffrey E. Levine said, “We’re proud to be celebrating the completion of phase one of an exemplary project that delivers vitally needed affordable senior housing to the Bronx community in partnership with city and state entities and The New York Botanical Garden. We look forward to extending our work alongside all partners involved as we continue advancing and bringing phase two of the project to fruition.”
The New York Botanical Garden CEO and The William C. Steere Sr. President Jennifer Bernstein said, “After a decade of collaboration with community stakeholders, elected officials, and Douglaston Development, we are thrilled to welcome our newest neighbors to The New York Botanical Garden. With more than 40 percent of seniors in the Bronx being rent-burdened, the importance of affordable senior housing like 2856 Webster Avenue cannot be overstated, and NYBG is proud to help address this citywide need. Access to green space and time in nature are proven to have positive health benefits for people of all ages; we hope the residents will take full advantage of their complimentary Botanical Garden membership.”