New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of construction on River Avenue Apartments II, a $225m affordable housing project in the Bronx’s West Concourse neighbourhood.
The project will create 292 rental units, with 173 dedicated as supportive apartments for eligible tenants such as veterans with disabilities, individuals with mental illness and people who have experienced homelessness.
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Hochul said: “This major investment in River Avenue Apartments is a perfect example of how we’re tackling the housing crisis.
“The state, the city and our private partners are working hand-in-hand to create new opportunities for individuals and families to find an affordable home – we are strengthening neighbourhoods, and we are ensuring residents have access to transportation, healthcare and modern amenities.”
The project is part of an ongoing initiative from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which has created or preserved more than 10,000 affordable homes in the Bronx under Governor Hochul’s oversight.
River Avenue Apartments II contributes to a broader $25bn, five-year housing plan aiming to establish or maintain 100,000 affordable residences across New York State.
Community Access and Blue Sky Bronx are leading the development of River Avenue Apartments II.
The building will serve households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income by offering studios as well as one, two and three-bedroom flats for individuals and families.
Community Access will supply on-site support services such as individual counselling, group activities, harm-reduction services, medication management assistance, employment referrals and links with local health providers.
The design includes fully accessible units, with 15 apartments set up for those with mobility impairments and six for residents with sensory disabilities.
Outdoor features include green space, a rooftop urban farm, a children’s play area, exercise equipment and a walking path for meditation.
The development will also house a grocery store in basement-level commercial space to provide fresh food access for residents.
Located on the River Avenue corridor, the complex offers access to public transport links, employment opportunities, healthcare facilities and neighbourhood amenities.
The site continues redevelopment efforts along River Avenue that began with the opening of the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.
Construction follows completion of River Avenue Apartments I in March 2024, a $120m project that delivered 245 affordable homes, including 148 with supportive services.
River Avenue Apartments II will use state financing from HCR’s State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit programmes, expected to generate about $90m in equity and $60m in subsidies.
An additional $9.8m comes from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Rental and operating subsidies will support 70 units through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by OTDA, while another 103 units will receive funding via the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s NYC15/15 Rental Assistance programme.
The all-electric building aims to meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction ERI Path Program criteria by incorporating air water heat pumps, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and other energy-efficient features.
