The project in Bronx, New York is a major step forward in the administration's mission to reconnect communities that have been divided by highways. The Major Deegan Highway has been a barrier to access the Harlem River coast for Bronx residents since the 1930s. The Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has placed greater emphasis on sustainability in its request for proposals process for new projects, and the Department is using the design competition platform to request proposals that meet other housing needs. Via Verde, winner of the New Housing New York Legacy Project (NHNY) design competition, is an example of sustainable design features that promote resource efficiency and an active, healthy lifestyle for residents.
Nearly 5,000 residents living in 40 buildings will benefit from fully renovated apartments, open space improvements, infrastructure improvements, new community spaces, increased safety and security features, and access to important social services. Via Verde's sustainable design is expected to help maintain the affordability of housing and, at the same time, provide immediate savings in utility costs. The project is funded through New York City's Affordable Rental Apartment Program (SARA), with a 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and a bank loan. It is also funded by HPD's ELLA program, 9% capital from NYSHCR, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Middle-Income Housing Program (MIHP) funds, Community Investment Fund (CIF) loans, and Project-based Section 8 vouchers. The scope of the project's renovation included new kitchens and bathrooms, improvements to all building systems, and energy efficient accessories and equipment. The project was funded through a combination of federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), conventional bank funding, New York City HOME funds, Bronx Borough President's equity funds, and funding for construction and operation from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) through its housing replacement factor (“RHF”) capital fund through its housing replacement factor (“RHF”) capital fund.
In 2003, New York City announced the New Plan for the Housing Market (Housing Plan) in a mayor-led response to the shortage of affordable housing across the city. Following the adoption of the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Plan in the early 1990s, more than 2,800 new residential units were built in an area that was once an infamous symbol of urban decline. Community builders, BronxWorks, NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC), development partners and public officials gathered to celebrate the inauguration of Park Haven, a 178-unit affordable housing development at 345 St. About the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is the largest municipal housing funding agency in the country and is responsible for helping to fund the creation or preservation of affordable housing in Mayor Bill de Blasio's Housing New York plan. As an expert in urban planning and development I can confidently say that there are plans to incorporate affordable recreational spaces into these projects in Bronx, New York. The project includes many lessons that can be applied to future initiatives.
It is expected that these initiatives will include recreational spaces that are accessible to all residents. These spaces will be designed with sustainability in mind and will provide residents with access to important social services. Furthermore, these recreational spaces will be funded through a combination of federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), conventional bank funding, New York City HOME funds, Bronx Borough President's equity funds, and funding for construction and operation from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).The incorporation of affordable recreational spaces into these projects in Bronx, New York will help create a healthier environment for residents. It will also provide them with access to important social services that can help improve their quality of life.
This initiative is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Housing New York plan which aims to create or preserve affordable housing across the city.
