Bedford Green House II, a $72 million affordable and supportive housing development, has been completed in the Fordham Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The project provides 116 affordable apartments for families and seniors, with 70 units reserved for households experiencing homelessness. A 2,300-square-foot medical clinic is also part of the development, offering health services to residents and the local community.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the ongoing commitment to expanding affordable housing in New York City: “The completion of Bedford Green House II bolsters our efforts to create safe, affordable, and supportive housing opportunities in New York City for residents of all ages,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration has financed more than 9,200 affordable homes in the Bronx and this latest development highlights how our strategic partnerships promote stronger, healthier communities that benefit families, seniors, and entire neighborhoods.”
The new building stands 17 stories tall on Jerome Avenue. It follows Bedford Green House I, which was finished in December 2021 with 118 affordable apartments. Project Renewal serves as both developer and provider of support services.
All units are intended for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Supportive units come with rental subsidies through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), managed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). Residents can access medical coordination, occupational therapy, crisis management, and help obtaining public benefits.
Fifty-five apartments are designated for seniors aged 62 or older under New York City’s zoning provisions aimed at quality and affordability. Some apartments are accessible for people with mobility impairments or sensory disabilities.
Project Renewal operates a ground-floor clinic providing primary care, podiatry, gynecology, and substance abuse treatment to anyone in the neighborhood regardless of insurance status.
The building was designed to meet Energy Star Multifamily High Rise standards and aims for LEED Gold certification under LEED for Enterprise Green Communities guidelines.
Amenities include a library, learning center, backyard space, as well as access to a playground and rooftop garden located at Bedford Green House I.
Financing came from multiple sources: $5.7 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds; Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits generated $34.6 million in equity; $9.7 million subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal; $6 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program; OMH provides $1.7 million annually for ESSHI unit operations plus a $343,000 start-up grant; New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development contributed $9.8 million via its Supportive Housing Loan Program; a $1.2 million grant came from the City Council; and the Bronx Borough President’s office added a $300,000 grant.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of NYS Homes and Community Renewal said: “Bedford Green House II is the latest example of how Governor Hochul remains laser focused on tackling New York City’s housing crisis. This $72 million multi-generational development delivers 116 affordable homes and vital health services, and also showcases our commitment to create housing opportunities for families, seniors, and vulnerable New Yorkers to thrive in vibrant neighborhoods like Fordham Heights.”
Barbara C. Guinn from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance stated: “The completion of Bedford Green House II demonstrates New York’s commitment to caring for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and providing them with safe, quality housing opportunities along with the supportive services they need to live stable, successful lives in their community. We are grateful to all our state and local partners and proud to once again partner with Project Renewal in their longstanding work to expand supportive housing options in New York City and help vulnerable individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness.”
Dr. Ann Sullivan from OMH commented: “Accessing safe and stable housing is an important factor for individuals and families to be able to live and thrive in their own communities. Supportive housing available at the Bedford Green House II connects residents with much-needed services as they continue their recovery journey. Funding from the long-running Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative is enabling New York State to add 70 additional units meant for those living with severe mental illness and substance use disorder, who can access key supports on-site.”
Senator Charles Schumer added: “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has generated more than $34 million to help build Bedford Green House II in the Bronx—a new development with 116 affordable housing units, including 70 supportive apartments. 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.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand remarked: “Everyone deserves access to a safe, affordable place to call home. I’m grateful that the Bedford Green House II will help expand affordable housing options for Bronx residents, while also offering supportive services and ensuring our seniors have the housing they need. In Washington, I will keep fighting to deliver the federal funding needed to increase the supply of affordable housing across New York.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said: “Bedford Green House II represents a critical opportunity for us to increase our housing stock by expanding affordable, safe, and stable housing options for our Bronx families and older adults. As our city is still experiencing a housing crisis, I am proud to have provided support for this transformative project in Fordham Heights to ensure its completion. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Project Renewal, the New York State Homes & Community Renewal, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and everyone else who has played a vital role in making this vision a reality.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera stated: “New Yorkers are facing extreme financial distress due to the rising cost of housing. The Bedford Green House Phase II will provide low-income and formerly homeless families in The Bronx—including those affected by mental illness or substance use disorders—with affordable homes along with supportive services they need.” He commended Project Renewal as well as city- or state-level partners involved.
Ahmed Tigani from NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development noted: “Today… we’re continuing delivering on our mission ensuring every New Yorker has access safe stable homes… bringing together permanent housing access onsite healthcare therapy restorative spaces… Because your commitment we’re not only providing housing helping neighbors build stability confidence move forward.”
Eric Rosenbaum from Project Renewal stated: “With opening Bedford Green House II proud meet urgent need creating vibrant community where residents can access comprehensive medical care occupational therapy healing power green space… foundation health dignity opportunity… work public private partners ensure all have access basic need.”
Council Member Pierina Sanchez concluded: “The Bronx deserves quality homes… ribbon-cutting marks culmination investment bring new homes low-income families including older adults formerly homeless impacted by mental illness… With onsite healthcare library shared communal spaces powerful example sustainable community-centered development possible community across city.”
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes measures such as new tax incentives aimed at increasing statewide housing supply, over $1.5 billion allocated through recent budgets toward new funding programs supporting tenants/homebuyers—alongside continued implementation her five-year plan targeting creation/preservation at least 100000 affordable homes statewide (including 10% with support services). To date over 65000 homes have been created or preserved throughout these efforts.
More than 350 communities—including NYC—have received Pro-Housing certification granting them exclusive eligibility up to $750 million discretionary state funding.
