Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work has begun on Sutphin Senior Housing, an affordable and supportive housing development in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens. The development will provide 173 affordable apartments, including 52 units that will offer supportive services and be reserved for formerly homeless older adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorder. In addition, the development will be subject to leading environmental standards as part of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Energy Initiative – a key component of the Governor’s clean energy agenda.
"Thanks to a significant State investment, we are creating much needed affordable housing for older New Yorkers living in Queens while providing them with a healthy and comfortable living environment,” Governor Hochul said. “Like many other developments supported by the State, this project meets high standards for energy efficiency as part of our commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the buildings sector, especially in lower-income communities. As we celebrate Climate Week, it is imperative that we continue our work toward reducing the harmful impacts of climate change by incorporating nation-leading standard and building a greener New York for all.”
Developed by Breaking Ground, the project will construct a 15-story structure on Sutphin Boulevard, featuring 121 units reserved for adults aged 62 years or older, earning 50 percent or less than the area median income. Sutphin Senior Housing will also reserve 52 units of permanent supportive housing for adults aged 55 or older who are experiencing chronic homelessness and have either a serious mental illness or substance use disorder.
The development will feature a 15,000-square-foot federally qualified health center operated by the Community Healthcare Network on the ground floor and cellar levels and will offer additional amenities for residents, including free Wi-Fi, a fitness room, and outdoor recreation areas. In addition, the new structure will meet standards for certification by the Passive House Institute and Enterprise Green Communities.
State financing for Sutphin Senior Housing includes $33 million in permanent tax-exempt housing bonds, $53 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $13 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance is providing $6.7 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Other financing includes $14 million through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program and $3 million in discretionary support from the New York City Council and Queens Borough President.
In addition, the all-electric building was awarded $951,500 from NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Initiative that is putting New York on the path to meeting the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s target of an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The building will meet standards for certification by the Passive House Institute and includes renewable energy and energy efficient features such as a solar array, centralized energy recovery ventilation, Energy Star appliances, triple pane windows and low flow plumbing fixtures.
The development complements Governor Hochul's comprehensive agenda to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable, including a five-year, $25 billion housing plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, and electrify an additional 50,000 homes. It also leverages critical Homeless Housing and Assistance Program funding to construct or rehabilitate housing for New Yorkers who are homeless and are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance. The FY 2024 Budget continued $128 million in capital funding for the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The 173 affordable apartments that will soon be available at Sutphin Senior will be nothing short of life changing for future residents. With the inclusion of a 15,000-square-foot clinic offering medical and psychiatric care, and a highly energy-efficient, all-electric design, this health-focused development will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of all who call Jamaica home. Sutphin Senior is only the latest example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis while ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to a greener economy. Thank you to Breaking Ground and our state and city partners for the role they have played in reaching this critical milestone."
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “There is no overstating the positive and stabilizing impact that permanent supportive housing can have on older adults who experience chronic homelessness. Sutphin Senior Housing will provide the safe homes and supportive services these individuals and their families can use to address underlying issues that contributed to their housing instability. I commend Governor Hochul for recognizing the crucial role supportive housing plays in our efforts to address homelessness statewide and ensure all New Yorkers have access to safe, stable homes.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Sutphin Senior Housing is an ambitious all-electric development that complements Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to bring safe, comfortable and affordable housing that includes clean renewable energy and energy efficient technologies such as a solar array, energy star appliances, and low flow plumbing fixtures. As we continue combatting the effects of a changing climate, NYSERDA looks forward to working with communities, stakeholders and our sister agencies to bring more projects like this to fruition, helping to foster cleaner, greener communities across the state.”
New York City Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión, Jr. said, “Housing is the foundation to a healthy, stable life. Working hand-in-hand with City, State, and private partners, we’re delivering affordable and supportive housing for older New Yorkers in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. Together we are deepening our commitment to provide housing for the most vulnerable, and deepening affordability in this community.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “The groundbreaking of the Sutphin Senior Housing development marks the start of a crucial initiative to bring Queens' older adult population the safe, accessible, and affordable housing they have been needing. My colleagues and I worked hard in the State Legislature alongside Governor Hochul to secure funds for this development in the past budget cycle. The Sutphin Senior Housing development will be a welcome addition to my district, and I thank the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for their persistent advocacy to include supportive service accommodations in the final project through their Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.”
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “Building new affordable and supportive housing is critical to addressing New York’s dire housing crisis and rising homelessness that impacts every community. Sutphin Senior Housing will deliver safety, stability, and important services to hundreds of older New Yorkers, and I am incredibly proud to support this project through City Council funding and guidance through the rezoning process to expand its impact. Supportive housing is a key solution to supporting residents who are experiencing chronic homelessness and serious mental illness, so it is crucial that we create even more units that serve New Yorkers. I am grateful for the partnership of Governor Hochul and her administration, Queens Borough President Richards, Breaking Ground, and all stakeholders who helped this significant project reach the finish line.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “We must move with the urgency of now to address our city’s affordable housing crisis, which has a disparate impact on our seniors trying to age with grace in their communities. The Sutphin Senior Residence is a critical investment in our mission to combat this crisis, and I commend Governor Hochul and all our partners for taking this bold step to address the severe shortage of affordable, supportive senior housing. Our seniors deserve affordable, high-quality housing that also offers the services they need to not just survive but thrive. Today’s groundbreaking delivers exactly that.”
Breaking Ground President and CEO Brenda Rosen said, “We are thrilled to break ground on Sutphin Senior Residence today. Older adults are the fastest growing population in New York, and the fastest growing age demographic falling into homelessness. We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Hochul and the collaboration among New York State and City agencies that make it possible to create new housing, with onsite supports, for our most vulnerable neighbors. And with the co-location of a medical clinic by our great partners at the Community Healthcare Network, this project will bring vital health services for our tenants and a burgeoning Downtown Jamaica.”
Community Healthcare Network President and CEO Bob M. Hayes said, “Housing remains the most essential social determinant of good health outcomes. Affordable housing, combined with quality healthcare, improves lives and saves lives.”