New Projects Will Help Improve Access to Quality Affordable Housing, Particularly for Senior Citizens and Disabled New Yorkers
Albany, NY – July 2, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – Governor David A. Paterson and Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins today announced the awarding of funds for critical affordable housing initiatives in Westchester County, including those for senior citizens and disabled New Yorkers. These projects include the construction of a new 49-unit affordable housing complex for senior citizens in the City of Yonkers, as well as grants to two community groups to help improve the quality of existing housing.
“New Yorkers, particularly our most vulnerable citizens, deserve access to quality, affordable housing, and these initiatives will help us make important progress toward accomplishing that goal,” said Governor Paterson. “I would also like to thank Senator Stewart-Cousins, who has been a leader on the issue of affordable housing, for her continued work on this important matter.”
“Access to affordable housing, in the City of Yonkers and across New York State, is a fundamental right,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “I am pleased to work with Governor Paterson on this initiative, as he has made investing in affordable housing a priority of his Administration. Providing the resources that will assist valuable community housing organizations to renovate existing housing stock, and continuing to recognize the importance of creating quality, affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities, are initiatives that serve the best interests of every member of our community.”
These new initiatives include $1.1 million in federal low-income housing tax credits for the construction of a 49-unit affordable housing project in the City of Yonkers. The new project, Ashburton Senior Apartments, will serve low-income senior citizens – with seven units reserved for the frail elderly. The rental rates in the four-story complex are expected to be affordable to households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
Additionally, grants will be provided to two local community housing organizations. The Housing Action Council, Inc. will receive $270,000 to administer a program that will help rehabilitate owner-occupied housing units. The Family Service Society of Yonkers will receive $175,000 to provide accessibility modifications for households that include persons with physical disabilities.
Governor Paterson also announced today the awarding of $48 million in tax credits and subsidies for affordable housing projects statewide. Further information on these initiatives is available at the Division of Housing and Community Renewal website at (http://www.dhcr.state.ny.us/).
