HUD Celebrates New Brooklyn Senior Development

Acting Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols (far right) lends a hand with other groundbreaking attendees

Acting Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols joined project partners, and business and local leaders on August 15 to celebrate the start of construction of Coretta Scott-King Senior Houses, a new 51-unit, HUD-funded development for seniors in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood. The new senior housing is being developed under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's New Housing Marketplace Plan (NHMP) that has created a total of 37,106 new units in Brooklyn.

"Housing is essential to our quality of life and I am proud that $7.7 million in HUD funding will go to the Coretta Scott King Senior Apartments," said Mirza Orriols, HUD Acting Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. "Funded through HUD's 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, this subsidy will give seniors on fixed income the peace of mind they need by freeing their monthly expenses from high rents that so often hinder the enjoyment of their golden years. This is a great example of federal and local government coming together to offer our seniors quality affordable homes."

"As the costs of living continue to increase, those on fixed incomes bear a financial burden that often forces a choice between safe, stable housing and paying for life's other necessities," said New York City HPD Commissioner Matt Wambua. "Through a collaborative effort with our elected officials, community leaders and non-profit partners, we are able to celebrate the start of construction on a new residence designed to meet the needs of our seniors and allow them to live with dignity. Thank you to HUD, the City Council, the Community Partners Commission Association (CPCA), Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council and all of our partners."

Coretta Scott-King Senior Houses will be developed on vacant formerly City-owned lots in East New York. The development will include community facility space and a small parking lot. Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council will provide onsite services for the senior residents that will include medical and social security assistance. Exercise and educational classes will also be available to residents along with day trips and other social outings.

"The Coretta Scott-King Housing Development Fund Corporation is proud of our contribution and leadership in the creation of the Coretta Scott-King Senior Apartments," said Dedra Wade, President of the Coretta Scott-King HDFC. "This senior housing development will provide much needed housing for seniors and enhance the community by developing former City-owned property in the heart of a family-based community that welcomes their new senior neighbors."

Units will be filled though an HPD supervised housing lottery with a preference for adults 62 years of age and older. Eligible applicants must earn less than 50 percent Area Median Income (AMI) or no more than $30,100 annually for an individual. HUD will provide the development $1.1 million in rental assistance to residents and thus minimize the renters' contribution to 30% of their adjusted monthly income for rent.

The total development cost will be $13.7 million. HUD will provide $7.7 million in Section 202 funding. HUD also provided an $117,100 Planning Grant to fund various pre-development activities including environmental preparation for construction. HUD will provide $3.3 million in federal HOME funds. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will contribute $1.2 million while the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation will provide $1.5 million.

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