HUD Renews Project-Based Section 8 Contract; Celebrates Preservation of Affordable Housing in The Bronx

HUD Region II DRA Mirza Orriols (right) joins NY Congressman Jose Serrano, NYC HPD Commissioner Vicky Been, NHP Foundation, and Plaza Borinquen residents at ribbon cutting ceremony

HUD Region II Deputy Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols joined federal and New York City officials at a ribbon cutting ceremony in The Bronx to celebrate $25.4 million in extensive renovations to 52 - four bedroom townhouses at Plaza Borinquen 88, in Mott Haven.

NHP Foundation, a publicly supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded to preserve and create affordable multifamily rental housing for low - and moderate-income families and seniors, purchased the property in 2012 to preserve it as affordable, saving it from becoming market rate. NHP renewed the HUD Project-based Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher contract for 20 years.

NHP President and CEO Richard Burns and Senior Vice President Fred Mitchell welcomed NY Congressman Jose Serrano; NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; NYC Department of Housing, Preservation and Development Commissioner Vicky Been; NYC Housing Development Corporation President Gary Rodney; and HUD D/RA Mirza Orriols. NHP also invited John Ciardullo, Plaza Borinquen Architect, who recounted his personal experience of living in The Bronx as a youth and why he felt it was important to design four bedroom homes with open spaces for families in the South Bronx.

HUD DRA Mirza Orriols delivers remarks

"Preserving affordable housing in booming neighborhoods like the South Bronx is a vital anchor for longtime residents who have spent their whole lives working to improve their communities," said HUD Deputy Regional Administrator Mirza Orriols. "With the capital repairs made to Plaza Borinquen and long-term rental subsidies HUD has provided, families can remain in an area of rapidly growing opportunity."

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