Yonkers Celebrates Final Phase of HOPE VI Revitalization Project

During a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration October 19th, 2015 the City of Yonkers unveiled the recently completed Grant Park II, home to 56 new affordable housing units and the final phase in the revitalization efforts of the Mulford Garden public housing complex initially begun under the HOPE VI Program.

"Transforming a neighborhood is never easy, but at Grant Park, a determined community and housing authority overcame a daunting array of challenges over the years," said Holly Leicht, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. "Today, we celebrate the completion of a HUD HOPE VI redevelopment project that was launched over a decade ago. These homes are a testament to the importance of sustained commitment and long-term partnerships among all levels of government."

(L-R): Yonkers Council Minority Leader Michael Sabatino; Yonkers Councilmember Christopher Johnson; NYS Assemblymember Shelley Mayer; Assemblymember Gary Pretlow; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; NYS Homes & Community Renewal Assistant Commissioner Greg Watson; NYS Senator Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority Executive Director Joseph Shulinder; US HUD Public Housing Director Luigi D'Ancona; Landex Development LLC CEO Peter Siegel.

Grant Park II, located on 1 Whetstone Avenue, offers 56 apartments consisting of one, two and three bedroom townhouse style apartments, each equipped with a washer and dryer. Included onsite is a community clubhouse, fitness center, and computer center. The community proudly accepts tenants with low income and physical disabilities. Its residents can earn up to 60% of the area median income.

"This is a great day, both for the people who are moving into their new homes and for the City of Yonkers as we mark the continued renewal of one of our most vital neighborhoods," said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. "I can't think of a better example of government and the private sector working together to replace homes that were substandard with homes that are outstanding."

Additionally, Grant Park II has attained LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Energy Star Certifications. Careful planning by the development, design and construction teams in creating a green building allows for lower energy use, water, materials and air quality. Grant Park II's residents will all benefit from an eco-friendly environment and reduced energy cost.

Joseph Shulinder, Executive Director of the Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority commented, "The Housing Authority and its Board are pleased to have completed this new phase of the Mulford Gardens redevelopment project. These fifty-six units are another step forward in the joint effort of the City of Yonkers and the Authority to redevelop the Ashburton Avenue corridor and provide quality affordable housing to our residents. We want to thank our partners, the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, our developer partners, the Landex Corporation, and all the additional partners who have provided financial assistance to the project."

Learn more about HUD's efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and communities on HUD's website.

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