New York City's efforts to promote affordable and sustainable housing advanced as Mayor Eric Adams revealed the selected developers for a major project on Staten Island's North Shore. Artimus and Phoenix Realty Group will collaborate to build over 500 mixed-income housing units on the Stapleton Waterfront, aligning with the Mayor's North Shore Action Plan, which focuses on waterfront community development. A quarter of the units in the project will be designated for affordable housing.
The project has garnered attention from environmentalists and urban planners for its extensive use of mass timber, a construction material known for its lower carbon footprint and efficiency, as stated in an official press release. It is set to be the largest mass timber residential development in New York City. Additionally, the project is expected to have a significant economic impact, with projections estimating $3.8 billion over the next 30 years.
Mayor Adams highlighted the borough-inclusive approach of his administration, commenting, "New York is a five-borough city, and I am a five-borough mayor." He added, "With today's announcement, we are checking another key box of our North Shore checklist." His commitment to sustainability through the "Harbor of the Future" initiative was further solidified with the development's potential for reducing the city's carbon footprint, according to statements from the Mayor's office.
Ron Orgel, managing director of Phoenix Realty Group, praised the project's potential to energize Staten Island's North Shore and the use of mass timber in its construction. Orgel stated in the press release, "We are excited to both be a part of activating Staten Island’s North Shore and implementing the innovative mass timber design, and we look forward to a successful partnership with EDC."
The scope of this project includes not only housing and a reduced carbon footprint but also community amenities such as a new public school and open spaces, contributing to urban development on Staten Island. With construction set to begin in 2027, the project aims to address housing needs while incorporating environmental considerations. The inclusion of affordable housing—designated for families earning between 40 and 80 percent of the area median income—will provide greater access to new, environmentally-conscious living spaces in a housing market that can be challenging for lower-income families.
