Brooklyn's Cypress Hills neighborhood is now home to Shepherd-Glenmore, a newly completed $61 million housing development featuring 123 affordable apartments. As highlighted in a recent announcement by the Governor's Office, the project not only aims to ease the housing crunch but is a sustainable addition to the community, touting a LEED Gold certification and adjacency to public transportation.
Governor Hochul has emphasized the importance of the development, stating, "Shepherd-Glenmore marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide safe, affordable and supportive housing for all New Yorkers." She further detailed its transformative impact, noting, "This development transforms a once-dilapidated site to quickly become a vibrant, energy-efficient community," reflecting the spirit of the state's comprehensive $25 billion housing plan. The plan pledges to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, as per the Governor's Office.
The initiative, developed by Housing Plus and Spatial Equity, has reportedly secured financing for over 7,700 affordable homes within Brooklyn. A former junkyard site was re-envisioned for the project, now offering homes for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Moreover, 74 apartments are linked to supportive services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, while eight units cater specifically to independent seniors.
HousingPlus CEO Karen Ford highlighted the project's significance for vulnerable New Yorkers. "Permanent supportive housing ensures that families with significant barriers are able to obtain and to maintain safety and stability," she told the Governor's Office. The housing scheme offers amenities such as a community garden, 24-hour security, and fitness facilities, countering the traditional image of affordable housing by integrating quality and sustainable living conditions.
New York's senior senator Kirsten Gillibrand also weighed in, reinforcing the critical need for quality housing. "Investing in high-quality and affordable housing is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers," Gillibrand expressed. Equally supportive, State Senator Julia Salazar lauded the completion of the project, recognizing the city's dire need for more affordable dwellings, as mentioned by the Governor's Office press release.
The funding for Shepherd-Glenmore came from a mix of state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs, generating over $21 million in equity, New York City’s contributions exceeding $13 million, and various supportive services aimed at aiding individuals experiencing homelessness.
