Herkimer Gardens Offers Affordable and Supportive Homes for Older New Yorkers, a Health Care Facility, and Food Pantry in Bedford Stuyvesant
Development is Part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative to Address Health and Economic Disparities in Central Brooklyn
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Herkimer Gardens in Bedford Stuyvesant which offers 121 apartments, including 60 with supportive services for New Yorkers aged 62 and older who need assistance to live independently. The affordable, energy-efficient development offers community space for a health care facility and a food pantry. Herkimer Gardens is part of the state’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative to address chronic social, economic, and health disparities in Brooklyn’s high-need communities.
“Older New Yorkers deserve the security that stable, affordable and energy efficient homes provide – Herkimer Gardens delivers that and more,” Governor Hochul said. “My comprehensive plan to expand access to essential services and quality, affordable housing in Central Brooklyn reaffirms our commit to keeping this vibrant, historic neighborhood strong, and deepening the resources that serve its residents, the borough of Brooklyn, and the city as a whole.”
Herkimer Gardens complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The eight-story building was constructed on a parking lot formerly used by staff at Interfaith Medical Center, which is across the street from the new development. A 5,900 square-foot community space is designated for a health care facility operated by Interfaith Medical Center and 90 below-ground parking spots for medical staff. A food access assistance center managed by Hunger Free America located on the first floor will offer groceries to local community residents through SNAP and other food assistance programs.
All 121 apartments will be affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
Project amenities include a wellness center, an urban farm, a recreational terrace where residents can attend yoga or tai chi classes, community room, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and 24/7 front desk staffing.
The building’s design complies with Enterprise Green Communities guidelines. There are photovoltaic solar panels on the main roof to generate electricity onsite, air-cooled heat pumps, bi-level LED lighting with occupancy and daylight sensors, and solar shades. Other energy efficient features include a low flow plumbing system with leak monitors, Energy Star appliances, and increased insulation throughout the building.
The project was developed by Federation of Organizations and CSD Housing. The Federation will be providing on-site services for 60 supportive units with the support of funding from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Department of Health.
State financing for the $60 million Herkimer Gardens includes $9.2 million in permanent tax-exempt housing bonds, $20.1 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $16.8 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA provided $74,880 in NY Sun incentives to support the installation of the rooftop photovoltaic panels. An additional $28,000 in solar tax credits is expected.
About the Vital Brooklyn Initiative
The Vital Brooklyn Initiative was launched in spring 2017 to address the range of disparities that affect residents of Brooklyn and to create a new model for community development and wellness in Brooklyn’s most vulnerable communities. Each Assembly Member in Central Brooklyn convened a Community Advisory Council consisting of community leaders, local experts, advocates, and other stakeholders to consider the unique needs and opportunities in their districts, and to develop long-term solutions. State Senators representing parts of Central Brooklyn were also actively engaged in the process. A total of 25 community meetings brought together nearly 100 key community stakeholders. RFPs for the ten sites were released in 2018 and 2019, with development partners selected through 2020. Six projects have started construction, two have been completed, and the remaining projects and phases will commence over the next few years.
