- Grand opening of Gouverneur Place
Apartments, a new 68-unit development that integrates quality,
affordable-housing with supportive services
- State of New York and
UnitedHealthcare were the largest investors in $20.7 million
public-private partnership
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, community leaders,
affordable-housing advocates and key investment partners celebrated
the opening of Gouverneur Place Apartments, a new 68-unit
affordable-housing development in the Bronx that integrates
high-quality affordable housing with supportive services for
residents.
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Michael McGuire (center), CEO of
UnitedHealthcare in New York, helps local employees assemble
welcome baskets filled with household items for residents of
Gouverneur Place Apartments, a new 68-unit affordable housing
development in the Bronx. The welcome baskets were presented to the
residents at a ribbon cutting ceremony. UnitedHealthcare invested
$7.8 million to help build the new community as part of an
initiative to help people live healthier lives by connecting
housing and health (Photo: Colin Sussingham).
The seven-story affordable-housing community, located at 450
Gouverneur Place, is being applauded as a model public-private
partnership. The State of New York and UnitedHealthcare were the
largest investors in the new $20.7 million development, which
features a mix of studio, 1- , 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, and
onsite amenities that include a computer lounge, community room,
supportive services, laundry room, bike storage, and outdoor
courtyard and recreation area.
An innovative program by the New York State Office of Mental
Health (OMH) is providing housing opportunities for people with
mental health disabilities through funding and program support for
50 of the residents. Seventeen of the apartments are available to
individuals and families earning up to 60 percent of Area Median
Income (AMI). An on-site residential building manager will occupy
the remaining apartment.
During the event, UnitedHealthcare employees welcomed newly
moved-in residents with baskets filled with household supplies,
gift cards and other items. Dignitaries and special guests helped
hand out the welcome baskets and toured some of the new apartments
during the open house portion of the event.
Westhab, Inc., the largest nonprofit provider of affordable
housing and supportive services in Westchester County, was the
developer of Gouverneur Place Apartments and will provide the
property management and supportive services for the building.
“Gouverneur Place is an important public-private partnership
that brings new, affordable housing for individuals and families in
need to the Bronx,” said Richard Nightingale, president & CEO
of Westhab, Inc. “This new community brings hope and opportunity
for people living with mental disabilities and provides access to
support services for the residents who call Gouverneur Place
Apartments their home.”
The State of New York and UnitedHealthcare were the two major
investors of the $20.7 million development, with funding and
support also provided by the City of New York.
OMH awarded $11.7 million in capital funds through bonds issued
by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). OMH is
also providing subsidies to support operating and
supportive-services costs, as well as debt service payments for the
bonds. New York State Homes and Community Renewal provided the 4
percent tax credits for the project.
“As one of the largest issuers of tax-exempt debt in the nation,
DASNY understands the value that these funds provide to the
development of critical social infrastructure projects across the
state,” said Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY president & CEO.
“Gouverneur Place Apartments is a great example of how
public-private partnerships can successfully advance our social
goals.”
“Gouverneur Place Apartments provides safe, secure and
affordable housing to help individuals with mental illness find
recovery and build the resiliency they need to live happy and
healthy lives,” said Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Marie
T. Sullivan, M.D. “The Office of Mental Health is proud to extend
our financial and technical support for this new community and its
residents.”
The funding by the State of New York is part of Gov. Andrew
Cuomo’s commitment to affordable housing and community
revitalization, which includes the $1 billion House NY program, the
state’s largest affordable-housing investment in nearly two
decades. House NY is making progress creating and preserving more
than 14,300 affordable homes over five years. Gouverneur Place
Apartments also supports New York City’s Housing New York
Initiative.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne
Visnauskas said: “We are proud to combine our expertise and
resources with those of our public and private sector partners to
advance Gov. Cuomo’s ambitious housing plan. Gouverneur Place
Apartments provides new, safe and decent housing that not only
enables people to live independently – with supportive services
available – it is affordable to persons of modest means. This
development will change the lives of residents, as it strengthens
the broader Morrisania community.”
UnitedHealthcare, which employs 6,300 people in New York state
and serves the health care needs of nearly 4 million New Yorkers,
invested $7.8 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
equity in partnership with Enterprise Community Investment.
Since 2011, UnitedHealthcare has provided more than $350 million
to help build and invest in new community developments throughout
the United States that provide affordable-housing opportunities
with support services for low-income individuals and families,
including seniors, military veterans, people living with
disabilities and people struggling with homelessness.
“This partnership is helping people live healthier lives by
connecting health to housing, expanding access to safe affordable
housing with support services,” said Michael McGuire, CEO of
UnitedHealthcare in New York. “UnitedHealthcare is grateful for the
opportunity to work with Enterprise and the other development
partners to bring this new apartment community to the Bronx.”
Enterprise is a national organization that builds and preserves
affordable housing in thriving communities connected to health
care, good schools, jobs and transit. UnitedHealthcare and
Enterprise have worked together to invest $105 million in
affordable-housing developments in five states, including New
York.
“Supportive housing is a proven and cost-effective solution that
ends homelessness for those with the highest barriers to
housing,” said Judi Kende, vice president and New York market
leader, Enterprise. “Enterprise was proud to partner with
UnitedHealthcare and Westhab on this development. By pairing homes
for people with mental health disabilities with supportive services
that help them live independently, home becomes more than just a
place to live – it’s a springboard that helps people reach their
potential.”
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission on
Health, the affordability of housing has clear implications for
health. The shortage of affordable housing limits families’ and
individuals’ choices about where they live, often relegating
lower-income families to substandard housing in unsafe, overcrowded
neighborhoods with higher rates of poverty and fewer resources for
healthy outdoor and exercise activities (e.g., parks, bike paths,
recreation centers and activities). The financial burden of
unaffordable housing can prevent families from meeting other basic
needs including nutrition and health care, and is particularly
significant for low-income families.
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