Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced the completion of a $20 million affordable and supportive housing development with 58 affordable apartments for seniors at 333 Lenox Road in Flatbush/Lefferts Gardens.
“In New York, we are committed to caring for our senior community and ensuring that they can age in their own homes and their own neighborhoods,” said Cuomo. “This new development offers an affordable and age-friendly environment that will allow older New Yorkers to live independently and comfortably for years to come.”
The project is part of the Governor’s commitment to provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing through his $20 billion, five-year housing plan. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has invested more than $10 billion in the New York City region that has created or preserved affordable housing for more than 100,000 residents, including over 15,300 apartments for over 41,000 people in Brooklyn.
The 13-story building is home to 24 studios and 33 one-bedroom apartments. All apartments are occupied by seniors with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Nine households will receive rental assistance through the Governor’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, and eight households will receive Project-Based Section 8 rental assistance.
The building has a senior-friendly design with each apartment featuring emergency pull cords, grab bars in the bathroom, roll-in showers and motion sensor activated lights. Social work services are provided through the Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model (SHASAM). Activities organized by an onsite social worker provide recreational, educational and wellness services for residents.
Additional amenities include community spaces, a recreational rooftop garden, a computer lab, energy-efficient appliances, modern kitchens, storage and laundry facilities, as well as closed circuit TV surveillance in common areas throughout the building. The building is served by two nearby subway stations and is also near SUNY Downstate Medical facility.
Local lawmakers representing the neighborhood applauded the announcement.
“Every day, seniors come to my office for help finding or holding onto affordable housing. No senior should face housing insecurity, yet we know that in Central Brooklyn, all too many do. I am heartened to see this addition of affordable housing that is tailored to the needs of seniors and sorely needed in our community,” said State Sen. Zellnor Myrie.
Assembly Member Diana Richardson said it is encouraging that the state is prioritizing safe and affordable housing for seniors. “Many want to age in place but are struggling to find housing in our city. [The housing at] 333 Lenox Road is a welcome addition toward our efforts to create truly affordable senior housing in Brooklyn,” she said.
City Council Member Mathieu Eugene as a city, it is extremely important that the government provides all the resources available to help the aging community maintain a comfortable quality of life.
“They have spent their lifetimes working hard to create a foundation for the next generation to succeed, and it is imperative that we support them in every way possible. I believe that by expanding our collaborative efforts, we will be able to create more housing to ease the burden on our senior citizens and those who care for them,” said Eugene.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams noted that the borough is home to a growing aging population, and one of the key challenges this demographic faces is access to affordable housing.
“The new development at 333 Lenox Road should serve as a model for senior housing in the borough, providing a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the needs of aging residents. I thank HCR for their partnership on this vital project,” said Adams.
