Central Brooklyn lawmakers last Friday praised Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo‘s announced plans for The Rise, a 68 affordable and supportive housing apartment complex on East New York Avenue in Brownsville.
The Rise will offer an array of health, wellness, employment and legal services as part of the Cuomo’s $578 million commitment to create 4,000 units of affordable housing through the $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn Initiative.
“Affordable, safe housing with access to social services is critical to building a healthy, successful future for individuals and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. “The redevelopment of this East New York Avenue site will be an integral part of the Vital Brooklyn Initiative to deliver affordable housing opportunities to Central Brooklyn.”
The East New York Avenue site, owned by One Brooklyn Health System, is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of East New York Avenue and Strauss Street.
The development calls for the Women’s Prison Association and the Osborne Association to occupy space on the ground floor in order to serve the building’s residents as well as eligible members of the community. These services include case management, job-readiness training and job placement, legal assistance and support groups for re-entry transition and the development of social and wellness skills.
The development will also include space on the ground floor and lower level to be shared by Man Up! Inc. and Community Capacity Development, Inc. Man Up and CCD will provide services for individuals whose lives have been touched by the criminal justice system and fitness classes for youth, adults and seniors. These services will be available to residents of the development and the surrounding community.
On-site amenities will include two lounges, a community room, three laundry rooms, two resident outdoor terraces, and bicycle storage. Free Wi-Fi will also be provided throughout the building for residents and visitors, which is a hallmark of Vital Brooklyn’s commitment to increasing internet access across Central Brooklyn.
The development will also include approximately 10,000 square feet of green space for residents and the broader community to enjoy, including a rooftop farm and greenhouse managed by Project EATS that will provide healthy food options and job training. Residents will have exclusive access to multiple outdoor terraces that include raised gardening beds.
One Brooklyn Health System, Inc. Chief Executive Officer LaRay Brown said, “Affordable housing is critical to healthy communities. One Brooklyn Health System is excited to see the Governor’s investment in central Brooklyn and we look forward to working with all the partners to make sure our Brooklyn neighbors have safe, healthy, affordable places to live.”
“My constituents in Central Brooklyn have long needed the attention and resources of State government to improve access to decent housing and healthcare. It now has them through our partnership with One Brooklyn Health System, my colleagues in government and everyone in the community who worked together to make this development a realty. For individuals exiting the criminal justice system, supportive housing can provide the stability needed for a successful transition for themselves and their families. The positive transformation of the lives of future residents of The Rise will be evident for years to come,” said State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park).
Assemblymember Latrice Walker (D-Brownsville) said the Rise will be a valuable asset for the entire neighborhood with supportive housing, resources and opportunities for individuals whose lives have been touched by the criminal justice system.
This development offers a fresh start to New Yorkers returning to their communities and empowers them to rebuild healthy and successful lives. The Rise could not have happened without the commitment and dedication of many people in government, supportive service providers and private sectors, and most importantly, the individual members of the community who spoke up about their needs and priorities. I look forward to working together with HCR and the winning development team to see this project to completion,” Walker said.
City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Bed-Stuy) said the Rise is a model of what can be accomplished when government, private and nonprofit partners dedicate their efforts and expertise on behalf of our fellow New Yorkers who need assistance in order to live productive and independent lives.
“Supportive and stable housing is a proven method for helping recently incarcerated individuals avoid homelessness and reestablish connections to their families and communities. Welcoming returning family members back and supporting them in their new homes is only the beginning,” said Ampry-Samuel.
