City housing agencies held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, Oct. 28, for an all new 100% affordable housing development in the South Bronx called “Melrose North.”
The new development will provide 171 deeply affordable apartments, including 103 supportive housing units for formerly homeless people and families. The new homes are part of a partnership between Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) that develops affordable housing on underutilized NYCHA land.
Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. praised the city’s housing agencies for coming together with the nearby NYCHA community at Morrisania Air Rights to make the project a reality.
“With my District taking on the brunt of the burden of our City’s housing crisis, my office worked closely with NYCHA residents and HDC to bring this project to fruition – ensuring that the concerns of my constituents were addressed, and that the urgent need for stable housing in the South Bronx was met,” the council member said in a press release.
The building includes 51 studio, 53 one-bedroom, 56 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom apartments priced to be affordable to low and moderate income residents. Each unit comes with energy efficient appliances and intercoms. The building has a community room, bike storage and shared laundry room. Outside there is a playground, garden space and arts education facility to be operated by the art and social justice organization, DreamYard which offers art enrichment programs for Bronx students after school and in the summer.
Affordable housing developer Bronx Pro Group worked with city agencies and Services for the Underserved (S:US) to build the $91 million, 11 story building. Melrose North was designed and constructed to be Passive House Certified, a rigorous energy efficiency standard.
Services for the Underserved (S:US), a nonprofit committed to fighting homelessness will provide on-site supportive services like counseling and resources. Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO of Services for the UnderServed said that the project will provide more than just a roof over the heads of Bronx residents.
“Melrose North doesn’t just provide affordable housing, it also creates a true community where residents can access the support they need to thrive long-term,” said Perlmutter. “We are so excited to welcome tenants to this wonderful new building and expand our presence in the Bronx.”
