A groundbreaking was held for two affordable buildings in Longwood.
On Thursday, August 6, Comunilife Inc, along with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and Blue Sea Development Company, a 61-unit building was dedicated to low-income and those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
The Comunilife Prospect Supportive Residence will offer 25 studios for seniors earning 60% or less of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Income Limits, while the remaining units will be reserved for to persons referred by the NYC Human Resource Administration’s HIV/AIDS Services Administration.
“This building will be both a home and a safe haven for older New Yorkers in need of permanent housing,” said Dr. Rosa Gil, president and CEO of Comunilife.“We are proud of this environmentally friendly, neighborhood residence that will benefit senior citizens and older persons living with HIV/AIDS, and through them, the communities of the Bronx.”
The building will have 24/7 security in the lobby, as well as a cafeteria, solarium, outdoor sitting area and a planting garden.
Additionally the development also consists of a 63 unit affordable cooperative, known as the Prospect Macy Co-Op, jointly on the property located at 780 Prospect Avenue, between Macy Place and Longwood Avenue.
“In the Bronx it’s great to see over 120 units of affordable housing.This is a reason to celebrate,” said Deputy Borough President Aurelia Green.“This is an opportunity for the community to grow, become stronger, and really be the fiber of New York.”
Both buildings will be using Enterprise Green Communities sustainable design criteria to create an energy efficient and environmentally friendly complex.
The Comunilife Prospect Supportive Residence will cost an estimated total of $ 12.5 million, funded through the Supportive Housing Loan Program and the Royal Bank of Canada, and is expected to be completed in December 2010.
