Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the September 2007 issue
First NYS Green and Affordable Housing Development Opens
Governor Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg (at Spitzer's right) chat with others about the new housing development
Governor Eliot Spitzer and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced the completion of the first affordable housing development in New York State's history to qualify for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) designation from the U.S. Green Building Council. Morrisania Homes, a 64-unit affordable housing development in the South Bronx comprised of 16 three-family and 8 two-family houses, was financed collaboratively by state, city and private funding.
Sustainable Homes
The homes meet LEED-H requirements for water efficiency, sustainable site planning, energy, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and design process. All of the homes' indoor features are Energy Star certified, signifying that energy consumption is at least 30 percent less than comparable standard features, and include high-efficiency sealed combustion boilers, lighting fixtures and recyclable carpeting. LEED-H requires that new occupants receive detailed instructions and training on the sustainability of their homes. The Morrisania Homes are located within two blocks of public transportation in the Bronx.
Funding for Development
The New York State Affordable Housing Corporation provided a grant of more than $1.5 million, which funded the first phase of the development. In addition, the city provided approximately $1.9 million in subsidies, and Borough President Adolfo Carrión provided more than $453,115 in additional funding. Council Member Helen Foster funded $40,000 for the preparation of an alternative site for community gardens. JPMorgan Chase provided a construction loan of more than $6.6 million.
The Morrisania Homes are being developed by Blue Sea Development through the Housing Partnership Development Corporation's New Homes Program and financed through the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation. Families of four earning approximately $42,000 are eligible to apply for the two- and three-family homes.
