Affordable Housing Apartments Open in Brooklyn: Cuomo

BROOKLYN, NY — A new apartment building has opened to provide a permanent place to live for low-income earners and people who have been homeless in central Brooklyn.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office announced Tuesday that construction has completed on Edwin's Place in Brownsville. The eight-story building on Livonia Avenue offers supportive and affordable housing — Cuomo's office says 88 of the 125 apartments in the building are reserved for veterans, individuals, and families who have experienced homelessness.

"Our most vulnerable New Yorkers deserve to have a safe, decent and affordable place to call home, as well as access to the vital services they need," Cuomo said in a statement. "Edwin's Place is an example of what we are doing to make that a reality across Brooklyn's neighborhoods. Our ongoing fight to end homelessness and housing insecurity means investing in high-quality supportive developments like this that benefit both residents and the entire community."

Breaking Ground developed the project alongside co-developer African American Planning Commission Inc., which will provide on-site social services for all residents as part of a contract with NYC's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Edwin's Place was named for a former colleague of Matthew Okebiyi, founder and CEO of AAPCI.

"To some of his co-workers, Edwin was the office comic, always had something funny to say," Okebiyi said. "To me, he was the friend I could turn to when I needed someone to cheer me up."

Patrick Bonck, assistant vice president of communications for Breaking Ground, said the building is almost completely occupied. New York City Housing Connect handled the initial application process.

"From those initial applications, a waiting list will form to fill vacancies that occur in the next two to three years," Bonck explained. "Eventually, Breaking Ground will release an application to replenish the waiting list and fill future vacancies."

Edwin's Place includes several different floor plans and has a laundry room, fitness room, and multipurpose room. The front lobby will be staffed 24 hours a day. The building is also designed to reduce energy use.

State and city funds contributed to the $75 million project, according to a news release from the governor's office. The Edwin's Place building is part of Vital Brooklyn, Cuomo's community development program for central Brooklyn.

As of July 25, the New York City Department of Homeless Shelters reports there are 45,289 adults and children in shelters across the city.

To read more about Edwin's Place, visit Gov. Cuomo's website.