Hochul Visits Westchester To Launch A New Kind Of Affordable Housing

YONKERS, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul spent a sunny morning on the Hudson River to announce the start of construction on a 76-unit affordable housing development that could change the way we think about affordable housing for good.

Hochul said that the residential and commercial space in downtown Yonkers is part of the state’s efforts to expand housing opportunities near MTA transit hubs. Known as the St. Clair, the development will be subject to leading environmental standards as part of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Energy Initiative, which is a key component of the governor’s clean energy agenda.

"The St. Clair is proof that we can work hand-in-hand with our local partners to create housing that is affordable, sustainable, and that connects New Yorkers to jobs, to schools, to doctors, and to the services they need to thrive," Hochul told those gathered. "Our ongoing investment in Yonkers’ resurgence is allowing more people to take advantage of all this city has to offer, and it underscores our commitment to transit-oriented, strategic housing growth that strengthens communities and helps combat climate change."

The St. Clair is also part of the administration's $25 billion comprehensive housing plan that is expected to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations. The plan also calls for the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The development, a short walk to the MTA Metro North train station and the Bee-Line Bus System, will offer a fitness room, community room, and an outdoor roof deck. The St. Clair was developed by MacQuesten Development, LLC., and will be affordable to households earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, according to the governor.

State financing for the $60 million development includes $8.4 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $25.2 million in federal and state low-income housing cax Credits and $10.6 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The construction fulfilled the requirements of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's successful Brownfield Cleanup Program, which is expected to result in $9.7 million in tax credits issued by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance. The city of Yonkers awarded $1.1 million in HOME funds and the Westchester County Department of Planning awarded $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

"In Westchester County, we have made it a priority to help realize as many affordable housing units as possible to address the housing crisis we are all facing," Westchester County Executive George Latimer told the crowd. "This is a time for creative solutions and cooperative government efforts, to best serve the residents we have been elected to serve. "

The all-electric building was awarded $418,000 from NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Initiative, which is putting New York on the path to meeting the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s target of an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The building includes renewable energy and energy efficient features, including all-electric appliances, heat pumps for heating and cooling, weatherization to reduce heat loss, and low flow plumbing fixtures.

In the last five years, HCR has created or preserved 1,266 affordable homes in the city of Yonkers.

"Yonkers continues to lead Westchester County in providing quality, low market rate housing that is equitable and inclusive," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said of the project. "Thanks to the support of our federal and local partners, St. Clair adds to our growing housing stock with modern, accessible and sustainable amenities servicing our growing city. We look forward to welcoming new residents to our waterfront."