Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams celebrate the start of construction on the Starhill affordable housing development in Morris Heights. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
The mixed-use Bronx development will support adults experiencing homelessness through substance abuse treatment programs. On July 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction for Starhill Phase I. This $189 million affordable housing development is located in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx and features ample supportive housing.
Developed by Bronx Pro and S:US, the two-acre site was formerly home to a residential treatment center that has since been demolished. The ambitious mixed-use Starhill development was made possible through 2018’s Jerome Corridor Rezoning.
Once completed, Starhill Phase I will consist of a 14-story apartment building and connected one-story amenity building. The new development reflects the goals of Mayor Adams’ Housing Blueprint, which includes a commitment to accelerate creation of supportive housing and complete 15,000 supportive homes by 2030, two years ahead of the city’s promised schedule.
Starhill Phase I will have 326 affordable units, with 200 apartments specially designated for single adults experiencing homelessness and addiction. These residents will have access to supportive services ranging from individual case management to financial literacy and job trainings. All services will be voluntary and tailored to each tenant’s individual needs. These on-site supports, as well as rental subsidies, will be funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
The remaining 126 apartments will also be affordable, reserved for households earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income or less. Starhill Phase II is expected to include approximately 244 additional supportive and affordable apartments.
The Morris Heights neighborhood grants residents access to local amenities, such as medical treatment, education, and public services. 10 MTA bus lines have stops near the development site, as well as the 4, B, and D trains. Starhill Phase I will also include green space, with both a rear yard and a recreation area on the second-floor terrace. Interior residential amenities will include 24-hour security, on-site social services, a fitness room, laundry, a children’s playroom, computer room, and free internet access in each unit.
NYC Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz shared, “Housing New Yorkers is the most important step to help people who have struggled with homelessness, mental health, or substance use rebuild their lives. Starhill will soon welcome home hundreds of New Yorkers, creating a new community in Morris Heights.”
Bronx Pro CEO Samantha Magistro stated that “Starhill Phase I honors the site’s history of medical and mental health care, while responding to the present-day need for affordable housing and new open space in Morris Heights.” President and CEO of S:US Jorge R. Petit added, “Home is more than a roof. Home is stability, safety, community, and a sense of belonging. Starhill will bring hope, possibility, and opportunity to New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness, poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges.”
Local City Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez: “In the midst of our city’s affordable housing crisis and given the rising rates of rent and eviction within District 14, I am glad City dollars will fund the construction of the new affordable housing development in Morris Heights . . . this investment is a testament to the City’s commitment to funding our most vulnerable New Yorkers.” Sanchez added, “Housing insecurity is one of the greatest issues that impacts my constituents, and the construction of this development will be of crucial support to District 14 residents, including our homeless community members.”
Governor Kathy Hochul: “This development will provide safe, stable homes for more than 300 residents of the Bronx and offer critical resources and amenities to support the Morris Heights neighborhood in the long term. As the national affordability crisis drives rent and other costs to new highs, my administration is tackling the crisis head-on with a $25 billion plan to deliver high-quality affordable and supportive housing that will help to stabilize and improve New Yorkers’ lives.”
Mayor Eric Adams: “Safe, stable, and affordable housing is fundamental to a prosperous, inclusive city, and we are ensuring no New Yorker is left behind when it comes to having a roof over their heads. Our administration has a plan to kickstart the creation of supportive homes for New Yorkers who need them most, and we are moving full speed ahead.”
By: Cassidy Strong (Cassidy is a CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2024.)