Governor Hochul announces the proposed transformation of the former Bayview Correctional Facility into affordable housing. Image Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.
On July 22, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the proposal for Liberty Landing, a project to convert the former Bayview Correctional Facility in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan into a multi-faceted community hub. The hub would include a community facility unit and an affordable housing residence.
The apartment complex would have 124 permanently affordable housing units. Thirty-five of these units would provide housing to income-restricted individuals and families. Fifteen units would be designated for short-term lodging for those struggling with mental health conditions. Seventy-four of the housing units would be provided to formerly incarcerated individuals, who would receive various social services spearheaded by the Osborne Association. Some of these social services include workforce development programs, family and relationship coaching, independent living skills training, onsite wellness services (nutrition education and chronic disease management, peer mentorship, connections to healthcare, mental health support, and substance use disorder treatment.
The 9,300-square-foot community facility unit would provide youth with a wide range of services and activities. The Door, a non-profit based in SoHo, will offer a range of programs, including health services, academic support, workforce development, arts programming, and daily nutritious meals. This complex would keep the existing main and annex buildings largely intact and include a new addition to the interior courtyard to add more housing.
Before this proposed project is considered for approval, it must go through an environmental review process regulated under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and be presented for public comment and review.
Governor Hochul said, “This innovative project will transform a former symbol of incarceration into a beacon of hope, healing, and opportunity.”
Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Liberty Landing exemplifies our commitment to innovative, community-focused development that addresses critical needs while revitalizing underutilized state assets. This project will not only provide much-needed affordable housing but also create a supportive ecosystem for individuals reentering society. By transforming the former Bayview Correctional Facility into a hub of opportunity and support, we’re investing in the future of West Chelsea and in the potential of every New Yorker to thrive.”
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “It is encouraging to see that, under the leadership of Governor Hochul, yet another former New York State correctional facility will be transformed into a space that will promote revitalization and serve the local community. Liberty Landing will not only provide much-needed affordable housing to New Yorkers, but also support those recently released from prison in their reentry, which will ultimately promote public safety by reducing recidivism.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)