Image Credit: HPD.
On October 28, 2024, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders celebrated the opening of Melrose North, a new building with 171 affordable apartments. Of the 171 affordable homes, 103 of the housing units are allocated for formerly homeless individuals and families. The apartments are located at the New York City Housing Authority’s Morrisania Air Rights campus in South Bronx and has a ramp for accessibility.
The Melrose North development has 51 studio apartments, 53 one-bedroom, 56 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom apartments. Each of these apartments is equipped with intercoms and energy-efficient appliances. The amenities for the complex include a community room, on-site superintendent, front desk security, and laundry facilities. The outdoor space includes a residential yard, bicycle storage, a playground, and garden space. The Melrose North development is adjacent to the Melrose Metro-North station enhancing residents access to public transportation.
The company Services for the Underserved, Inc. will provide residents on-site supportive services including access to professional counseling, resources for mental illness, substance use, and those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Melrose North project can be found on New York City Housing Authority NextGeneration 100% Affordable RFP site.
The Melrose North facility won the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative, Better Project Award in 2024 in recognition it being Passive House Certified furthering the City’s sustainability efforts. This project also earned an Honorable Mention in the High-Rise Multifamily category and Mixed-Use Recognition at the 2023 Phius Passive House Projects Design Competition.
The goal of the project is to improve housing security within the South Bronx community. There is currently a historically low vacancy rate of 1.4% and not enough affordable housing to provide housing stability to low-income New Yorkers. The median rent in the South Bronx is $1,280 and more than half of households make less than $50,000 a year. More than of the community is rent-burdened, spending over 30% of their income towards housing.
First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer said, “Melrose North will provide 171 families in the South Bronx the affordability and services they need to truly grow and prosper in New York City. Melrose North will provide best-in-class amenities, such as bicycle storage, laundry facilities, a playground, as well as an education facility operated by DreamYard that will provide summer camps, after-school programs, and other programs to children in the Bronx community. This partnership between HPD and NYCHA shows that this administration is laser focused on using innovative solutions to provide homes and support for all New Yorkers.”
Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg said, “Melrose North is the type of affordable housing development that not only benefits future residents, but also the entire community. This project will not only provide 171 homes for formerly homeless individuals but will also give residents access to on-site professional counseling and resources to ensure they are on the best path to succeed and thrive.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)