Elected and city officials join project partners for the opening of Betances Family Apartments in Mott Haven. Image Credit: HPD.
On July 15, 2024, New York’s Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) celebrated the grand opening of Betances Family Apartments, a new affordable building, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The apartment complex is located on the NYCHA Betances VI campus in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx.
The apartment complex has 101 affordable housing units. The building includes 44 one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bedroom apartments, 13 three-bedroom apartments, 19 studio apartments, and one superintendent apartment. Seventy units are allocated for low and moderate-income New Yorkers, 18 units are reserved as priority housing for NYCHA residents, and 30 units are reserved for New Yorkers who had previously experienced homelessness. These units are equipped with furniture, such as bed frames and seating, and residents will be provided with a range of on-site supportive services, including case management, benefits counseling, and linkages to community mental health, dental, and substance use services through The Bridge, a local nonprofit.
The building’s amenities include a children’s playroom, bike storage, an outdoor green roof terrace, and 24/7 building security. In addition to the building’s amenities, eligible tenants are provided with a stipend to purchase additional appliances and items from a catalog.
The building was designed by Think! Architecture and Design and developed by Lemle & Wolff Development Company, Alembic Community Development, and The Bridge. This project cost the city $60 million.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “The only way to solve our generational housing and affordability crises is to simply build more, and the Bronx is setting the example by welcoming working-class New Yorkers, NYCHA residents, and formerly homeless individuals into the community with open arms.”
Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer said, “With 101 new affordable homes for New Yorkers in Mott Haven, this project marks an investment in housing access for those in need of affordable and supportive housing. Offering furnishings for families who have previously experienced homelessness, priority units for NYCHA residents, and services on-site for all residents, Betances VI is an excellent example of how we can provide support and opportunity through housing.”
NYC Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development, Adolfo Carrión Jr. said, “Today marks a milestone for Mott Haven as we deliver a new home for New Yorkers struggling with housing insecurity or mental health issues: you deserve safe, stable, and affordable housing. Not only does this transformative project create much-needed affordable and supportive housing for New Yorkers and those with mental health challenges, but it also revitalizes a once-underused property — uplifting the entire community while creating a healthy, vibrant residence for low-income and formerly homeless individuals.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)