$387 Million Development Part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative To Address Health and Economic Disparities in Central Brooklyn
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Alafia Phase 1, a $387 million mixed-use development that will create 576 affordable homes in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. The project is the first phase of a six-phase plan to redevelop the former Brooklyn Developmental Center campus into more than 2,400 affordable homes and is part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative — a comprehensive community development program designed to address social, economic, and health disparities in Central Brooklyn. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 10,000 affordable homes throughout Brooklyn. Alafia Phase 1 continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“The Alafia development is a powerful example of how we can transform underutilized State-owned land to create vibrant, healthy communities,” Governor Hochul said. “By combining affordable housing, supportive services, and high-quality health care in one sustainable development, we are delivering the type of holistic investments that Central Brooklyn deserves. These 576 new homes reflect our commitment to advancing health equity, expanding housing opportunities, and building a stronger and more resilient Brooklyn for generations to come.”
Alafia Phase 1 was built on the site of the Brooklyn Developmental Center, a former State institution for individuals with disabilities. As part of the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, it integrates housing, health, and economic benefits for the surrounding community. The development expands access to preventative health care with a 15,000-square-foot One Brooklyn Health outpatient clinic providing primary and specialty care, blood-drawing and infusion services, an on-site laboratory, and a pharmacy. The clinic’s design and programming were shaped through extensive community engagement to ensure that services meet the specific needs of local residents.
The all-electric development incorporates a micro-grid, geothermal system for heating and cooling, rooftop solar, wastewater heat recovery systems, a green roof, urban farm, on-site composter, and Energy Star appliances. These features lower utility costs, reduce energy consumption, and improve indoor air quality. There is also 7,800 square-feet of retail space for small local businesses including a supermarket, enhancing the community’s economy and access to fresh food.
All apartments are available to households earning up to 80 percent of Area Median Income.
The development includes 132 supportive apartments reserved for eligible individuals with mental illness or individuals with developmental disabilities. On-site support services will be delivered by Services for the UnderServed and will include care coordination, daily living skills training, health and wellness coaching, employment support, and community-based mental health services.
The development also includes units that are accessible and equipped for people with mobility impairments, as well as hearing and visual impairments.
The project is developed by L+M Development Partners, Services for the UnderServed, Apex Building Group, and RiseBoro.
State financing for Alafia Phase 1 includes $38.1 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $117.8 million in equity from the private sector and $174.9 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR) New Construction Program and Community Investment Fund. The development also benefits from $946,000 in Clean Energy Initiative funding, a partnership between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA also provided over $850,000 in support for rooftop solar through the State’s NY-Sun initiative. The project is also expected to qualify for federal Solar and Geothermal Tax Credits that will generate $670,000 in equity. The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is providing $430,000 in a Program Development Grant. Operational funding for the supportive units is funded through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), as well as funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by OMH. The project’s site was owned by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and was acquired by the developers.
In 2018, Empire State Development, in partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal, issued a Request for Proposals to redevelop the Brooklyn Developmental Center campus in East New York into a modern, mixed-use wellness-oriented community. ESD facilitated the procurement process through its General Project Plan, ultimately selecting a development team consisting of Apex Building Company, L+M Development Partners, Services for the UnderServed, and RiseBoro Community Partnership. The master plan for the six-phase redevelopment was designed by Dattner Architects.
Read the full press release here.