Long Island's seniors on fixed incomes have 67 new affordable apartments in Medford.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Oct. 8 that Medford Gardens, a $40 million affordable senior housing development in the hamlet of Medford in the Town of Brookhaven, is complete, according to the governor's office.
The development, by the nonprofit WellLife Network, serves households 55 and older earning up to 60% of area median income.
"This administration is prioritizing housing affordability for all – that includes older New Yorkers who may live on fixed incomes," Hochul said.
Supportive apartments and services
Thirty-three of the 67 apartments are reserved for eligible tenants exiting homelessness who have mental health challenges. WellLife provides on-site services including case management, transportation, health services, crisis intervention, employment and vocational training and life skills training.
Seven apartments are fully accessible for residents with mobility disabilities and four for residents with sensory disabilities.
The building is all-electric, with energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, EV charging and storm drainage retention ponds. Residents have walking paths, a community garden, an exercise room, a community room and a library. The state said those features matter for seniors who may face social isolation.
Medford Gardens is within a half mile of grocery stores, a pharmacy, a public library and other shops.
How it was paid for
Financing included federal and state low-income housing tax credits expected to generate more than $19 million in equity and more than $11 million in state housing subsidy. The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance put in $8 million through its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The supportive apartments are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by the state Office of Mental Health.
That adds up to about $38 million of the $40 million cost from the sources the state listed.
"This $40 million investment demonstrates HCR's ongoing commitment to make housing more affordable for all types of households," said RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said the services at Medford Gardens will provide "everything from case management to crisis intervention for older residents, including those living with mental illness."
Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said the project "provides safe, affordable housing and on-site supportive services for some of our most vulnerable older adults."
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said the county "strongly supports developments and infrastructure projects that benefit our seniors while making housing more attainable."
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico said the project will give seniors "safe, affordable housing and the stability of a place to call home."
"Affordable housing is about so much more than a place to live," said WellLife Network CEO Sherry Tucker. "It's about creating a safe and welcoming home, along with stability, opportunity and a sense of community."
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer said the federal low-income housing tax credit generated $19 million for the project, which also gives people who have experienced homelessness and mental health challenges "a safe and stable place to call home."
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, said that as the senior population grows, "it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units so seniors can age comfortably in the communities of their choice."
Under Hochul, the state housing agency says it has created or preserved more than 2,800 affordable homes in Suffolk County. Brookhaven is one of more than 450 communities the state has certified as "Pro-Housing," which gives them access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding.
The state's announcement did not name a general contractor.
Why it matters for Contractors
A 67-unit, $40 million senior project in Brookhaven is a meaningful job for Suffolk County contractors and subs, and the state says it has financed more than 2,800 affordable homes in the county under Hochul. Senior and supportive housing comes with its own requirements: accessible units, on-site service and community spaces, and in this case all-electric systems and stormwater retention ponds. That favors contractors who know accessibility rules and state-funded green requirements. With Brookhaven certified Pro-Housing and the state pushing to finish its 100,000-home plan, contractors on Long Island should keep an eye out for more nonprofit-led senior and supportive projects like this one.