NYC Lands $332M for Upgrades at Affordable Staten Island Community
The property will undergo extensive renovations.
The New York City Housing Authority has obtained a total of $332.3 million in financing for capital improvements at West Brighton Houses, its 574-unit, 16-building public housing complex in Staten Island, N.Y. Construction work will begin this summer and is expected to conclude by the fall of 2026.
Freddie Mac, The New York City Housing Development Corp. and Wells Fargo originated the notes. Additional debt was provided through sponsor equity, city subsidies and historic tax credits.
The revamp will be carried out through a Permanent Affordability Commitment Together project. NYCHA oversees and monitors the conditions of each PACT development.
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Created in 2022, the PACT team in charge of the West Brighton property includes BFC Partners, CB Emmanuel, Catholic Homes and Pinnacle City Living. The partnership has already converted the community’s buildings to Project-Based Section 8 through the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration program.
Last year, the PACT team received $100 million for the planned overhauls and subsequently worked closely with the residents to collect information regarding the upcoming renovations. An additional 12 units will be created upon the project’s completion.
The West Brighton renovations
Developers will renovate apartment interiors, including upgrades to the kitchens and bathrooms. Some of the planned improvements feature new quartz countertops, cabinets, flooring, as well as lighting and the addition of various accessories, to name a few.
Exterior enhancements are also planned. Improvements will target the heating and cooling systems, plumbing, roofing, ventilation, windows and the building’s façade.
Common areas and community spaces will also undergo renovations. Plans call for new entrance doors with intercom and key fob system and porcelain tile flooring across the first floor and community spaces, among others.
Furthermore, the senior housing center currently found at 230 Broadway will be relocated to 159 Alaska St. The senior community’s design will feature a multi-purpose room, offices, computer and classrooms, among others.
Amenities are slated to receive a makeover as well. A large central lawn, new play areas and campus-wide walks, a dog run and a community garden are some of the planned improvements and additions.
Housing Opportunities Unlimited will provide social services at West Brighton, such as access to basic resources, assistance with employment and job skills, programs for young adults and outreach for older people.
The buildings are on Henderson Avenue, Broadway, Castleton Avenue and Alaska Street. Corporal Thompson and Heritage Park, as well as numerous transit stops, are within walking distance.
Additional PACT funding
Currently, there are 72 active PACT projects with nearly $5.2 billion in capital improvements across more than 20,000 units, according to NYCHA’s website. The authority would require upward of $78 billion to fully renovate all of its residences.
Late last year, another PACT partner team received $225 million in financing for capital improvements at seven affordable housing communities comprising 983 units across 18 buildings. Merchants Capital’s Capital Markets Execution provided the note.
