Concern for Independent Living Opens 90-Unit Mixed-Use Supportive Housing Project in Brooklyn
Concern for Independent Living, a nonprofit provider of supportive housing, has opened The Concern Heights Apartments in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, N.Y.
By Keith Loria, Contributing Writer
New York—Concern for Independent Living, a nonprofit provider of supportive housing, has opened The Concern Heights Apartments in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, N.Y.
The project was made possible by support from the NYS Office of Mental Health, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, The New York City Comptroller’s Office and The New York City Pension Funds, The Community Preservation Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Astoria Federal Savings, and National Equity Fund.
“There are a lot of unique aspects about this apartment complex,” Tracy Conley, the Community Preservation Corporation’s vice president, tells MHN. “First, it’s a mixed-use project that includes 60 supportive units targeted for individuals who were formerly homeless and are recovering from mental illnesses, and 30 units are affordable and low-income individuals and families.”
Located on a formerly vacant lot, which was purchased by Concern in 2009, the Concern Heights Apartments consists of a six-story apartment building, which includes studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
“The complex helps improve the Crown Heights neighborhood and also brought over a dozen new jobs to the area,” Conley says. “The building was constructed following green building standards, and includes solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and outdoor lighting with timers.”
All units are fully furnished and wired for high-speed Internet access, cable and telephone.
“They include full kitchenettes, a bathroom and all of the items that are needed for these individuals to live as independently as possible,” Conley says. “The project became successful through the vision of Concern for Independent Living and the involvement and support of private and public departments.”
Community wide, the building features multiple lounges, a computer room, exercise room, community room, laundry room and outdoor gardens.
“Concern for Independent Living has a great track record in providing quality affordable housing for people recovering for mental illness,” OMH Commissioner Dr. Mike Hogan says. “Common sense and our experience suggest that stable housing is a foundation for recovery. Concern has also been able to develop properties that enhance their neighborhoods.”
The total development cost for The Concern Heights Apartments was $30.8 million. Financing included 9 percent from tax credits issued by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, a grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health, a grant from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance/Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, a $13 million loan from The Community Preservation Corporation, and an Affordable Housing Program grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York through Astoria Federal Savings.
