Governor Hochul Announces Completion of 67-Unit Affordable Senior Housing Development in Suffolk County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Medford Gardens, a 67-unit affordable senior housing development in the hamlet of Medford, town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County. The $40 million project includes apartments with on-site support services for eligible tenants who are exiting homelessness or recovering from behavioral health issues. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 2,800 affordable homes in Suffolk County. Medford Gardens continues this effort and is part of the Governor's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

"This administration is prioritizing housing affordability for all - that includes older New Yorkers who may live on fixed incomes," Governor Hochul said. "Medford Gardens will provide 67 households with an affordable place to live while also offering support for those who need services to live independently. We are grateful to all our partners for sharing our vision on addressing the housing crisis on Long Island and across the state."

Apartments at Medford Gardens, developed by WellLife Network, are available for households age 55 and older earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty-three supportive apartments are reserved for eligible tenants exiting homelessness and with mental health challenges.

On-site support services, provided by WellLife, include case management, transportation, health services, crisis intervention, employment and vocational training, and life skills training. Seven apartments are fully accessible and adapted for residents with mobility disabilities, and four apartments are fully accessible and adapted for residents with sensory disabilities.

The all-electric building includes energy efficient appliances and heating systems, electric vehicle charging, and storm drainage retention ponds.

There are walking paths, a community garden, exercise room, community room, and a library. These features encourage connection and foster a sense of community, especially important for senior tenants who may face social isolation.

Medford Gardens is within a half-mile from several retail establishments and amenities including grocery stores, a pharmacy, a public library, among others.

Financing for Medford Gardens consists of a mix of public and private sources, including Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from HCR that are expected to generate more than $19 million in equity, and more than $11 million in HCR subsidy. The project is supported by $8 million through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The supportive apartments are funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This $40 million investment demonstrates HCR's ongoing commitment to make housing more affordable for all types of households. Not only does Medford Gardens offer older residents a place to live, it also provides them with support services and amenities that foster a sense of community and connection. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing across the state, and to our dedicated partners like WellLife Network who ensure these types of projects make it to the finish line."

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "Medford Gardens provides safe, affordable housing and on-site supportive services for some of our most vulnerable older adults, including those who have experienced homelessness or mental illness. Governor Hochul remains committed to growing the supply of permanent supportive housing, recognizing its power to strengthen communities and transform lives. Congratulations to WellLife and our other state and local partners who have helped bring this much-needed project to completion."

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "All New Yorkers should have support that they can rely on to live safely and independently as they age. The supportive services provided at Medford Gardens will provide everything from case management to crisis intervention for older residents, including those living with mental illness. Through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, Governor Hochul is helping ensure everyone in our state has access to the resources and services to help them thrive in the community."

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "I'm proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which I worked to protect and expand, has generated $19 million to help build 67 new, affordable homes for seniors in Suffolk County. Medford Gardens also includes supportive apartments for people who have experienced homelessness and mental health challenges, helping ensure they have a safe and stable place to call home. I commend Governor Hochul for creating and preserving affordable housing across New York, and I will continue fighting for the federal resources needed to support these efforts."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "As our aging population continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units so seniors can age comfortably in the communities of their choice. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am proud to see Governor Hochul leading the way on this with the completion of Medford Gardens. I will continue fighting in Washington to bring more federal dollars home to New York so we can continue to build more projects like these that allow senior citizens to age in place."

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, "Suffolk County strongly supports developments and infrastructure projects that benefit our seniors while making housing more attainable. The opening of Medford Gardens signifies a new chapter for these residents as we want seniors to continue to call Long Island home."

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico said, "Medford Gardens will provide seniors in our community with safe, affordable housing and the stability of a place to call home. I thank WellLife Network and our partners at New York State for their investment in Medford and the people who call Brookhaven home."

WellLife Network CEO Sherry Tucker said, "Affordable housing is about so much more than a place to live. It's about creating a safe and welcoming home, along with stability, opportunity and a sense of community. We are incredibly proud to bring Medford Gardens to the community and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our partners, residents and neighbors."

Governor Hochul's Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York's housing crisis and making the State more affordable and livable for all New Yorkers. Since FY23, the Governor has worked to increase housing supply to make housing more affordable by launching a $25 billion five-year comprehensive Housing Plan, enacted the most significant housing deal in decades and implemented new protections for renters and homeowners. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, HCR has created new programs that jumpstart development of affordable and mixed-income homes - for both renters and homebuyers. These include the Pro-Housing Community Program, which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. There are currently more than 450 certified Pro-Housing communities throughout the state, including the town of Brookhaven.

As part of the FY27 Budget, Governor Hochul secured a number of landmark reforms to New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to speed up housing and infrastructure development and lower costs as part of her "Let Them Build" agenda. "Let Them Build" also includes executive actions to expedite critical categories of projects that have been consistently found to not have significant environmental impacts, but for too long have been caught up in red tape and subject to lengthy delays.

The FY27 enacted Budget completes the Governor's current five-year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 87,000 affordable homes have been created or preserved to date. The FY27 enacted Budget also invests $250 million in capital funding to accelerate the construction of thousands of new affordable homes.