Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction at $53 Million Affordable Housing Development in Rockland County

Transforms Underused Public Land into 81 Affordable Homes in Village of Haverstraw

Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative To Provide Operating Funding for Units Serving Vulnerable Individuals

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction at 30 West, a $53 million, 81-unit affordable housing development in the village of Haverstraw, Rockland County. Built on the site of an underused municipal parking lot, the project also includes 20 supportive apartments for people struggling with homelessness. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 9,000 affordable homes in the Hudson Valley, including more than 700 in Rockland County. 30 West continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

"The need for affordable housing is seen in every corner of the state, including villages like Haverstraw," Governor Hochul said. "30 West shows what's possible when we think holistically - creating homes that strengthen the surrounding community and provide project residents with the support they need to flourish. This project reflects our commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has access to the stability and opportunities that come with a safe, affordable home."

Developed by Westhab, 30 West will be affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income and provides a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom units. There are 20 supportive units reserved for eligible tenants struggling with homelessness who will receive a range of services provided by Westhab, including case management, referrals to community-based resources, advocacy, life skills development and emotional support.

Located in the village of Haverstraw, which was known as the "Brickmaking Capital of the World" in the 19th century, the façade of 30 West will alternate in black and reddish-orange brick colors and utilize intricate brick detailing to provide the building with texture and historical character. It will be close to the village's Main Street, complementing the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and boosting the local economy. The development is located near a supermarket, pharmacy, library, churches and local restaurants.

The all-electric development will meet the program requirements of Zero Energy Ready Homes, have ENERGY STAR appliances, low-flow plumbing and rooftop solar.

The project will include fully accessible and adaptable apartments. There are nine units to accommodate residents with mobility disabilities and four units to accommodate residents with sensory disabilities. It will include a parking garage for tenant and public use, an indoor common space, a recreation room, a landscaped outdoor rooftop balcony and a children's playroom.

30 West is supported by HCR's Federal Low Income Tax Credit Program, which is expected to generate $21 million in equity, its State Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which is expected to generate $2 million in equity, and $9.5 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program. Empire State Development is providing $2.5 million through its Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund. State Assemblymember Patrick Carroll provided $1 million through the New York State Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology (CREST) Program.

The project is also supported by Rockland County with $2.29 million from its HOME program, $1.8 million in ARPA funding, and $3 million through its HALO program. Operational funding for the supportive units will be provided through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) award through the New York State Office of Mental Health.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "With the help of Governor Hochul's investments, 30 West will bring 81 new homes to this historic Hudson Valley village and turn unused land into a valuable community asset. When partners share a vision for high quality affordable housing, meaningful progress follows. We're grateful that the Westhab team saw the need to expand services in Rockland County, and we thank the village of Haverstraw for being supportive as we kick off construction of this project that will help keep Haverstraw affordable for people of all ages and phases of life."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's economic success depends on ensuring that workers and families can afford to live in the communities they call home. This investment will deliver high-quality affordable housing in a walkable downtown setting, helping connect residents to jobs, services, and opportunity while strengthening Rockland County's future."

Read the full press release here.