Partnership Brings New Affordable Homes to Mott Haven

On July 15, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and NYCHA celebrated the opening of much-needed affordable housing in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx, on underutilized land at the site of NYCHA’s Betances VI campus. The development will provide 101 units of deeply affordable housing, including 70 homes for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income New Yorkers; 30 apartments set aside for New Yorkers who had previously experienced homelessness; and 18 units reserved for NYCHA residents to receive priority housing. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony to open Betances Family Apartments was attended by HPD and NYCHA, as well as public and private partners and elected officials, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Deputy Speaker and Councilmember Diana Ayala, and representatives from BNY, NEF, Lemle & Wolff, Alembic Community Development, and The Bridge. 

“Today, our administration joins the South Bronx in proudly saying ‘yes’ to more affordable housing in our backyards,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The only way to solve our generational housing and affordability crises is to simply build more, and the Bronx is setting the example by welcoming working-class New Yorkers, NYCHA residents, and formerly homeless individuals into the community with open arms. With more than 100 units of deeply affordable units, the Betances Family Apartments sets a model for the rest of our city to follow and embody.” 

“With 101 new affordable homes for New Yorkers in Mott Haven, this project marks an investment in housing access for those in need of affordable and supportive housing,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Offering furnishings for families who have previously experienced homelessness, priority units for NYCHA residents, and services on-site for all residents, Betances VI is an excellent example of how we can provide support and opportunity through housing. I’m grateful for the partnerships that resulted in this project coming to be, as this administration continues to invest in new affordable homes for New Yorkers.”    

“Today marks a milestone for Mott Haven as we deliver a new home for New Yorkers struggling with housing insecurity or mental health issues: you deserve safe, stable, and affordable housing,” said NYC Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development, Adolfo Carrión Jr.  “Not only does this transformative project create much-needed affordable and supportive housing for New Yorkers and those with mental health challenges, but it also revitalizes a once-underused property — uplifting the entire community while creating a healthy, vibrant residence for low-income and formerly homeless individuals.” 

“We consider ourselves extremely fortunate whenever we’re able to celebrate the completion of new housing on NYCHA property,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “NYCHA is very proud of the work completed in concert with our partners at HPD to bring about the addition of Betances Family Apartments to the Betances VI campus. This new building creates invaluable housing stock amid the current crisis and the 101 deeply affordable units within will serve as amazing new homes for the New Yorkers that will soon inhabit them.” 

“NYCHA is proud to work directly with HPD and our partners to respond to one of our city’s biggest needs — the development of new, affordable housing,” said NYCHA Executive Vice President for Real Estate Development Jonathan Gouveia. “The Betances Family Apartments shows how we can come together to utilize our resources to provide existing NYCHA residents with amenities, community spaces, and beautiful new housing. We are excited to celebrate the opening of Betances Family Apartments today and look forward to welcoming home 100 residents soon.” 

The South Bronx thrives as a cultural hotspot within the Bronx and New York City, yet residents continue to face housing scarcity and challenges. The City is addressing these issues by building more homes in every neighborhood through the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. With housing availability becoming scarcer, low-income and individuals experiencing homelessness are finding it increasingly difficult to find or keep a home. Thanks to this public and private partnership, the Betances development creates 101 (including a super unit) new affordable housing opportunities for Bronx and New York City families, becoming part of the solution.  

Building Breakdown and Amenities 

Betances VI includes 19 studio apartments, 44 one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bedroom apartments, 13 three-bedroom apartments, and one superintendent apartment. 

The 30 units set aside for adults who had previously experienced homelessness come equipped with furniture such as bed frames and seating. The eligible tenants are also provided with a stipend to purchase additional appliances and items from a catalog, allowing for the personalization of each home and promoting a sense of dignity and independence.       

Amenities at Betances Family Apartments will feature a children’s playroom, bike storage, an outdoor green roof terrace, and 24/7 building security. The ground floor will offer approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial space, contributing to one of the busiest commercial districts in the Bronx. 

Supportive Services  

In addition to the building’s amenities, The Bridge, a local nonprofit, will provide a range of on-site supportive services, including case management, benefits counseling, and linkages to community mental health, dental, and substance use services. These services will be available for all 30 tenants who were formerly homeless. 

HPD and NYCHA Partnership: 100% Affordable 

HPD and NYCHA’s partnership spans decades, working tirelessly as the City’s main housing agencies to ensure New Yorkers always have a place to call home. This project is aimed at creating new affordable housing units on underused or vacant NYCHA land for low- and moderate-income families. NYCHA and HPD prioritize community involvement in the planning process, ensuring new developments meet local needs and contribute positively to the surrounding neighborhood and NYCHA campus. By providing a set-aside for NYCHA residents, the new building will provide NYCHA residents the option to stay in their communities. 

Additional Building Details  

The new building was designed by Think! Architecture and Design to create a modern, sustainable living environment for low-income families and individuals. The building was developed by Lemle & Wolff Development Company, Alembic Community Development, and The Bridge. Lemle & Wolff will also serve as the project’s general contractor and property manager. 

Photo credit: Yefry Mejia