Governor Kathy Hochul announced completion of the major redevelopment of Laurel Homes, a previously dilapidated public housing complex in North Hempstead’s Roslyn Heights. The project replaced obsolete buildings and expanded the development to 74 quality, energy-efficient apartments, including eight for seniors on a modern and family-friendly campus.
“My administration’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable, energy-efficient apartments is coming to life in communities throughout the state,” Governor Hochul said. “We are making ongoing investments to preserve and revitalize our existing housing stock, including in important public housing developments like Laurel Homes. As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, I will continue to do everything in my power to boost the supply of housing and help ensure families have a safe, comfortable place to live.”
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 5,600 affordable homes on Long Island. Laurel Homes continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
Laurel Homes is a North Hempstead Housing Authority public housing development, originally constructed in 1958 with 66 units. The reconstruction and expansion of Laurel Homes provides 74 apartments in eight two-story modular buildings and a separate community building. The apartments are a mixture of one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom units. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
Laurel Homes was designed in accordance with energy efficiency and green building standards required for Energy Star and Enterprise Green Communities certifications. Energy efficient features incorporated into the development include a building envelope with high thermal performance, LED lighting, high-efficiency water heaters, and water-conserving certified fixtures.
The development team is the North Hempstead Housing Authority and Georgica Green Ventures, LLC.
State financing for the $50 million development includes $17 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $10 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, and $14 million in subsidy from HCR. Nassau County provided $1 million.
Official Commentary
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The extensive rehabilitation work at Laurel Homes has preserved dozens of critically-needed affordable apartments for seniors and families on Long Island. By replacing aging public housing, we can protect our housing supply for the long-term, but also ensure more New Yorkers can live and work in the communities of their choice. Thank you to the North Hempstead Housing Authority, Georgica Green Ventures, and all our partners who played an integral role in making these new homes a reality.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud to support vital federal funding, including $14 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, for in North Hempstead. This project increases access to safe, affordable, and quality housing for Long Islanders and is situated within walking distance to the Long Island Railroad for easy commuting. I applaud Governor Hochul and the state’s partners for increasing the number of affordable homes across New York, and I’ll continue fighting for and delivering federal funds that strengthen our communities, help provide more housing options, and improve New Yorkers’ quality of life.”
Assemblymember Gina Sillitti said, “I want to congratulate the North Hempstead Housing Authority for the remarkable renovation and redevelopment of the Laurel Homes in Roslyn Heights. The renovations have brought these apartments in line with the high standards established by North Hempstead’s Public Housing. They guarantee that residents can enjoy dignified living conditions and proudly maintain North Hempstead as their home. I am thrilled to join the community for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, further bolstering our beautiful community together.”
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer Desena said, “The revitalization of Laurel Homes is exciting not only for the 350 individuals and families who live there, but for the community of Roslyn and the Town of North Hempstead. By preserving and enhancing Laurel Homes, we are improving the quality of life of our residents and promoting healthy communities and supporting the local economy. Thank you to the North Hempstead Housing Authority for their ongoing commitment to improving the lives for those who call our community home and to the teams involved in this beautiful transformation.”
Town of North Hempstead Councilmember Peter Zuckerman said, “The completion of the Laurel Homes redevelopment is a major achievement for the Town of North Hempstead. This transformative project not only revitalizes our public housing but also exemplifies the positive impact of collaborative initiatives where the Town works hand-in-hand with Governor Hochul. The dedication to providing transit-oriented development and modern, energy-efficient homes underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
North Hempstead Housing Authority Executive Director Sean Rainey said, “The North Hempstead Housing Authority is dedicated to providing safe, clean housing that will improve the quality of life for the many families whose homes are in our care. We are so proud of the rebirth of Laurel Homes and are grateful to the dedication of the many professionals who made it happen. Thank you to New York State, Homes and Community Renewal, the teams at Boston Financial, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Flushing Bank, JP Morgan Chase, and Georgica Green Ventures for believing in our vision for Laurel Homes, and for making it a reality.”
President of Georgica Green Ventures, LLC David Gallo said, “Georgica Green Ventures is excited to provide this beautiful housing to the residents of Laurel Homes and the Roslyn community. This energy-efficient, transit-oriented development with abundant outdoor open space for residents and their families meets the highest standards for quality and efficiency, and will provide a safe, clean and beautiful home for its residents. We are grateful to partner with the North Hempstead Housing Authority once again on this important preservation project and know that the rebirth of Laurel Homes will enhance the lives of its residents and the whole community for years to come.”
