Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas announced completion of The Plains, a 98-unit affordable housing development in the Wakefield neighborhood in the Bronx.
The $51 million development includes 49 supportive units for formerly homeless individuals, as well as 20 units reserved for seniors aged 62 and older. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 14,000 affordable homes in the Bronx. The Plains continues this effort and complements the Governor’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“The Plains exemplifies the State’s dedication to ensuring all New Yorkers have the chance for a stable, secure, and affordable place to live,” said Governor Hochul. “With this project, we are bringing a multi-generational, transit-oriented development to The Bronx that will help ensure that seniors and vulnerable populations have the support they need to thrive.”
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “As we combat the housing crisis, providing affordable places to live for all New Yorkers, especially households in need of supportive services, is the cornerstone of our work. The Plains is giving nearly 100 families a modern, environmentally friendly home while also ensuring that some of our most vulnerable residents have the support they need to live independently. We thank Governor Hochul for making long-term investments across the Bronx and across the state, as well as our partners for making this project a reality.”
The project is developed by The Doe Fund, which is also providing on-site support services for eligible tenants, including case management, mental healthcare, addiction recovery, therapeutic groups, and referrals to medical care.
Energy-efficient and sustainable features include a green roof with solar panels, electric heating and cooling, ENERGY STAR® appliances and lighting, low-flow plumbing, and reinforced windows. The Plains also received LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency. All tenants have access to a multi-purpose room, fitness center, and outdoor recreation space.
The Plains is supported by HCR’s Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program that generated approximately $25 million in equity, $5 million from its All-Affordable New York City Program, $2.8 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program and $1.9 million in HOME funding. Eight of the units are supported by project-based vouchers administered by HCR, ensuring these tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $5.5 million from its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided more than $146,000 in funding with $67,400 in tax incentives through NY-Sun and a $78,800 grant from its Multifamily New Construction Program Tier 2 Program. Operating funding for the 49 supportive units is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Department of Health. Units are allocated for senior housing through zoning allowances provided by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors program.
More than $40 million in private sector construction and permanent loans were obtained through Merchants Bank and Freddie Mac, and tax-credit equity was syndicated by Richman Housing. The Corporation for Supportive Housing provided a $4 million acquisition loan and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York awarded the project $900,000. Robert Sanborn Development is the development consultant.
Official Commentary:
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered $25 million to help build The Plains in the Bronx—a new development with nearly 100 affordable apartments, for our seniors and for people with histories of homelessness. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to create and preserve affordable homes across the state, especially for our seniors and other vulnerable people, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources needed for more affordable housing options.”
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said “As New York continues to expand housing across the state, working with partners to ensure all communities, especially those who have been historically marginalized, have access to affordable living environments is critical. The completion of The Plains Development demonstrates how the building sector can integrate sustainable building solutions and energy efficient features into new construction to help create healthy and comfortable homes for all.”
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for prioritizing the creation of affordable and permanent supportive housing across New York State and helping vulnerable New Yorkers break the cycle of homelessness. The opening of The Plains provides individuals who have experienced homelessness with much-needed affordable housing and direct access to the essential services they need to live safely and successfully in their community.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The Department is pleased to work with our partners to offer critical supportive housing for vulnerable populations. The Plains exemplifies the State’s commitment to health equity and the wellbeing of New Yorkers as we know housing is one of the most fundamental social determinants of health.”
State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said, “The Plains represents a vital step forward in addressing the housing and healthcare needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, including seniors and those living with HIV/AIDS. By combining affordable, transit-accessible housing with comprehensive support services, this development not only provides a safe and sustainable place to live but also fosters dignity, stability, and hope for its residents. This is the kind of investment that transforms lives and strengthens our communities.”
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “The opening of The Plains represents a crucial advancement in tackling the pressing need for affordable and supportive housing in the Bronx. The Doe Fund’s dedication to offering housing and vital services for our most vulnerable residents—particularly formerly homeless individuals and seniors—will leave a lasting positive mark on the Wakefield community. This project exemplifies the kind of intentional, sustainable development that values environmental responsibility and upholds human dignity. I am eager to see The Plains become a cornerstone of support for many in need throughout the Bronx.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said, “This project represents more than just a new housing development—it is a testament to the power of community collaboration. With 98 affordable units, including 49 supportive homes for formerly homeless individuals and 20 units reserved for seniors, The Plains provides a vital opportunity for those who need it most. The investment in this development is part of our ongoing efforts to address housing inequality in The Bronx and statewide. Every person deserves the stability and dignity of a place to call home, and with the support of partners like The Doe Fund and NYS Homes and Community Renewal, we are one step closer to ensuring that every New Yorker has the opportunity to thrive. This is a meaningful step forward in fulfilling our collective commitment to affordable housing and expanding access to the resources that will help our neighbors succeed.”
Council Member Eric Dinowitz said, “Today marks an important milestone for The Bronx as we celebrate the completion of The Plains, a critical development that will provide nearly 100 affordable and supportive housing units for some of our most vulnerable residents. This project not only supports seniors and individuals living with HIV/AIDS, but also exemplifies our commitment to creating housing that is both affordable and accessible, especially near public transportation. I commend the efforts of all the partners involved, particularly The Doe Fund, for their dedication to ensuring that these residents receive the services and support they need. Affordable housing is not just about buildings – it’s about creating communities where people can thrive.”
John McDonald, Executive Vice President of Real Estate at The Doe Fund, said, “With the opening of The Plains, The Doe Fund has brought 98 much-needed units of affordable and supportive housing to the Bronx. This milestone expands our portfolio to over 1,200 units citywide, solidifying our role as a leader among nonprofit housing developers and furthering our mission to create stability and opportunity for New Yorkers in need. The Plains is more than a home; it’s a thriving community. With its LEED Gold certification, it stands as a shining example of what affordable housing can and should be. I am deeply grateful to the public and private partners who made this vision a reality.”
Jeff Chu, who was Director of Finance and Underwriting at Robert Sanborn Development, LLC during development of The Plains, said, “Robert Sanborn Development is thrilled to be a development partner on this project. The Plains, our second supportive housing project with The Doe Fund, will provide thoughtfully designed apartments for low- to moderate-income households, plus wrap-around supportive services for 49 of its residents with special needs. We applaud Governor Hochul, Commissioner Visnauskas, and The Doe Fund for their commitment to addressing the needs of these New Yorkers.”
Moshe McKie-Krisberg, Executive Vice President of Richman Housing Resources, said, “4519 White Plains Road is a great example of the power and positive impact that the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program can have on New York City communities.”
Michael Milazzo, Merchants Capital Senior Vice President, said, “The Doe Fund has created positive momentum in communities for decades, and Merchants Capital is honored to serve as a financing partner for the development of The Plains. Merchants applauds the Doe Fund’s expansive approach to supportive housing and its ongoing effort to stimulate affordable housing not only in The Bronx but throughout New York.”
José R. González, President & CEO of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York said, “In 2021, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York was honored to provide a $900,000 Affordable Housing Program grant to The Doe Fund to help support the development of The Plains, and we are thrilled to see its completion. We know that stable and affordable housing is the foundation from which we grow as individuals, households and communities, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this housing will have on residents and the community alike.”
Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion 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 45,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.
The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. To date, more than 225 communities have been certified, including the city of New York.
