November 4, 2005

COUNTY EXECUTIVE SPANO AND BOARD CHAIRMAN RYAN
ANNOUNCE DEVELOPER FOR MAJOR WHITE PLAINS
AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEX

--A new generation of state-of-the-art affordable rental
housing in the works for county’s seniors--

A new and innovative senior citizen affordable housing complex that could serve as a model throughout the nation took a major step forward today with the announcement that a highly acclaimed team has been chosen to design and build it.

At a news conference today, County Executive Andy Spano and Board of Legislators Chairman Bill Ryan announced that HANAC/Bluestone/ Enterprise, an experienced housing development team, has been selected to design and build the project in downtown White Plains. The team was selected after a recent “request for proposals” (RFP) process by the county.

The site of the project, at the southwesterly corner of Court and Quarropas streets, adjacent to 143 Grand Street, is currently an outdoor county parking lot.

“After a very competitive and careful review, we’ve selected a well respected and very experienced development team,” Spano said. “They will take our vision of what affordable housing can be and make it a reality. It will help satisfy the tremendous need for affordable housing for our seniors and at the same time showcase the latest in ‘green and smart technology.’”

Ryan noted that there are seven existing senior housing facilities in White Plains and they all have waiting lists. “Seniors make up 15 percent of White Plains’ residential population and that is expected to increase by 40 percent over the next 25 years,” Ryan said. “It is critical that we act now to not only handle current pent-up demand for affordable senior housing but to avert an even greater senior housing crisis in the future.”

The proposal calls for construction of a 15-story state-of-the-art complex with approximately 200 one- and two-bedroom apartment units. Spano and Ryan said that they had insisted on some key features and amenities that will set this senior facility apart from more traditional affordable housing facilities. “After working a lifetime, seniors deserve to live in a comfortable and affordable place that serves their unique needs,” Ryan said. Spano added, “This complex will give seniors the option to continue to live independently and will give families the peace of mind that their parents and grandparents are getting the services they need to make living independently possible.”

Key features will include:

• Intergenerational Center, consisting of adult and child day care services where social interaction between young and old will enhance the quality of life for all residents;
• “Smart Technology” to provide seniors with a high level of security and modern communications systems including computer access so residents may stay in touch with family and friends;
• “Green Technology” to ensure the greatest level of environmental sensitivity and energy efficiency, and provide an example for developers of other residential and non-residential facilities to follow;
• Architectural design that provides the highest level of interior amenities and shared spaces with exterior features that enhance the fabric of the neighborhood and surrounding streetscape and skyline.
• Provisions for the handicapped that incorporate the latest in design features for all residents with units set-aside specifically for those with acute physical disabilities;

The development will be maintained at affordable rent levels for at least 40 years. Approximately 60 percent of the units will be affordable to households earning no more than 50 and 60 percent of county’s median income. Approximately 40 percent of the units will be for households earning up to 80 percent of the median income. According to current income limits by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a single person could earn up to $32,700 at 50 percent of median, $39,250 at 60 percent of median, and $52,300 at 80 percent of median.

The development team includes HANAC, a non-profit agency based in New York City with experience in the ownership and operation of senior affordable housing; the Bluestone Organization, a New York City-based developer of affordable and market rate housing; and the Enterprise Social Investment Corp., one of the nation’s leading providers of community development capital, tax credit investments and development services for affordable housing, mixed-use and commercial development. Rounding out the high caliber of the team is the firm of SLCE Architects, a New York City-based group with an impressive portfolio of affordable and market rate housing and experience with innovative “green buildings.”

The next step in the project is for the county to enter into an agreement with the development team. Approvals must also be obtained from the City of White Plains. Barring any delays in the local approval process, it is anticipated that the housing will be completed in about two years, with occupancy of the apartments slated for sometime in 2008.