New York State Homes and Community Renewal has announced the completion of Starhill Phase I, a $189 million affordable housing project in the Bronx. The development includes 326 affordable apartments, with 200 units reserved for individuals who have experienced homelessness and will receive supportive services.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of this project, stating, “Starhill is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize affordable housing and supportive services for New Yorkers in need. This transformative development adds to the vibrancy of The Bronx and creates critically needed affordable and supportive housing with close access to MTA services and gives individuals and families a foundation to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. My administration remains committed to ensuring every New Yorker has a safe, affordable place to call home and I’m proud to see this project come to life in Morris Heights.”
Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas noted that Starhill Phase I is part of ongoing efforts under Governor Hochul’s leadership. “Starhill Phase I represents another important step forward in addressing New York’s housing crisis by delivering 326 affordable apartments, including 200 with supportive services, to Morris Heights. Through the leadership of Governor Hochul and the work of Bronx Pro, Services for the UnderServed, and our city and State partners, Starhill creates a beacon of opportunity and stability. This $189 million development is a model for how we can build inclusive, resilient communities that uplift all New Yorkers,” she said.
The site consists of a 14-story residential building connected to an amenity structure on two acres that previously housed Calvary Hospital before becoming Starhill treatment center in 1979. The redevelopment was enabled by the Jerome Corridor Rezoning adopted in 2018. A second phase is underway with completion expected in late 2026.
Apartments are designated for residents earning up to 80 percent of Area Median Income; one unit is set aside for an on-site superintendent. Bronx Pro Group developed the property along with Services for the UnderServed as service provider.
Two hundred units are dedicated for people experiencing homelessness who will receive support through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Support includes case management, family counseling, job readiness training, and financial literacy workshops.
Dr. Chinazo Cunningham from OASAS commented on its significance: “Many people impacted by addiction also experience issues with finding reliable housing, and developments like this can be an important part of the recovery process for these individuals. Governor Hochul has taken significant steps to expand housing options across the state, and this new facility in the Bronx will help hundreds more New Yorkers easier access the help and support that they need.”
The complex offers amenities such as outdoor recreation space on a terrace level, fitness facilities, laundry rooms, children’s playroom, free internet access in each unit, as well as round-the-clock security at its entrance.
Environmental features were incorporated into design standards aiming at Enterprise Green Communities certification as well as Energy Star Multifamily New Construction compliance through high-performance insulation materials; energy-efficient windows; lighting; appliances; HVAC systems; plus low-flow plumbing fixtures.
State financing included $20.6 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds alongside federal Low-Income Tax Credits generating $80.5 million equity contribution; New York State Homes & Community Renewal provided $31.5 million subsidy while NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development contributed another $31.5 million via its Supportive Housing Loan Program—NYC Council added $1 million.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “No family should ever have to worry about having a roof over their head. As too many New Yorkers face the threat of homelessness, the completion of Starhill Phase I represents an important step toward expanding access to affordable housing in the Bronx. I applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership, and I will keep fighting to deliver the federal dollars and resources needed to increase the supply of housing and support New York’s most vulnerable communities.”
Representative Ritchie Torres remarked: “Starhill is exactly the kind of investment the Bronx needs and deserves. Housing should be affordable, supportive, and built with dignity. Every New Yorker deserves a safe place to call home…”
Other officials praised both public-private partnerships involved in realizing Starhill Phase I as well as its impact on community revitalization efforts throughout Morris Heights.
This initiative supports Governor Hochul’s broader agenda focused on increasing statewide affordability through various policy measures—including new tax incentives within recent state budgets aimed at expanding rental protections while increasing capital funding allocations—and complements her five-year plan targeting creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.
More than 68,000 homes have already been created or preserved under these policies so far according to state data.
Additionally over 350 communities now participate in programs providing them exclusive access up-to-$750-million discretionary funding streams after receiving pro-housing certification status from state authorities.
