Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) and HELP USA have broken ground on the $41.4 million Crotona Senior Residences, an 84-unit, LGBTQ+-friendly, low-income senior housing in the Bronx, N.Y.
“SAGE is thrilled to break ground on this development with our partners, HELP USA, and all of our supporters,” Michael Adams, SAGE’s CEO, said. “Finding welcoming housing is one of the most difficult challenges faced by our LGBTQ+ elders. Thanks to this development, many of our pioneers who fought for our rights at Stonewall will now have a place to live and thrive. This development will be more than a building—it will be a community of trailblazers.”
It was back in the summer of 2016 when the New York City Housing Authority and NYC Housing and Preservation announced the selection of BFC Partners and SAGE to develop affordable senior housing developments for the LGBTQ+ community.
NEEDED HOUSING
“All seniors deserve the opportunity to thrive in a safe, accessible, and affordable environment. Crotona Senior Residences will create 84 welcoming homes for extremely low-income seniors and provide supportive services while creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ men and women,” Maria Torres-Springer, HPD’s commissioner, said. “I want to thank HELP USA, SAGE, and our partners in government for their collaboration in providing desperately needed affordable housing for our seniors who helped to build this city.”
The building is part of New York State’s ambitious five-year Housing Plan to offer safe, affordable and accessible housing while combating homelessness.
The Crotona Senior Residences is situated across from Crotona Park and will offer an on-site SAGE center, social services, rooftop terrace, community garden, energy efficient construction and renewable energy.
Bright Power will aid in the building’s long-term sustainability, providing Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) Certification services, design and installation of a ~90kW solar PV system, commissioning (Cx), and NYSERDA New Construction Program incentive procurement and services.
