Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $36 Million Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing Development in Westchester County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $36 million rehabilitation of Kingsley House, an affordable housing development for seniors in the City of White Plains. The renovations at the Mitchell-Lama complex upgraded apartment amenities and will improve the building's safety, promote energy efficiency, and enhance the quality of life for 163 senior households.

"Our investment in Kingsley House ensures that seniors on a fixed income can remain comfortably housed in White Plains," Governor Hochul said. "As rising costs and inflation continue to drive a nationwide affordability crisis, my administration is committed to preserving affordable housing in communities like Westchester County to ensure that all New Yorkers have a safe, stable place to call home."

The renovation of Kingsley House complements Governor Hochul's plan to make housing across New York State more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 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. Today's announcement builds on the Governor's efforts to make housing more affordable for New York's seniors. Earlier this month, the Governor signed a package of legislation expanding tax relief for homeowners, particularly those 60 and over. In the past year, the state has announced the creation of over 1,400 units of senior housing.

Kingsley House was constructed in 1968 under the New York State Mitchell-Lama Program, which provides housing to low- and moderate-income residents across the state. New York State works with owners as they near the end of affordability requirements to provide low-cost financing tools that help maintain and improve the developments while also extending their affordability.

Located at 41 Barker Avenue in White Plains, the development features 163 apartments for seniors age 62 and older. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. The 12-story building has 33 studios, 115 one-bedrooms, 15 two-bedrooms, and one superintendent unit. There is also one commercial space that is currently vacant.

All apartments underwent substantial renovations including installing new cabinets, sinks, flooring, and updated bathrooms.

Improvements to the building's common areas included new finishes in the library and community room, installation of security cameras, elevator modernization, balcony and façade repairs, a new roof, and a wheelchair-accessible entryway.

The scope of work included numerous energy-efficiency improvements including the installation of new windows and balcony doors, Energy Star-rated appliances, LED lighting, and high-efficiency heating systems, including a new energy management system.

Additional residential amenities at Kingsley House include a communal outdoor patio, library, community room with kitchen area, laundry room, mail room, and ample parking in the adjacent multilevel garage. The development is within one mile of several shopping malls, supermarkets, a pharmacy, public parks, a library, and entertainment venues.

State financing for the project included $13.9 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $10.5 million in equity, and $2.4 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. HCR is also providing 53 Section 8 Project Based Vouchers.

MDG Design + Construction and partner Smith & Henzy Affordable Group, Inc. are the owners and developers.

Since 2011, HCR has invested $1.4 million to create and preserve more than 7,200 affordable homes in multifamily buildings in Westchester County, including The Overture at Brookfield Commons, which is the second phase of revitalization at the existing Winbrook Houses, a 450-unit public housing development constructed in 1949.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Originally built under the Mitchell-Lama program, Kingsley House has always provided secure and affordable housing for middle-income New Yorkers. And today, following a nearly $36 million renovation, we celebrate the continuation of this mission - a fresh start for this building and renewed peace of mind for the 163 households who can trust that their homes will continue to be affordable thanks to a promise kept by the state of New York."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The completion of a $35.8 million rehabilitation project at Kingsley House is an incredible step towards generating safe and affordable housing for our residents in White Plains. With this project, we are able to provide high quality housing to seniors living in the area, improve their dignity and wellbeing, and protect them from skyrocketing rates. I am proud that funding for this project included $13.9 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds through state financing as part of our ongoing effort to keep housing affordable for all New Yorkers."

Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, "I am delighted with the completion of the significant rehabilitation of Kingsley House. This is a wonderful day for the seniors who will enjoy these improvements at affordable rents."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "We want our Westchester County neighbors, no matter what age they are, to know that they are welcome and can make a home here. Affordable housing has been a top priority of my administration since we first took office in 2018, and we want the availability and opportunity for affordable housing to be there in every city, town and village. The Kingsley House helps us carry out that mission in Westchester, by providing safe and decent housing at a price point our seniors can afford."

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach said, "The Common Council and I are dedicated to preserving and expanding low and moderate-income housing in the City of White Plains. The Kingsley House has served as an important affordable senior building in our city for many years. The completion of this rehabilitation project preserves essential low and moderate-income housing for seniors providing them with quality, energy-efficient housing. I am grateful to HCR, MDG, Smith & Henzy, and the various partners that collaborated to bring this important project to completion."

Chief Executive Officer of MDG Design + Construction Matthew Rooney said, "We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of Kingsley House, a beautiful example of how thoughtful partnerships can bring new life to existing properties while also maintaining affordability for senior New Yorkers. By investing in affordable housing for seniors, we can guarantee that they live with dignity in high-quality and affordable homes. Thank you to our incredible partners for seeing this project through to completion and helping to make a difference for the Westchester County community."

Timothy Henzy, Principal of Smith & Henzy said, “Smith & Henzy is proud to be part of a team dedicated to providing affordable housing opportunities to seniors in White Plains and Westchester County. The renovation would not have been possible without the support of HCR, Chase, and Raymond James. We would also like to thank the City of White Plains for their contribution to the project and residents.”

Yasmin Barnes, on behalf of the Kingsley House Board, said, “The Kingsley House Board is standing tall in knowing the rehabilitation of Kingsley House will allow this property to continue benefit the senior citizens in Westchester County for many years to come. By working with multiple partners, we are able to provide updated living spaces at an affordable cost in Downtown White Plains, New York. The Kingsley House Board is fully committed to keeping senior citizens in the community where they worked, raised their families, and actively remain.”