Governor Hochul Celebrates Completion of $51 Million Affordable Housing Development in Westchester County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $51 million, all-electric affordable housing development that will bring 82 affordable apartments to downtown Peekskill in Westchester County.

“This development at 645 Main Street marks the next step in our work to make Westchester County and all of New York State more livable and more affordable,” Governor Hochul said.“ By adding diverse, energy-efficient housing options in thriving and transit-friendly cities like Peekskill, we are tackling New York’s housing shortage head on and expanding the possibilities for every family who wants to call New York home.”

The development, known as 645 Main, furthers the city’s goal of increasing affordable housing options as part of its $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative award that it received in 2019.

The development includes 82 apartments affordable to households earning between 40 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income, and a 140-space parking garage. There are 18 one-bedroom apartments, 50 two-bedroom apartments, and 14 three-bedroom apartments. 645 Main was constructed on a two-acre remediated brownfield site. The five-story building has frontage on both Main Street and Central Avenue.

The development was designed to meet the requirements of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Low-rise Residential New Construction program and was also designed and certified by the U.S. Green Building Council under LEED for Homes Gold. Sustainable features include a rooftop photovoltaic solar array, high-performance building envelope, high-performance heating and cooling conditioning systems, and low flow plumbing fixtures. The parking garage features a landscaped rooftop courtyard with underground stormwater infiltration system that retains surface water onsite to reduce the burden on the municipal system, and 30 EV charging stations.

Additional residential amenities include a community room leading to the rooftop courtyard, quiet and active lounges, fitness center, laundry room, and an onsite management office. The building is a short walk from the Peekskill Metro-North station.

The developers are the Housing Action Council and Wilder Balter Partners, Inc.

Financing for 645 Main included $8.9 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $12.1 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $12.3 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

The construction fulfilled the requirements of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's successful Brownfield Cleanup Program, which resulted in $6 million in tax credits issued by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance. NYSERDA provided $171,990 through the NY Sun Multifamily Affordable Housing Incentive program and is expected to provide an additional $69,200 through Low-rise Residential New Construction Program. Westchester County provided $5.7 million from the Housing Implementation Fund and $2.3 million from the New Homes Land Acquisition Fund.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “645 Main has transformed an undeveloped brownfield site into a sustainable, all-electric development with 82 affordable homes. In addition to the many amenities and green features, residents will be able to enjoy Peekskill’s walkable downtown and easy access to public transit. Governor Hochul’s housing agenda calls for more developments like this one that expand housing opportunities near transit while making New York a healthier and more affordable place to live.”

New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “This housing development is a wonderful new addition to Peekskill’s vibrant downtown. Building off the investments made in the surrounding area through the Governor’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the residents of this all-electric affordable apartment building will be able to enjoy a more inviting downtown plaza and the recreational amenities found at the nearby Kiley Youth Center, Pugsley Park and Monument Park.”

New York State Energy and Research Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “With the completion of the 645 Main project, Westchester County residents now have access to resilient affordable housing that pairs energy efficient features such as a high-performing building envelope and heating and cooling systems with onsite solar for a healthy and comfortable living experience. This project and others like it are representative of Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring equity in the state’s clean energy investments as we work to reduce emissions from the state’s buildings and create healthier places to live and work.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup program is helping to advance new affordable housing opportunities in underserved communities. Brownfield cleanups are a powerful tool that support local revitalization efforts and help transform former industrial properties by addressing legacy environmental pollution. Across the state and here in Westchester County, the Brownfield Cleanup Program is returning properties to productive use, including the construction of new housing units to improve quality of life for New Yorkers.”

Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Every Westchester resident deserves a safe and secure place to call home, and I am proud to see this substantial investment in affordable housing across Peekskill’s Main Street,” said Senator Schumer. “By using over $12 million in federal Low Income Tax Credits, which I worked hard to secure, to create over 80 new mixed-income apartments for families in downtown Peekskill, this new energy-efficient development will help our state’s most vulnerable residents live independently. I applaud Governor Hochul's commitment to increasing access to affordable housing in Westchester and across New York State, and I will keep fighting to increase the supply of housing and create a more affordable and livable New York for all."

State Senator Pete Harckham said, “The completion of 645 Main in Peekskill and the addition of 82 affordable housing units in an all-electric building is real proof of community strengthening and a future full of possibilities. Thanks to smart investments from New York State, guidance from NYSERDA and DEC, as well as the efforts of the Housing Action Council and Wilder Balter Partners, the pressing housing shortage, the challenges of climate change and the need for economic development are being addressed. Congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable project.”

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said, "Congratulations to the City of Peekskill, and kudos to Wilder-Balter Partners and the Housing Action Council, on the completion of this major project. The addition of 82 all-electric, mixed-income apartments in downtown Peekskill is such a boon to this region. We need more projects like this to address our current housing shortage and our climate crisis, and I hope to be in attendance at many more events like today's ribbon-cutting in the coming years. I will continue doing what I can to connect communities in my district with the resources they need to produce win-win projects like this."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “My administration has proven its steadfast commitment to providing fair and affordable housing opportunities, allocating $90 million dollars in our 2023 budget alone, representing the largest single-year commitment to affordable housing in Westchester County history. 645 Main in Peekskill is just one more example of what can happen when we work cooperatively with our partners at the state level. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their leadership on this issue, and for seeing this project through to fruition.”

Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “645 Main completely changes the way Peekskill develops affordable housing. Mr. Balter and his team have partnered with the City and the State to provide a truly inclusive mixed income experience that elevates ALL residents in the building in a new living experience. Longtime community supporters, Mr. Balter’s family urged him to create affordable housing in Peekskill. He has exceeded their goals. We thank you for what you have brought to the table here in our City. It is remarkable and is a worthy legacy to what a good partnership can create!”

Rose Noonan, Executive Director, Housing Action Council, said, “This new residential community responds to the urgent need for rental housing for a variety of income levels and contributes to the enhancement of Peekskill’s Gateway. It gives residents the opportunity to live in comfortable homes with on-site amenities and easy access to downtown shopping, entertainment and public transportation. Housing Action Council is once again pleased to partner with WB Development, with State, County and local support, to address local and regional housing needs.”

William G. Balter, on behalf of WBP Development said, “WBP Development is proud of the collaboration between New York State, Westchester County and the City of Peekskill to bring much-needed affordable housing for families in upper Westchester that can benefit from a home within walking distance to Peekskill’s vibrant downtown and Metro North train station offering access to major employment centers. WBP is also pleased to recognize the NYS climate goals by designing to the NYSERDA and LEED for Homes Gold standards with an all-electric building.”