Governor Kathy Hochul announced on March 11 the completion of Baez Place, an $86 million affordable and supportive housing development located in the Claremont neighborhood of the Bronx. The project, developed by Community Access in partnership with Blue Sky Bronx LLC, provides 154 apartments and features a community greenhouse aimed at improving residents’ health and well-being.
The opening of Baez Place is part of ongoing efforts to address New York’s housing crisis and expand access to affordable homes. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 10,000 affordable homes in the Bronx as part of a broader $25 billion five-year Housing Plan targeting 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
Baez Place offers apartments for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Of its units, 86 are designated as supportive apartments for tenants living with mental health concerns or seniors aged 55 or older who have experienced homelessness. On-site support services include case management, mental health support, employment assistance, and connections to healthcare resources. The building is fully accessible with units designed for residents with mobility or sensory disabilities.
The development also includes a year-round greenhouse that serves as both a social gathering space and an urban agriculture program. The all-electric building meets high standards for energy efficiency and sustainability through Energy Star Multifamily Highrise certification and other green requirements.
State financing for Baez Place was provided through several programs including Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits expected to generate about $38.7 million in equity, subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, funding from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, as well as operating funds from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the Office of Mental Health.
Governor Hochul said, “Baez Place represents exactly the kind of bold investment we need to make New York more affordable and more livable. Homes with services, amenities and opportunities to build community can help the most vulnerable New Yorkers live independently and achieve a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Developments like this strengthen neighborhoods and deliver on our commitment to ensure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said Baez Place is “a powerful example” of Governor Hochul’s vision in action by providing both housing opportunities and critical services for residents. Other officials including Barbara C. Guinn from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; Ann Sullivan from the Office of Mental Health; Senator Charles Schumer; Representative Ritchie Torres; State Senator Luis Sepúlveda; Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia; Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson; and Community Access CEO Cal Hedigan also praised the project’s impact on vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead, Governor Hochul’s administration continues work on her comprehensive housing agenda which includes new programs such as Pro-Housing Community Program granting certified localities access to state funding for development projects. The FY27 Executive Budget aims to complete creation or preservation targets while investing further capital into accelerating construction across New York.