Virgin Islands NPR-Affiliate: WTJX NEWSFEED: December 12, 2024

On today's WTJX Radio NewsFeed, officials cut the ribbon on the multi-million dollar renovation of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion on St. Croix. WAPA’s board unanimously approves a $1.5 million purchase for a new transformer for the Richmond Power Plant. A St. Croix man is sentenced to 15 years for production of child pornography and second-degree rape. Lawmakers advance a measure to regulate ghost guns in the territory. Listen to these stories and more.

New England Real Estate Journal: Smith & Henzy Affordable Group, MDG Design & Construction, Konover Residential Corp. celebrate completion of $40 million The Pike apartment complex

Smith & Henzy Affordable Group (Smith & Henzy), MDG Design & Construction (MDG), Konover Residential Corp., and the Newington Chamber of Commerce celebrated the completion of The Pike, a 151-unit, two-building, four-story development. This $40 million project features 64 one-bedroom apartments and 87 two-bedroom apartments, with 10% of the apartments designated as affordable and workforce housing for people earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The Real Deal: The Daily Dirt: “Good cause” falls short, so activists turn to TOPA

Wavecrest Management, MDG Design & Construction and the New York City Housing Authority this week celebrated spending $492 million to renovate 1,600 apartments at the Williamsburg Houses. That’s $397,500 per unit.

WTXF-TV FOX Philadelphia: Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman presents Camden building with more than $5 million

The city of Camden announced more than $5 million is awarded to the Northgate II apartments to build, repair and maintain the complex. Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman was on hand to deliver the check. "One of the things that we believe is that as investments occur in cities like Camden," Todman said, "we want to make sure that no one—no one—is left behind." The building will be particularly beneficial for senior residents.

The Office of Mayor Eric Adams: Mayor Adams Celebrates Historic $2 Billion Investment in Affordable Housing, Total 10-Year Capital Commitment Reaching Record $26 Billion in Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

“The PACT Program plays a critical role in preserving New York City’s affordable housing portfolio,” said Matthew Rooney, principal, RDC Development and CEO, MDG Design & Construction; Susan Camerata, principal, RDC Development and chief financial officer, Wavecrest Management. “In partnership with NYCHA, it allows companies like RDC Development to provide comprehensive upgrades and enhanced social services to improve the quality of life for countless New Yorkers, while ensuring homes remain affordable. Thank you to Mayor Adams, NYCHA, HPD, and our countless partners across the city for continuing to invest in affordable housing and for giving us the tools to transform the lives of residents,”

New York YIMBY: Hanson Place Community Plaza Completes Construction At 142 South Portland Avenue In Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Construction is complete on Hanson Place Community Plaza, a 13-story affordable housing complex at 142 South Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Designed by OCV Architects and developed by Hanson Place Church Support Corporation and MDG Design & Construction, the $65.7 million project yields 104 affordable apartments for low- to moderate-income households as well as 22,000 square feet of community space, 8,000 square feet for health programming, and 900 square feet for the Hanson Place Church Support Corporation ministries. The property is bound by Hanson Place to the north and South Elliott place to the south.

Multi-Housing News: MDG Opens Affordable Community in Brooklyn

The 13-story building features 22,000 square feet of community space that includes amenities such as a multipurpose room, terraces and laundry facilities. Residents can also access an 8,000-square-foot medical center that provides affordable healthcare programming, conference rooms and office space.

NYCHA Journal: PACT Program to Improve the Quality of Life for Over 2,000 Residents at Murphy Private in the Bronx with $470.8 Million Transformation

“For over 35 years, MDG Design & Construction has been dedicated to placing residents at the center of redevelopment discussions and our collaboration with Murphy Private will be no different,” said MDG Design & Construction Chief Executive Officer and RDC Development Principal Matthew Rooney. “We are honored that NYCHA selected us — along with our partners at Wavecrest Management, Settlement Housing Fund, and Bronx Pro Group — for this project. We promise to build meaningful relationships with residents and bring their vision for a newly upgraded Murphy Private to life.”

NYCHA Journal: $318M in Renovations Coming to Hernandez, Meltzer Tower, & Seward Park Extension Through PACT

On April 16, NYCHA announced that capital repairs totaling $318.1 million will be addressed for over 1,000 residents living at Hernandez, Meltzer Tower, and Seward Park Extension in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. Over the past year, resident leadership worked closely with NYCHA to determine the best approach for obtaining the much-needed improvements, and they have selected Essence Development, MDG Design + Construction LLC, and Wavecrest Management as the PACT partner team. 

The Virgin Islands Consortium: Renovated Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Unveiled After Four Years of Work

Public-private partnership delivers 248 affordable housing units in St. Croix, boosting the territory’s housing inventory and providing relief to families in need

The St/ Croix Source: Ribbon Cut for Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion

The event marked the completed renovation of 248 units across 21 buildings, a new senior center and improvements to the existing community center and management office, according to a V.I. Housing Authority press release. Reconstruction was done under the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program — or RAD.

Multi-Housing News: NYCHA Wraps $492M Affordable Renovation

The New York City Housing Authority, RDC Development, and a joint venture between Wavecrest Management and MDG Design & Construction, have completed the $492 million renovation of Williamsburg Houses, a 1,620-unit public housing complex in Brooklyn. The project was part of the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program.

TAPinto Camden: Northgate II Renovation Project Is Close to Heart of Housing Advocate

A key outcome of his activism of more than 50 years ago: spearheading construction in 1978 of Northgate II, which was first occupied in 1980. The 402 apartments at North Seventh and Pearl streets will be renovated under the direction of O’Connor and his organization, which is the owner in a joint venture with MDG Design and Construction Co. of Long Island.

PIX11: Artistic tribute to Brooklyn community unveiled at local hospital: ‘I was crying’

 “Our residents at Vital Brookdale deserved something beautiful, something that honored them and the whole neighborhood,” said Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling, the organization behind the mural’s commissioning.

PIX11: New affordable homes bring joy to Fort Greene church

Mavis Osemobor, a member of the Hanson Place Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, expressed profound gratitude as the $65.7 million Hanson Place Community Plaza next to the church opened its doors to the community. “We are just really grateful that this has been able to be completed,” she said.

The 13-story, 104-unit development provides affordable, mixed-income housing and 22,000 square feet of community space. As the ribbon was cut, Osemobor reflected on the long journey the church undertook to make the project a reality.

CoStar: After More Than a Decade, Brooklyn Church Realizes Plan for Affordable Apartment Complex

An affordable housing project in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood is ready to open its doors to residents after a process more than 12 years in the making that brought together a plethora of partners, including a local church, New York City officials, and support from institutional capital.

Newsday: State Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards $9.7M for Huntington Station upgrades

MDG Property Owners LLC was awarded $1.09 million $1,087,000 to build a mixed-use development at 1328 New York Ave. The project will feature two three-story buildings.

“We are honored and thrilled to be selected as one of the projects that will serve as the impetus to a new and vibrant Huntington Station and encourage economic growth in the community,” he said.

NYCHA Journal: Revitalized Meeting Space Allows Eastchester Gardens Residents to Envision Community’s Future  

The refurbished office space is an early preview of the more comprehensive improvements to come at Eastchester Gardens thanks to the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which allows NYCHA and its partners to unlock significant funding for repairs and provide enhanced property management and social services. Residents were joined by NYCHA representatives and the PACT partner team of MDG Design + Construction LLC, Infinite Horizons, and Wavecrest Management to celebrate the upgraded communal area with a grand opening ceremony at the development, where nearly 2,000 residents live. 

News12 The Bronx: Program helps NYCHA Eastchester residents to decide redesign, redevelopment of their homes

RDC Development is a professional partnership between MDG Design & Construction and Wavecrest Management that was selected as the Eastchester Gardens PACT Partner.

Residents say what's special about this program is they are involved in the choices made for their homes, including designs and the team they want to work with.

St. John Tradewind: Ribbon Cut for Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion

With an oversized pair of scissors, government officials and contractors celebrated the grand opening of the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion on Thursday morning in Frederiksted.

The Commercial Record: 151-Unit Mixed-Income Project Opens in Newington

After receiving $25 million in construction financing from Stearns Bank, developers marked the completion of a 151-unit apartment complex in Newington.

Urbanize NYC: $492M Overhaul Revitalizes Williamsburg Houses

Landmark Brooklyn development undergoes historic renovation

WPVI-TV ABC Philadelphia: Camden affordable housing development awarded $5.4 million check by HUD’s acting Secretary Adrianne Todman

A Camden affordable housing development is getting a $5.4 million investment toward its future. Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman presented the check to Northgate II. The money will be used to support energy efficiency and climate-resilience renovations.

Brooklyn Paper: City-funded, church-owned affordable housing complex opens in Fort Greene

Last week, Fort Greene officials inaugurated a 13-story, 104-unit affordable housing building for formerly homeless individuals and households with extremely low to moderate incomes.

Within the first two weeks of opening in January, the lottery for 87 of 104 units received 70,000 entries.

BK Reader: Fort Greene Adds Large Affordable Housing and Community Complex

“Hanson Place Community Plaza, in our mind, is a great model for how governments can work hand in hand with the faith community to provide for our neighbors in need at a time when there are limited, affordable apartments,” noted Maria Torres-Springer, deputy mayor for economic and workforce development, during the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

NYCHA Journal: $665 Million PACT Renovation Coming to Bay View Houses

“Bay View residents’ selection of MDG, Infinite Horizons, and Wavecrest as partners in this PACT renovation is an exciting example of how tenant decision-making can profoundly improve the quality of life at NYCHA developments,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This collaboration between tenants and an experienced, community-oriented team will make a major positive impact on peoples’ lives.”

The St. John Source: VIHFA Engages HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary in Vital Discussions During Two-Day Visit

MDG Designs President Michael Rooney noted Alfred’s comprehensive involvement in the rehabilitation, underscoring the transformative nature of collective efforts in rebuilding infrastructure and fostering community renewal.

Curbed: Our Radical, Practical NYCHA Makeover: For Curbed, Peterson Rich Office’s architects propose balconies, energy efficiency, and mixed-income low-rises.

The prospect of packing infrastructure upgrades in spare real estate and beneath all that vacant land excites Matthew Rooney, the CEO of MDG Design and Construction, which is working on its third public-housing rehab. “You can put in swales and floodgates that take the load off the city sewers. Those buildings have cavernous basements, and you can use those spaces and the land around them to create retention tanks for stormwater. We’re also going to have to decentralize the electrical grid. And think of universal Wi-Fi!” Treated with creative ambition, these complexes can help address issues that go beyond their own woes. The key is to start thinking of public housing as a public resource instead of a burden.

Greenline: North Brooklyn Community News: Williamsburg Houses Opens Applications for $5,000 Scholarship for Residents

In an effort to bolster educational and vocational opportunities for its residents, Williamsburg Houses, an affordable housing development located in Brooklyn, is now accepting applications for its scholarship program, the Inspired Path Forward Scholarship. Now in its second year, the scholarship is worth $5,000 and is exclusive to residents.

NYCHA: Nearly 2,000 Residents at Eastchester Gardens in the Bronx to Receive $406 Million in Extensive Renovations Through PACT Program

877 apartments will receive comprehensive repairs and improvements across 10 buildings 

NYCHA and resident leaders selected MDG Design + Construction LLC, Infinite Horizons, and Wavecrest Management as partner team.

Multi-Housing News: MDG Completes First Phase of Virgin Islands Community Renovation

MDG Design + Construction has completed the first phase of a four-stage renovation the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion community in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. After starting the process in June 2022, the firm has finished work on the first phase, which totals 82 units across seven buildings.

Caribbean News Global: VIHA – MDG Design + Construction celebrate completion of phase one $116.7M – Affordable Housing Development

Phase One Ribbon Cutting for Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion reveals 82 newly renovated homes and seven upgraded buildings completed under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.

The Virgin Islands Consortium: V.I Housing Authority Announces $116.7M Project Cost for Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Preservation

The V.I Housing Authority and the contractor of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Preservation Project recently unveiled the total estimated cost for the entire endeavor at $116.7 million. The ambitious project is set to overhaul 248 units, with 82 of these already having been rejuvenated as part of the project's recently concluded phase one.

The St. Croix Source: Phase One of $116.7M Preservation of Affordable Housing Development on STX Completed

This exciting milestone marks the completed renovation of 82 units across seven buildings and great strides in the first project of VIHA’s long-term plan to rebuild, renovate, and strengthen its affordable housing portfolio throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority and MDG Design + Construction (MDG) announced in a press release

Affordable Housing News: Leveraging Expertise: New York developer spearheads first redevelopment in Virgin Islands’ ambitious RAD conversion program - Page 50

Over the years, New York-based real estate company MDG Design + Construction has built a unique and impressive skill set in redeveloping outdated housing and navigating complex tenant-in-place rehabilitations.

CityLand: Governor Announces Completion of 160 Affordable and Supportive Units in Brownsville

On November 30, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a new affordable and supportive development in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The development, called Vital Brookdale, is located at 535 East 98th Street.

Real Estate Weekly: Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $82M Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Brownsville

Vital Brookdale complements Governor Hochul’s goal of achieving two million climate friendly homes by 2030 and her sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable.

BK Reader: Construction Wraps on the $81 Mil Brownsville Affordable Housing Complex: Vital Brookdale

"Central Brooklyn's critical health and housing needs have gone unmet for far too long, but in response we are approaching them with bold and innovative solutions," Hochul said. "Thanks to the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, we are working closely with local partners to create more housing, improve access to health care, and provide the types of supportive services that residents need to thrive.”

News12 The Bronx: All-inclusive housing complex in Brooklyn opens doors to those aged out of foster care

An affordable and supportive housing complex has opened in Brooklyn, with plans to serve those who have aged out of foster care and those with developmental disabilities.  

The Examiner News: Renovations Completed at Affordable Housing Development for Seniors

State, county and city officials last week marked the competition of a $36M rehabilitation of an affordable housing development for senior citizens in White Plains.

Patch: Renovation Complete For White Plains Senior Affordable Housing

The renovations at the Mitchell-Lama complex — called Kingsley House — upgraded apartment amenities and will improve the building's safety, promote energy efficiency and enhance the quality of life for 163 senior households.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal: Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $36 Million Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing Development in Westchester County

"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 Virgin Islands Consortium: Housing Authority Breaks Ground on $116.7 Million Rehabilitation of Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Housing Community

The V.I. Housing Authority along with MDG Design + Construction on Friday held a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the $116.7 million rehabilitation of Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion, a 248-unit affordable housing development in St. Croix. The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently provided $73 million toward the project.

CityLand: City and Development Team Break Ground on New Affordable Housing Complex in Fort Greene

The project site also features 22,000 feet of community space. On April 28, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and other City officials joined the development team of Hanson Place Church Support Corporation, MDG Design + Construction, City Community Capital, The Richman Group, and other partners to break ground on Hanson Place Community Plaza.

The Real Deal: Affordable housing tops outer-borough loans with $1.4B for NYCHA upgrades

Totalling $1.35 billion, the three largest real estate loans issued in the outer boroughs in January came from public-private initiatives to repair public housing facilities in Brooklyn.

2022

New York Real Estate Journal: Project team holds topping off for Hanson Place Community Plaza

Hanson Place Seventh-Day Adventist Church, MDG Design + Construction, NYC HPD, NYC HDC, Citi Community Capital, The Richman Group, and other partners are celebrating the “topping off” of Hanson Place Community Plaza, a 104-unit affordable housing development under construction in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

PIX11: Brooklyn building offers affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities

Affordable housing is hard to come by nowadays, but thanks to a new apartment building in Brooklyn, dozens of tenants are getting new homes, including people who are aging out of foster care and people living with developmental disabilities.

News12 The Bronx: New Brooklyn apartment building focuses on affordability and energy saving

Brooklyn Daily Eagle: What’s News, Breaking: Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Phase one opens of Vital Brookdale Initiative housing.

ABC7 News: New apartments offer supportive housing for people with disabilities or coming out of foster care

The project is called Vital Brookdale and was created by the New York Foundling, one of the city's oldest nonprofits that provides foster care services, educational opportunities and aid for people with developmental disabilities.

Real Estate In-Depth: $36 Million Rehab of Affordable Housing Development in White Plains Completed

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.

The Virgin Islands Daily News: Housing Authority kicks off affordable housing rebuild project

Funding will come in part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Rental Assistance Demonstration program, but it is only the first project of the authority’s “long-term plan to renovate and rebuild its affordable housing portfolio,” according to the statement.

The St. Thomas Source: Revitalization and Privatization of St. Croix’s Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Begins

When complete, the community will be owned by Walter I.M. Hodge RAD LLC and MDG Development Owners LLC, with the ground leased from Virgin Islands Housing Authority, according to HUD.

Real Estate Weekly: Virgin Islands Housing Authority and MDG Design + Construction Close on $116.7M Preservation of Affordable Housing Development in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

“The revitalization of Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion will allow residents to remain safely and affordably in their homes, with the added piece-of-mind that their home will be safe and protected from future storms,” said Michael T. Rooney, founding principal of MDG Design + Construction. “As our first project outside of the continental US, we are grateful to all our incredible partners who share our passion and excitement for this important work and allowed us to bring our expertise and resources to St. Croix.” 

Politics NY: Mayor breaks ground on Fort Greene church-sponsored affordable housing development

Mayor Eric Adams at the Hanson Place Seventh-Day Adventist Church announcing the groundbreaking of a new affordable housing development in Fort Greene. Thursday, April 28, 2022.

ConnectCRE: New York & Tri-State: NYCHA Forges Public-Private Partnerships on 5,200 Brooklyn Apartments

In three separate transactions, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has closed on $1.5 billion in financing with private-sector partners to renovate 5,226 NYCHA apartments across six campuses in Brooklyn. The three joint ventures are undertaking the project through NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) initiative. 

Urbanize New York: 162-unit Vital Brookdale affordable housing opens in Brownsville

"Central Brooklyn's critical health and housing needs have gone unmet for far too long, but in response we are approaching them with bold and innovative solutions," said Hochul in a statement. "Thanks to the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, we are working closely with local partners to create more housing, improve access to health care, and provide the types of supportive services that residents need to thrive. Vital Brookdale is the latest example of my administration's commitment to boosting the supply of quality of affordable homes for all New Yorkers."

New York YIMBY: Vital Brookdale Affordable Housing Complex Now Complete At 535 East 98th Street In Brownsville, Brooklyn

Construction is complete on Vital Brookdale, a 160-unit affordable and supportive housing development at 535 East 98th Street in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The development team for Vital Brookdale includes Smith & Henzy Affordable Group and The New York Foundling, a non-profit agency founded in 1869 that provides foster care, mental health services, educational programs, and a litany of community support services across the New York City region.

Brooklyn Paper: ‘Righting the wrong’ of a wealthy, under-housed city: Hochul unveils new Brownsville housing development, Vital Brookdale

Local leaders cut the ribbon on Vital Brookdale, a new $82 million housing development in Brownsville.

New York YIMBY: Renovations Complete At Kingsley House Mitchell-Lama At 41 Barker Avenue In White Plains

Renovations are now complete at Kingsley House, a 12-story Mitchell-Lama property at 41 Barker Avenue in White Plains, New York. Located in Westchester County, the project represents more than $36 million of public-private investment led by DG Design + Construction and partner Smith & Henzy Affordable Group, the property’s current owners.

Mid Hudson News: Rehab of affordable Westchester housing completed

A $36 million rehabilitation of Kingsley House, an affordable housing development for seniors in the City of White Plains, has been completed. 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.

Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals: $36M rehab of building completed in White Plains

An August 18 ribbon-cutting marked the completion of the two-year, $36 million rehabilitation of Kingsley House, an affordable housing development for seniors at 41 Barker Ave. in White Plains.

St. John Tradewinds: St. Croix’s Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Slated for $116.7M Rehab

The government is partnering with New York-based real estate firm MDG Design + Construction on the project. According to its website, the company constructs and manages high-quality, affordable housing and is an expert in property management, construction, development, and design.

Multi-Housing News: JV Breaks Ground on Brooklyn Affordable Housing

The Hanson Place Community Plaza has broken ground in the Fort Greene enclave of Brooklyn, N.Y. Hanson Place Church Support Corp., MDG Design + Construction (MDG), the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HDC), Citi Community Capital (CCC) and The Richman Group are joining forces to develop the $65.7 million property.

The Real Deal: NYCHA closed on $1.4B for housing rehab projects with private partners

NYCHA and the New York City Housing Development Corporation closed on the financing of three Permanent Affordability Commitment Together — or PACT — transactions to fund comprehensive renovations for 5,226 apartments across six NYCHA campuses, the agency announced last week.

Real Estate Weekly: NYCHA and HDC finalize $1.4B deal for Brooklyn Residents

Williamsburg Houses will receive $490 million in comprehensive renovations to the 1,621 apartments and 20 residential buildings at the property. The PACT partners at Williamsburg are led by MDG Design and Construction and Wavecrest Management. MDG Design and Construction will perform the rehabilitation work.

BK Reader: Affordable Housing Development ‘Tops Off’ in Brownsville

Vital Brookdale will provide 160 affordable homes and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space when it opens in 2022.

New York Real Estate Journal: MDG Design + Construction and partners top out Vital Brookdale

In addition to the residential amenities, Vital Brookdale will include several community facility spaces including a general and specialty clinic operated by Brookdale Medical Hospital, a community job training program, and a community fresh food program. The housing opportunities as well as the community facility programs will help meet the community’s longstanding need for promoting active mixed-use corridors, improving neighborhood connections, creating active and safe spaces, providing resources to support healthy lifestyles, connecting residents to jobs and job training, and improving housing stability.

Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals: $35.8M rehab for senior housing site in White Plains

A rehabilitation project with an estimated price tag of $35.8 million has started on a 164-unit senior housing building in White Plains.

Brooklyn Paper: NYCHA inks deal for $1.4 billion in repairs at Brooklyn properties, bringing them under private management

The Williamsburg Houses will get $490 million to repair 1,621 apartments in 20 residential buildings on the property. The property will be leased over to Wavecrest Management, which will take over property management, and MDG Design and Construction, which will conduct repairs.

Multi-Housing News: Rehab Starts on New York Affordable Senior Housing

Kingsley House came online in 1968 under the New York State Mitchell-Lama program. Located at 41 Barker Ave., the community caters to seniors earning up to 50 percent of the area’s median income. The 12-story building houses studio, one- and two-bedroom floorplans averaging 530 square feet.

Crain’s New York Business: NYCHA exec talks future of converting developments to private management

The New York City Housing Authority recently announced the completion of a pair of major renovation projects at Baychester, Betances and Murphy houses in the Bronx, bringing the complexes under private management. It plans to do the same at developments across the city, said Jonathan Gouveia, executive vice president for real estate development.

BronxTimes: Baychester, Murphy and Betances Houses get much-needed facelifts

“I have lived at Betances Houses for many years and the improvements we have seen as a result of the RAD conversation are incredible,” said Giselle Gavin, resident association president at Betances Houses. “The development team listened to our concerns and made improvements that we’ve needed for years, which will positively impact residents for years to come. The residents and myself are so thankful to everyone involved, and are happy to call the new Betances our home.”

Building Design + Construction: Mixed-use development tops out in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood

Vital Brookdale, a new mixed-use residential development in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood, has topped out. The project includes 160 affordable housing units and approximately 25,000-sf of health-focused community space.

Bklyner: Williamsburg Houses RAD Conversion Plan Begins to Take Shape

Plans to transfer the NYCHA’s Williamsburg Houses—one of the oldest public housing complexes in the country—to private management under the city’s controversial RAD program are beginning to come into focus. Here’s the latest.

New York YIMBY: Affordable Senior Living Kingsley House Will Get $35.8 Million Renovation In White Plains

The 12-story building serves seniors earning up to 50 percent of area median income, and has 33 studios, 115 one-bedrooms, 15 two-bedrooms, and one superintendent unit. Amenities include an outdoor patio, library, community room with kitchen area, laundry room, mail room, and parking. There is also one commercial space, currently occupied by Diamond Chiropractic & Wellness.

Mid Hudson News: Kingsley House rehab to protect, upgrade 164 units of senior, affordable housing

The $35.8 million rehabilitation of Kingsley House, a 164-unit affordable, Mitchell-Lama housing development for seniors in White Plains, is underway. The project will preserve affordability for residents while modernizing and improving the development.

Bronx Times: PHOTOS: Face mask and hand sanitizer giveaway at the Betances Houses in Mott Haven

A large facemask and hand sanitizer giveaway took place at Betances Houses in Mott Haven over the past few days.

News12: Community organizations create pop-up vaccination center for 130 seniors in the Bronx

The pop-up center in Mott Haven was part of Bronx Rising's campaign to vaccinate 15,000 seniors in the borough in just eight weeks.

ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Coronavirus News: Catholic Charities hands out 1,600 meals in the Bronx

Catholic Charities Community Services and RDC Development, which is a joint venture between Wavecrest Management and MDG Design + Construction, organized the event.

Mott Haven Herald: Holy Thursday Food Boxes Offered at Betances Houses

The boxes, each containing meals for four people, are intended to help families having trouble putting food on the table in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Holy Thursday food sharing event is hosted annually by the Archdiocese of New York.  This year, in line with social distancing requirements, distribution will take place outdoors, with box pickups taking place on a staggered schedule.

Multi-Housing News: JV Completes $53M Redevelopment of Bronx Senior Community

Fort Schuyler House Inc., a collaboration between Presbyterian Senior Services and The State of New York, has completed the redevelopment of Fort Schuyler House, a 138-unit affordable senior housing community in The Bronx, N.Y.

Multi-Housing News: Brooklyn Affordable Project Lands $72M Loan

A partnership between MDG Design + Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group and The New York Foundling has received $72.1 million in financing for a 160-unit affordable housing project in Brooklyn, public records show.

BronxTimes: Catholic Charities of New York hosts toy drive in Mott Haven

The Betances Tenants Association Board, in partnership with Catholic Charities, RDC Development, Wavecrest Management, and MDG Design + Construction, held the toy distribution at 537 East 146th Street.

New York Real Estate Journal: Fort Schuyler House, Inc., and MDG complete Fort Schuyler House, senior housing project

Located at 3077 Cross Bronx Expressway in the Throggs Neck neighborhood, Fort Schuyler House was built in 1973 under the New York State Mitchell Lama Program to offer safe, secure, independent living opportunities for seniors ages 62 and over. The eight-story building is comprised of 118 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, and one superintendent’s unit.

Catholic New York: Catholic Charities Distributes Needed Meals Amid Crisis

To keep everyone safe, the distribution was hosted outdoors with a staggered pickup schedule to avoid crowding. Some of the food was delivered to senior citizens who were unable to leave their homes due to the coronavirus.

Telemundo 47: Caridades Católicas ofrece alimentos a los más necesitados / Catholic Charities offers food to those most in need

PIX11: Finding ways to express faith during Holy Week

More than 1,600 meals were delivered by Catholic Charities Allianza division in a pop-up pantry for public housing residents outside the Bronxworks Betances Community Center. To many, this is the true meaning of Easter.

The Wave: A New Today at Ocean Bay

“I never imagined that my quality of life could improve as much as it has since the RAD program was initiated here,” said Wheeler, Chairwoman of Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, who has lived in the development for 35 years. “I am so happy to be a part of this demonstration program.”

Multi-Housing News: $560M Redevelopment of Storm-Damaged Community Wraps Up in NYC

A joint venture of MDG Design + Construction and Wavecrest Management completed the rehabilitation of a 1,395-unit public housing community in Far Rockaway, Queens. The project is the country’s largest single-site conversion under HUD’s RAD program.

Bronx Times: Michelangelo Apartments receive $160M rehabilitation

“Preserving the affordability of our housing stock is key to ensuring that residents in our lowest income brackets can continue to thrive in the communities where they’ve chosen to raise their families,” expressed Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

Cape May County Herald: Victorian Towers Revamped

The ribbon cutting at Cape May’s Victorian Towers May 17 attracted dignitaries from the Camden Diocese, county and city government, and a contingent of residents.

The Wave: Baseball Bonanza with RDC Development

On Saturday, April 13, RDC Development teamed up with NYCHA, the Major League Baseball Players Trust, HDMH, Rawlings, and Williamsburg Athletics League to host a kick-off event for their Heart of the City Baseball Initiative.

Brooklyn Paper: Pitcher perfect: More than 100 kids from public housing enjoy a day of baseball

The day kicked off with a tournament of local teams from the Williamsburg Athletics League, followed by a training clinic where coaches from those teams taught the kids to play baseball, some of whom had never played the game before.

Solar World: Bright Power completes 575-kW solar array at NYC apartment complex

“Sustainability is a key consideration in how we must approach the revitalization and long-term viability of our housing stock, and was paramount in our work at Ocean Bay. Bright Power’s partnership was instrumental in the seamless design and implementation of our energy-efficient measures and solar power system. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, over 4,000 residents at Ocean Bay will experience lower utility costs and a healthier, greener place to call home,” said Michael Rooney, Jr., principal of RDC Development.

GlobeSt: NYCHA Housing Ocean Bay Apartments Completes Major Rehab

Built in the early 1960s, Ocean Bay suffered from significant federal divestment. In 2012 Hurricane Sandy extensively damaged the complex which houses nearly 4,000 residents, The property desperately needed repair, from in-unit renovations to the major rehabilitation of building infrastructure.

WNYC: City’s Public Housing Heads Down Privatization Road

On Monday, renovations were completed at Ocean Bay Apartments in Far Rockaway, a New York City Housing Authority development that's being operated by a private management company through a federal program called Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD).

Real Estate In-Depth: $160M Rehab and Refi of Bronx Mitchell-Lama Completed

The rehabilitation included full kitchen and bathroom renovations, conversion to an energy efficient boiler system, elevator upgrades, facade repairs, upgrades to the lobby and public halls, conversion to energy efficient LED lighting and landscaping improvements.

NJ.com: You could retire and live cheaply 2 blocks from the beach at renovated senior complex

Victorian Towers, a 205-unit affordable housing development for senior citizens located near the Washington Street Mall in Cape May, recently completed a nearly year-long renovation project.

Patch.com: More than 100 NYCHA Kids Learn Baseball With MLB Stars In W’burg

NYCHA families learned baseball with the pros in a new program that will bring baseball to areas without access to to the sport.

News12 Brooklyn: NYCHA youth show off baseball skills in tournament and clinic

The “Heart of the City Baseball Initiative” took to Sternberg Park in Williamsburg Saturday, where organizers hoped to get kids interested in the sport.

New York Real Estate Journal: RDC Development holds ribbon cutting for $560 million redevelopment; For Ocean Bay Apartments, a 24-building, 1,395-unit public housing complex

QNS: Far Rockaway celebrates completion of $560 million redevelopment project at Ocean Bay Apartments

It was all smiles in Far Rockaway at a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion $560 million redevelopment of the Ocean Bay Apartments complex Monday.

REBusiness: RDC Completes $560M Apartment Redevelopment Project in Queens

RDC Development has completed its redevelopment of Ocean Bay Apartments, a project valued at $560 million. Ocean Bay, which houses 1,395 units and nearly 4,000 residents, was damaged in a storm and forced to undergo a two-year rehabilitation project that featured renovated kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

amNewYork: A revamped Ocean Bay campus transitions away from the traditional NYCHA setup

The housing project, where about 4,000 people live, now has boilers on its roof, rather than in flood-prone lower floors. RDC Development said it installed passive flood gates along with what it described as the third largest solar panel array in the state.

News12 The Bronx: Melrose affordable housing building gets nearly $160M rehabilitation

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the completion of the nearly $160 million rehabilitation of the Michelangelo Apartments in Melrose.

Catholic Star Herald: Rededication ceremony in Cape May

The ceremony marked the end of a year-long, $12.5 million renovation project, but it also marked a new beginning for the senior citizens living at one of the oldest properties in the portfolio of the Diocesan Housing Services Corporation (DHSC).

The Bronx Chronicle: Over 100 NYCHA Youth Participate in Baseball Clinics with MLB Pros

On Saturday April 13th, Betances youth residents had the opportunity to participate in a baseball training day in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with former Major League Baseball players in a kick-off event for RDC’s Heart of the City Baseball initiative, a commitment to bringing baseball back to New York City’s vulnerable youth.

The Real Deal: Private developers receive $120M loan to fix Bronx NYCHA complex

The private developers that now manage the NYCHA complex Betances Houses received a $120 million loan to make repairs.

Multi-Housing News: $53M Earmarked for Bronx Senior Housing Renovations

The Fort Schuyler Housing Development Company, along with Smith & Henzy Advisory Group Inc., MDG Design + Construction LLC, Concord Management of New York, and other partners will renovate and refinance Fort Schuyler House, a 138-unit affordable senior housing development in the New York borough of the Bronx.

Senior Housing Business: Joint Venture Plans $52.7M Renovation of Affordable Community in the Bronx

A joint venture between Fort Schuyler Housing Development Co., Smith & Henzy Advisory Group Inc., MDG Design + Construction LLC, Concord Management of New York and partners has unveiled a $52.7 million renovation and refinancing plan for Fort Schuyler House, a 139-unit affordable seniors housing development in the Bronx.

Commercial Observer: Hunt Real Estate Leads $200M Fannie Mae Package on Bronx Rental Portfolio

There are 1,088 units of existing NYCHA units within the portfolio, which will be converted through both the RAD and Section 18 disposition programs deployed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Wave: Hey! What? Globetrotters!

The Ocean Bay Houses in Far Rockaway unveiled its new basketball courts in style, as the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters helped tip things off.

Bloomberg: As NYC Public Housing Tenants Suffer, a Glimmer of Hope Emerges

Yet a federal program changing how rents get paid has allowed developers at Bayside to tap into $560 million in private and government funds. The difference: Investors can count on revenue from monthly vouchers guaranteed for 40 years, instead of the uncertainty of annual federal budget appropriations. That was enough to transform life throughout the 33-acre, 1,395-unit campus in Queens.

Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits: Tenants Will Stay at Home as NYCHA's RAD Conversion Continues

“We consider our niche to be occupied renovations,” said Matthew Rooney, CEO of MDG Design + Construction (MDG), half of the joint venture that makes up RDC, along with The Wavecrest Management Team Ltd. (Wavecrest). “We love to do them.”

Real Estate Weekly: Cuomo picks winners for Brooklyn affordable housing RFP

Vital Brookdale LLC—a joint venture between MDG Design + Construction, Smith & Henzy Advisory Group and the Foundling Group—was the third group selected. It aims to build 152 affordable apartments on 40,000 s/f of Brookdale Hospital property with on-site services for the developmentally disabled and young people aging out of foster care.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Office: Governor Cuomo Announces Vital Brooklyn's 100 Percent Affordable Housing RFP Winners, Releases Second RFP of $578 Million Initiative to Create 4,000 Homes in Central Brooklyn

"This is not a government proposal that's going to happen next year and the year after. It happens today, it's real, the money is there. It is not a dream or a hope or an aspiration, this is reality my friends, this is happening."

The Bronx Chronicle: Bronx affordable senior housing development Fort Schuyler House will receive extensive upgrades and rental assistance for existing residents

“We are excited to continue the original mission of Fort Schuyler House: to provide affordable living opportunities to seniors, an underserved population when it comes to affordable housing,” said Michael T. Rooney, Sr., principal of MDG Design + Construction. “With our dedicated partners, we will not only revitalize the units and building, but extend Fort Schuyler House’s affordability so that residents can continue to age in place in quality housing.”

Multi-Housing News: NYCHA Partners Up for Affordable Housing Renovations

Including these three new developer alliances, the PACT program will have updated 3,077 apartments with a total investment of $640 million.

Globe St: Refinancing Will Preserve Affordable Housing Complex in Cape May, NJ

Built in 1973, Victorian Towers is a six-story development containing 205 studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Cape May County Herald: $8 Million Project Maintains Affordable Housing for Seniors in Cape May

The Diocesan Housing Services Corporation of the Diocese of Camden, Inc., MDG Design + Construction, LLC, and Hudson Valley Property Group, announce the closing of Victorian Towers, a refinancing and renovation project that will result in the investment of more than $8 million in capital improvements to this 205-unit senior housing development located at 608 Washington Street in Cape May, New Jersey.

NY1: Community Garden Growing Again After Being Destroyed During Hurricane Sandy

"I am so happy to see that this really comes to light because this was one of my main goals that I want to see happen and now it's really happening," said resident Lolita Miller.

Intelligencer: This New York City Housing Project Works. What’s Different About Ocean Bay?

To rehab Ocean Bay, NYCHA teamed up with a construction company, a management firm, and two non-profits to form a new development corporation; MDG Design + Construction oversees the repairs and Wavecrest Management runs the buildings. Together they whirled post-Sandy disaster-relief funds, federal tax credits, state bonds, and private equity into a $560 million financial smoothie.

The Wave: Ocean Bay Apartments Receive $560 Million for Restoration

The development, located along Beach Channel Drive between Beach 54th and Beach 58th streets, will be the city’s first Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project, which allows housing authorities to access private capital to meet capital needs while also protecting long-term affordability.

New York Magazine: Could the Grenfell Tower Disaster Happen in New York?

The [$560 million in] funds will pay to freshen up the nearly 1,400 apartments but also for rooftop boilers, elevated electrical systems, generators, and a landscaped flood wall.

Connect CRE: NYCHA Closes $560M Deal for Ocean Bay Apartments

Despite threatened budget cuts, housing officials closed a $560 million deal to renovate the 1,395 public housing apartments at the Ocean Bay (Bayside) Apartments in Far Rockaway, Queens.

amNew York: Sandy-damaged Far Rockaway Apartments Getting Resiliency Repairs

Work began on apartments in mid-March, according to Michael Rooney, principal of MDG Design + Construction, one of four groups that make up RDC Development.

Affordable Housing Finance: Financing Arranged to Preserve 494-Unit Affordable Housing Development

“With the cost of living in New York City rising each year, developments like Michelangelo Apartments serve as a safe haven from the threats of displacement in a rapidly gentrifying area,” said developer Michael T. Rooney Sr., principal of developer MDG Design + Construction. MDG owns the project along with Cary Fields.

DNAinfo: Changes Promised at Far Rockaway NYCHA Houses with Private Partnership

NYCHA still owns the land and will have major oversight of Ocean Bay. But there's new management under a public/private partnership comprised of MDG Design + Construction, Wavecrest Management Team, the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation and Catholic Charities.

Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits: Aging Public Housing Development Gets Complete Overhaul After Superstorm Sandy

Rooney said that Catholic Charities will have staff on-site to connect residents with services. “Catholic Charities has a network of services that the residents get to tap into,” said Rooney. In addition, Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation will assist in job training. RDC Development will also provide jobs for the residents of the Ocean Bay Apartments, Far Rockaway and the greater NYCHA community. 

The Wave: Renewal Gardens Ribbon Cutting at Ocean Bay

Matthew Rooney, CEO of MDG said, “Lolita Miller, the Ocean Bay Tenant Organizer called us to say we needed to bring back the community gardens and we went to work to make it happen.

Gotham Gazette: With Federal Help, A Big Project Reset Shows the Way at NYCHA

Big-ticket, long-term quality of life repairs are the focus of building-wide renovation. The developer is adding a more reliable and efficient heating system (on the roof to avoid future floods), new roofs, new windows, lintel brick repointing, lobby renovations, solar panels, and a protective berm and water retention swales.

Next City: NYC is Testing Public-Private Housing Partnership with HUD Program

Under the arrangement, MDG is also working closely with Ocean Bay CDC to hire residents from Ocean Bay (Bayside) or nearby. So far, MDG has hired more than 30 residents from the public housing complex and over 60 more from the surrounding neighborhood.

QNS: Sandy-Damaged Apartment Complex in Far Rockaway Undergoing Major Restoration

The complex will get roof replacements, a complete upgrade of elevator machinery and equipment, new boilers and heating systems.

Multi-Housing News: NYC Public Housing Slated for $560M Makeover

“It’s a pretty comprehensive upgrade to the property,” Michael T. Rooney, Sr., MDG Design + Construction’s principal, told MHN. “When you do a RAD conversion for the Housing Authority, one of the requirements is to meet every physical need of the property either immediately or through reserves. We’re doing everything immediately.”

NY1: Queens Affordable Housing Complex Ravaged by Hurricane Sandy Gets Multi-Million Touch Up

"We are hoping a lot of people see what is happening here and know that public housing can be transformed," said Michael Rooney, MDG Design and Construction.

REBusiness Online: Partnership to Renovate 494-Unit Affordable Housing Development in Bronx

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), MDG Design + Construction, Citi Community Capital, Raymond Jones, Smith & Henzy, BSR Management and Cary Fields have secured nearly $160 million in financing for the restoration of Michelangelo Apartments, a 494-unit affordable housing community located in the Melrose section of the Bronx.

The Real Deal: MDG, Housing Partnership Buy 500-Unit Bronx Rental for $78M

MDG Design & Construction and the nonprofit the Housing Partnership purchased the 498-unit Michelangelo Apartments rental building in the South Bronx for $78.1 million, according to property records filed Tuesday.

Multi-Housing News: JV Closes Refi of Affordable NJ Property

Efficiency upgrades include new AC units and water conservation measures such as the installation of low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucet aerators. The renovation process also involves the creation of 10 fully accessible units designed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including several units for the hearing and visually impaired.

REBusiness: Diocesan Housing Services Corp. to Refinance, Rehabilitate 205-Unit Affordable Community in New Jersey

Upon completing the refinance and rehabilitation of Victorian Towers, 194 units will remain affordable through a 20-year Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) agreement, while the balance of the units will remain affordable through the HUD Section 236 program.

The Real Deal: Is Rockaway getting its moment in the sun?

“I think this area could really use a face-lift to get people less afraid to invest,” said MDG Design + Construction CEO Matthew Rooney. In January, his firm inked a 99-year lease for the New York City Housing Authority’s Ocean Bay apartments on Beach 54th Street. MDG is undertaking a $560 million redevelopment of the 24-building, 1,395-unit complex.

CBS New York: Zoning Change Would Clear Path For $126-Million Far Rockaway Facelift

Residential buildings that were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy are being redone without raising rents, MDG chief executive Matt Rooney said.

"It's really exciting to see an area that was hit by Hurricane Sandy, and didn't exactly get a full boost that it needed from outside investment, it's nice to see it finally come around," he said.

Real Estate Weekly: Nation’s Biggest-Ever Public-Private Rehab Gets Green Light for $560M Rockaway Project

The money will finance essential infrastructure upgrades, support state-of-the-art resiliency and security systems, and the renovation and preservation of the public housing complex that is home to nearly 4,000 residents in Far Rockaway, Queens.

Bronx Times: $160 million Plan Preserves Michelangelo Apts

Earlier this month, Michelangelo Preservation LLC, which consists of MDG Design + Construction, BSR Management and Cary Fields announced an $160 million plan for the preservation of units at Michelangelo Apartments in Melrose for the next 40 years, after the original 40-year subsidy contract for the complex expired in 2014.

Multi-Housing News: HUD, HCR, MDG Partner for $160M Bronx Preservation

Helping make this possible is HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which guarantees residents need pay no more than 30 percent of their incomes for safe and healthy housing.

The Wall Street Journal: Investor Group Set to Pump Money Into Bronx Housing Units

“We took a building that had zero cash flow, broke even or lost money every year for the last 10 years and went to making enough money to do $52.7 million in renovations,” said Mr. Rooney, who is also a principal with MDG Design + Construction, which is redeveloping the building.

The Real Deal: The 10 Biggest Bronx Deals in Q1 2017

The borough’s biggest sale by a wide margin was MDG Design + Construction’s $78.1 million purchase of Michelangelo Apartments , a 498-unit Apartment Building On East 149th Street.

Newsday: LI affordable housing projects get a boost from tax credits

The complex was purchased in December by a group that includes MDG Design + Construction, Hudson Valley Property Group and Ken Oppenheimer, whose father helped build the 33-year-old complex. The $11.7 million purchase and renovation was financed by Ohio-based Red Stone Equity Partners.

Real Estate Weekly: $11M deal to preserve affordable North Amityville development

The Town of Babylon IDA and MDG Design + Construction (MDG) along with their development partners Ken Oppenheimer, Hudson Valley Property Group, and Hudson Housing Capital have closed an $11.7 million deal to preserve Andpress Plaza, a 51-unit multifamily affordable housing development located in North Amityville in Long Island.

Long Island Business News: Ribbon Cutting for North Amityville Housing Rehab

Officials of the Town of Babylon Industrial Development Agency and development partners MDG Design and Construction, Oppenheimer Realty, Hudson Valley Property Group and Hudson Housing Capital will fete the $11.7 million in renovations to the 51-residence development formerly known as Andpress Plaza and now re-christened The Plaza at Amityville on November 18.

News12 Brooklyn: Midwood senior housing building gets affordable overhaul

A Midwood affordable housing building for senior citizens has received an overhaul that will keep it within the budget of its tenants.

Long Island Business News: North Amityville housing complex gets $11.7M rehab

The Babylon Industrial Development Agency has partnered with MDG Design + Construction, Ken Oppenheimer, Hudson Valley Property Group and Hudson Housing Capital in the rehab project.