Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $82 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Brownsville

The completion of Vital Brookdale offers 160 affordable and supportive homes and 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. In partnership with The New York Foundling, 36 units have been set aside for supportive housing — 10 apartments for youth aging out of foster care and 26 apartments for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.The 25,000 square feet of health-focused community space will offer a medical clinic run by Brookdale Hospital, a community job training program, a community fresh food program and office space for The New York Foundling.

Located at 527 East 98th Street and initiated through NYSHCR’s Vital Brookdale initiative, the project reflects NYS’ vision to create a stronger, more sustainable Central Brooklyn through affordable housing and resilient, sustainable infrastructure. Having closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the first project to be completed under the initiative.

The project is an exemplary model for transforming the lives of low-income housing residents and will set the standard for new environmentally friendly and health-focused affordable housing developments.

Residents have access to a second-floor terrace, and landscaped front and rear courtyards with a dog run, playground, and passive recreation and seating areas. There is free building-wide wireless internet access, in keeping with the Governor's goal of eliminating the digital divide; a multi-purpose community room; game room; library/resident co-working space; fitness room; laundry room; cold-storage locker and package rooms; and a bike storage room.

The development is pursuing Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) + 2015 certification, an international standard of building for maximized energy efficiency. Vital Brookdale has a 100kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, high performance mechanical systems, insulation and windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, along with other energy efficient measures to enhance comfort, affordability, and sustainability.