Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of a new $28 million affordable and supportive housing development in Port Jefferson Station in the town of Brookhaven. Liberty Station offers 77 affordable homes with 45 apartments reserved for people in need of support services, including formerly homeless veterans.
"With its affordable homes, health services and gorgeous grounds, Liberty Station is now a permanent piece of the Port Jefferson Station community - and the residents of Brookhaven will benefit as a result," Governor Hochul said. "Making it possible for people to access stable, supportive homes that they can afford is one of the principal missions of my administration, and it is one that we will continue to fulfill."
Liberty Station consists of six two-story residential buildings with 75 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. Rents are set to be affordable to individuals and households with incomes up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income.
The supportive apartments will assist veterans and those who were previously homeless. Liberty Station is receiving services from and funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) through the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). The developer and supportive service provider is Concern Housing, Inc.
The development includes a community center with a computer room, exercise room and staff offices. There are two gardens on the property and a walking path with six fitness stations. The development is close to a full range of retail services and is connected by a public bus route to the Long Island Rail Road's Port Jefferson train station.
Liberty Station meets Enterprise's Green Community standards and was built in accordance with New York State's policy of supporting sustainable and affordable development. In addition to equipping each apartment with Energy Star-rated appliances, the development is designed to conserve water and the landscaping includes surface storm water management features.
State funding for Liberty Station includes more than $18 million in equity from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and more than $6.3 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The Community Preservation Corporation is providing a $1.45 million permanent loan funded through their partnership with the New York City Employees' Retirement Systems, Suffolk County provided $900,000 and the Home Depot Foundation donated $300,000. OMH has provided $382,000 in start-up funding through a program development grant, and $1.1 million in annual support service funding through ESSHI.