Governor Hochul Celebrates Completion of 45 Unit Affordable Housing Development in Nassau County
Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the completion of the Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence, a new housing development in the village of Freeport, in Nassau County, offering 45 affordable apartments for adults aged 55 and older. The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence is a highly sustainable building featuring on-site supportive services and other building amenities designed to promote long-term health, boost quality of life, and improve residents’ ability to age in place.
“Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to live independently in a vibrant community that supports them as they age,” Governor Hochul said. “Developments like this one connect older adults with each other and with the services they need to thrive. At the same time, they address the urgent need for high quality, sustainable housing on Long Island that is both good for residents and good for the environment.”
The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The five-story building at 81 South Bergen Place includes 44 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment for an on-site manager. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. In addition, there are 14 apartments reserved for individuals experiencing homelessness, who have access to rental subsidies and supportive services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Department of Health. Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. will also be providing on-site social services through SHASAM (Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model). The goal of SHASAM is to provide the appropriate level of assistance that allows older adults to remain in their own apartments as they age.
The building incorporates Passive House design principles and features energy efficient materials and systems throughout, as well as rain and stormwater storage systems. Designed by Studio Libeskind, the building includes a community room, shared residential hallways, communal atrium, and rooftop walking path.
The total project cost for this development is $25 million and the construction was made possible through significant state financing, including $18.4 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. CPC Mortgage Company provided $4.7 million in Freddie Mac mortgage financing, and Nassau County awarded $800,000. Additional financing was provided by the Weinberg Foundation and TD Bank. The project’s developer is Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The $25 million Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence provides an affordable and enjoyable living experience for 45 New Yorkers in a uniquely designed and resilient development. With age-friendly features and life-enhancing supportive services, residents will benefit from living in a comfortable and active community. Congratulations to Selfhelp and our other partners for bringing this much-needed senior housing development to Freeport.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Affordable housing reduces homelessness, gives residents a sense of community, and as a social determinant of health helps improve individual and family health which, in turn, leads to better public health. I thank Governor Hochul for her dedication to this project and for addressing New York’s housing crisis with strategy and compassion.”
State Senator Kevin Thomas said, “Congratulations to the Village of Freeport, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Selfhelp Community Services and everyone involved in getting the Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence over the finish line. I proudly fought to secure additional funding for low-income housing development in the State budget to support projects like this. Bringing affordable and sustainable housing to our senior community, especially with onsite access to assistance, will greatly improve their quality of life. I look forward to watching these residents flourish in the next chapter of their lives.”
Assemblymember Brian Curran said, “The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence in Freeport is a great example of smart housing growth here in Nassau County. This $25 million housing development will provide affordable housing for our seniors and homeless. The Rosenberg Residence demonstrates that affordable housing is being built on Long Island through public and private programs with local governmental input.”
Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said, “The Selfhelp Realty Group spearheaded by Evelyn J. Wolff was instrumental in the development of Alan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence here in Freeport. Nassau County senior residents need affordable housing and this development addresses this need for our seniors. This beautiful 45-unit building also sports a roof garden, sufficient on-site parking for all the residents and is handicap accessible. On behalf of the residents of Freeport, Trustees, and myself, I want to thank Evelyn for her insight and dedication to Freeport and Nassau County seniors.”
Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé said, "Through this important development, we are taking a key step toward fulfilling our mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable senior housing as well as assistance for some of our most vulnerable residents. I am delighted to witness this completion of this project here in Freeport and appreciate the State's partnership in bringing this collaborative effort to fruition."
Michael Staton, Managing Director at CPC Mortgage Company said, “We are proud to have had the opportunity to play a role in bringing the Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence to the Freeport community. These beautiful energy efficient, sustainable homes are not only affordable, they also provide a supportive environment that will allow many of the tenants to find stability and independence. My thanks to Governor Hochul, HCR Commissioner Visnauskas, our partners at Selfhelp, and to all of Freeport’s local stakeholders for their dedication and commitment to this important project.”
Evelyn Wolff, Executive Director of Selfhelp Realty Group and The Melamid Institute of Affordable Housing said, “We believe everyone deserves affordable housing, and we are proud to introduce the Allan & Geraldine Rosenberg Residence as our 17th building. Designed by the renowned Studio Libeskind, this iconic building reflects our commitment to affordable housing and community-centered design. Working with the visionary architect Daniel Libeskind has been an incredible honor, as his innovative design prioritizes community and creates a sense of belonging.”
Stuart C. Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Community Services Inc. said, "Affordable housing with onsite social services is a transformative solution that addresses both the housing crisis and the well-being of older adults aging in their own homes. By combining affordable housing with SHASAM (Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model), the Allan & Geraldine Rosenberg residence provides older adults with the resources they need to live with independence and dignity. Working with Daniel Libeskind and Studio Libeskind has been an honor. He understood that this building is not just about a roof over heads; it's about building communities where everyone has access to the services and care they deserve."
Daniel Libeskind, Studio Libeskind said, “Senior housing isn’t just about accommodation; it’s about people. It’s about creating a residence where residents can feel happy, secure, and emotionally connected to their neighbors. Above all, it’s about creating a vibrant community.”