Brooklyn, NY, June 30, 2017 – Concern for Independent Living, a leading non-profit provider of supportive housing, held a Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Ceremony today to celebrate the opening of Concern Bergen, a 90-unit supportive housing development for persons with disabilities and families in need of affordable housing in Brooklyn.
The former warehouse that once occupied the site was demolished in early 2014 to make way for a newly constructed 7-story building. Concern Bergen offers an array of apartment sizes and amenities, including a computer room, exercise room, laundry facilities, community room, and rooftop garden.
The development team that made this project possible includes Nixon Peabody, the project’s attorneys; HLS Builders Corp., the general contractor; Dattner Architects, the project architect; and Betts Housing Consultants. Funding for Concern Bergen was provided by New York State Housing Homes & Community Renewal, New York State Office of Mental Health, National Equity Fund, and the Community Preservation Corporation who provided a $9.2 million construction loan and $13.8 million permanent loan funded through their agreement with the New York City Retirement Systems (NYCRS).
“This project is a shining example of Governor Cuomo’s and New York State’s commitment to providing high quality affordable and supportive housing to New Yorkers,” said Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living, Inc. “It is also a testament to Community Board 8 and their leadership for recognizing that the solution to homelessness and the need for temporary shelters is housing and supports that help people thrive in their communities. Thanks to the National Equity Fund and Chase for investing in our dream to ensure that every New Yorker has a place they can call home.”
“Concern Bergen is a project that we should all be proud of, and it speaks to the power that mission-driven investments in housing can have in transforming a community and helping those most in need,” said Michael Skrebutenas, Senior Vice President and Regional Director at the Community Preservation Corporation. “This public-private collaboration has taken a vacant warehouse that blighted the neighborhood, and transformed this site into a vital resource of supportive and affordable housing that will serve the community for generations. We’re fortunate to have partners like Concern, Comptroller Stringer, HCR and OMH who understand that providing a safe and supportive environment can help New Yorkers with disabilities live with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
“Projects like this one strengthen our communities and move our city forward. Supportive housing is critical, and with the launch of this new development, we’re taking another step in the right direction. This will be a difference-maker – it will change lives,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.
About Concern for Independent Living
Concern for Independent Living, Inc. is a non-profit agency committed to providing housing and services the enrich lives of the people we serve and strengthen communities. Concern is one of the largest housing agencies of this kind in New York State, currently serving over 1,000 individuals and families in over 220 locations. Concern offers a variety of housing options with individualized support services designed to support personal growth and independence.
About The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC)
Established in 1974, CPC is a nonprofit affordable housing and community revitalization finance company that believes housing is central to transforming underserved neighborhoods into thriving and vibrant communities. CPC is largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the country dedicated to investing in housing development, and tod date, CPC has leveraged approximately $9.7 billion in private and public investment to finance more than 170,660 units of housing. The company’s work with its partners has helped revitalize countless neighborhoods and provided quality housing for families, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Follow CPC at communityp.com, and on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.