Lewisboro Commons Brings 42 Family-Friendly Affordable Homes to Northern Westchester with Convenient Access to Metro North Train Station
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the completion of a $22 million affordable housing development in the Westchester County town of Lewisboro. Known as Lewisboro Commons, the development includes 42 affordable apartments for individuals and families near the Goldens Bridge Metro North train station.
“This development demonstrates our commitment to making housing affordability a reality for all New Yorkers, especially in places like Westchester County,” Commissioner Visnauskas said. “Lewisboro Commons provides contemporary homes to 42 households while making the surrounding community a more diverse and vibrant place to live. Congratulations to the Housing Action Council, Wilder Balter Partners, and the entire community for embracing housing choice and bringing this development over the finish line.”
Lewisboro Commons complements Governor Kathy 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.
Constructed on vacant land off a main thoroughfare in Westchester County, Lewisboro Commons is approximately a mile from a shopping center and the Goldens Bridge Metro North train station, which provides direct access to multiple areas of employment including White Plains and New York City. A shuttle offers daily service in the morning and evenings to the train station, and scheduled trips to shopping and medical facilities.
All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. There are 10 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom apartments. Additional residential amenities include a community room, wellness rooms, a sports court, children’s play area, and walking trails.
Lewisboro Commons was designed to meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Low Rise Residential Construction Program and includes Energy Star or equivalent appliances, heating and air conditioning equipment, and lighting. Lewisboro Commons was also certified by the U.S. Green Building Council under LEED for Homes Gold.
The development team consists of Housing Action Council and Wilder Balter Partners, Inc.
State financing for Lewisboro Commons includes $9.8 million in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and an additional $4.2 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. NYSERDA is providing $42,000 in support.
Westchester County provided $2.3 million through the New Homes Land Acquisition Program and $1.1 million from the HOME program. The Community Preservation Corporation is providing a $3.7 million SONYMA-insured permanent loan through its partnership with NYCRS.
Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “Advancing climate-resilient and affordable housing like Lewisboro Commons is a key component of New York’s comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings statewide and achieving Governor Hochul’s goal to develop two million climate friendly homes by 2030. NYSERDA is proud to support projects that demonstrate how effective design and use of energy-efficient appliances, high-performance equipment and materials can provide healthy living spaces and cut energy costs for residents.”
State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Lewisboro Commons is a great example of what we can accomplish when we come together to make affordable housing a reality in the Hudson Valley and a showcase for the quality affordable housing created by Wilder Balter. These apartments will be homes to families of moderate incomes who provide essential services to our communities. In addition, these apartments are environmentally friendly and easily accessible to public transportation.”
Assembly Member Chris Burdick said, “Congratulations to Wilder Balter Partners for completing Lewisboro Commons with its 42 affordable apartments off of Route 22. The accomplishment took tremendous persistence and determination and serves as an outstanding example of just what can be done to address our housing needs. I’ve had the pleasure of touring the Commons and it is a well-built and beautiful addition to the town. Kudos to former Supervisor Peter Parsons and the entire Town Board for seeing this project to fruition.”
Town of Lewisboro Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said, “Lewisboro Commons is a welcome addition to the town of Lewisboro and the Goldens Bridge hamlet. We have provided the ability for 42 families to enjoy all that Lewisboro has to offer. I am proud of this accomplishment as it is another example of the positive progress towards community building which is being experienced in Lewisboro. Not to be forgotten, were the contributions by the various town offices that helped turn this into a reality, including our Housing Committee, Planning Board and Town Board. I would also like to thank Wilder Balter for the quality work and the energy efficiency features which are part of this project.”
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander said, “Access to high-quality and truly affordable housing is a critical need across New York State. I am grateful to our partners who have invested in this project and the work of Homes and Community Renewal on today’s announcement that will directly benefit New Yorkers and increase our limited affordable housing supply.”
William Balter, President, Wilder Balter Partners, said, “WBP Development is proud of the collaboration between New York State, Westchester County, the Town of Lewisboro to bring much needed affordable homes for families in northern Westchester that can benefit from a high performing school district and in close proximity to major employment centers. WBP is also pleased to recognize the NYS climate goals by designing to the NYSERDA and LEED for Homes Gold standards with all electric HVAC and hot water systems.”
Rose Noonan, Executive Director, Housing Action Council, said, “We are thrilled with the completion of Lewisboro Commons and particularly pleased to be a part of this public/private partnership. These homes offer quality affordable housing for families and individuals of modest means. Given the demand for this community, we hope to work on similar developments in Northern Westchester.”
Doug Olcott, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, the Community Preservation Corporation, said, “Projects like Lewisboro Commons demonstrate the impact that mission-driven investments can have in meeting the unique housing needs of a community. This new energy efficient building will be a catalyst for bringing people together, providing stability to its tenants, and will serve as a critical resource of affordability for the Lewisboro community. My thanks to our longtime funding partners at NYCRS, to NYS HCR, to the Housing Action Council and to Wilder Balter, and all of the people who supported this important project.”