Construction Starts On $40M, 66-Unit Affordable Senior Housing Complex On Long Island (2025)

It will "provide households with an affordable place to call home" and will "provide vulnerable residents support," governor says.

Posted Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 4:47 pm ET

Apartments will be available for households for people over 55 years old and earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty-three supportive apartments will be reserved for eligible seniors struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges. The project has been developed by WellLife Network, which will also provide on-site support for eligible tenants such as health services, case management, crisis intervention, and vocational training.

The three-story building will also have sustainable features like electric heating and cooling, energy-efficient appliances, including laundry facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, storm drainage retention ponds, and outdoor green space.

The development is scheduled to be completed in summer of 2026.

Medford Gardens complements Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, according to her office.

Hochul said her staffers are "committed to creating more opportunities for older New Yorkers to downsize into smaller homes in communities they love."

“Medford Gardens will provide households with an affordable place to call home and provide vulnerable residents the support they need and deserve to continue to live independently," she said. "Thank you to the town of Brookhaven for your partnership and for showing what it means to be a Pro-Housing Community.”

The development is supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs that are expected to generate $19 million in equity, $6.7 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, $3.6 million from its Federal Housing Trust Fund, and nearly $800,000 from its NYS HOME Program.

Additional support includes a $7.9 million from the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Operating funding for the 33 supportive units is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the state's Office of Mental Health.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said that "creating affordable, energy-efficient, and supportive homes is the cornerstone of HCR’s work."

"This $40 million investment will allow 66 senior households the opportunity to live independently in a place they can afford," she said. "We thank the town of Brookhaven — a certified Pro-Housing Community — as well as WellLife and other local partners for sharing our vision on addressing the housing crisis on Long Island.”

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn said that once complete, the development will provide "seniors who have experienced homelessness with safe, affordable, energy-efficient apartments they can call home, along with on-site access to support services that will help them live stable and successful lives in Suffolk County."

"We are grateful to Governor Hochul for making landmark investments to expand supportive housing across New York State, and to WellLife Network and all the state and local partners who are supporting this much-needed project," she said.

The state's Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan noted, "Supportive housing is a critical component of our effort to ensure all seniors in our state — especially those living with mental illness — have a safe and welcome place to call home."

"Medford Gardens will help address this critical need on Long Island, where affordable housing is in high demand," she said. "This development, like others supported through the Empire State Supportive Housing initiative, demonstrates Governor Hochul’s continued resolve to establish more specialized housing to serve those New Yorkers most in need.”

New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said the project highlights Hochul’s "unwavering commitment to older New Yorkers and bolsters our achievement as being designated an age-friendly state."

"In particular, this is significant because it helps those in need and addresses the housing crisis on Long Island," he said. "Affordable housing with on-site support services will help ensure older New Yorkers can be as independent as possible for as long as possible in the homes and communities of their choice.”

WellLife Network Chief Executive Officer Sherry Tucker said the development "will represent more than just brick and mortar" by being "a symbol of hope, stability, and opportunity for community members that need it most."

"By expanding access to badly needed affordable and supportive housing, we are investing in the future of individuals who deserve a safe and supportive place to call home," she said. "This development underscores WellLife's commitment to ensuring that every Long Islander has the resources they need to thrive.”

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine explained that "smart affordable housing projects are essential to keeping people" on the island.

"This initiative helps propel that goal, and we look forward to working with New York State and our local leaders to provide more housing opportunities for those who want to call Long Island home," he added.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico noted that "combating housing insecurity for seniors, including those seniors with disabilities, takes action by local governments working with partners in the industry."

"Unfortunately, there are many such seniors who have served our nation in the armed services, but face homelessness," he said, adding that Brookhaven "is actively working to reduce homelessness for our residents, especially for our veterans.”

State Senator Dean Murray said, "They say we are judged by how we treat those in need. I'm proud to work with Governor Hochul, the folks at [New York State] Homes and Community Renewal, and our friends at WellLife Network to provide an affordable, multi-family development that also provides supportive services to those in need."

Assemb. Joe DeStefano said the project is "a welcome addition to our community and we look forward to its new residents."

“This affordable, supportive housing will transform their lives," he said.