Go hard and go home? The city will encourage and, in some instances, mandate developers to include more two-bedroom units when building affordable housing for seniors, Mayor Eric Adams announced on July 30.
The Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program, which helps finance construction to house low-income people age 62 and older, will require at least 20% of units in new buildings participating in the low-interest loan initiative to have two-bedrooms in neighborhoods with the least amount of affordable housing units. New buildings in other neighborhoods can also designate 20% of a new building’s units as two-bedrooms, which the program previously did not include.
“We want to make sure that older New Yorkers can age with dignity and community right here
in the city they love,” said New York City Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “With these new policy changes, we’re proudly acknowledging that households with older adults can take many shapes and forms, and expanding our city’s housing programs to reflect that long-lived reality.”
The Adams administration believes the reforms will accommodate the growing need for housing beyond one-bedrooms or studios. About 29% of New York City seniors live with their children, according to the Center for Research on Housing Opportunity, Mobility, and Equity.
SARA, which operates under the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), bankrolls building or repurposing 100% affordable housing apartments that are age-restricted for seniors. A participating developer must be (or partner with) a nonprofit provider to qualify for capital funds.
Most SARA-funded housing previously focused on one-bedroom and studio apartments; 30% of those units must also be designated for seniors experiencing homelessness. A supportive housing model to reach the threshold may be implemented.
This announcement comes as New York City’s older population continues rising, largely credited to a significant growth in older Black, Brown, and Asian New Yorkers.
Reforming SARA stems from the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning plan to remove antiquated development barriers contributing to the city’s housing stock shortage. Last week also marked “Housing Week” for the Adams administration, which promoted efforts to build more housing.
“For too long, our city’s housing policies have made it harder for older adults to live with aides, children, or other family members,” said Adams. “Today, our administration is changing that. With these new rules, we’ll build more senior housing with extra bedrooms and help more families find an affordable place to live together in New York City.”
This City is desperately in need of housing for seniors and returning ing and retired Veterans .