Sixth and Final Phase of Redevelopment of the Former Cottage Place Gardens To Transform Vacant Buildings Into All-Electric Affordable Housing at The Ridgeway’s Campus

Development Advances Governor Hochul’s $25 Billion Plan To Tackle the Housing Crisis and Promote Smart Growth

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on Willow at The Ridgeway, an eight-story all-electric building in the city of Yonkers that creates 92 affordable homes supported by Section 8 project-based vouchers for seniors. Developed by The Community Builders and the Mulford Corporation, a nonprofit affiliate of the Yonkers Housing Authority, the complex will replace three vacant public housing buildings. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed nearly 3,200 affordable homes in Westchester County. Willow at The Ridgeway continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide

“The people of Yonkers are acutely aware that New York desperately needs more affordable, energy-efficient housing,” Governor Hochul said. “As we break ground on Willow at The Ridgeway, we are once again demonstrating that we’re willing to do what it takes to boost the supply of quality homes, to transform vacant properties, and to create opportunities for seniors to age in place or relocate to be part of this city’s bright future.”

Located near multiple bus lines and a train station serving Metro-North and Amtrak, the transit-oriented development will complete the decade-long redevelopment of the vacant former Cottage Place Gardens public housing complex’s campus, now known as The Ridgeway, which has taken place over the course of five prior phases. The new building will be oriented to maximize sunlight and views of the Hudson River.

All apartments at Willow at The Ridgeway are designed for seniors earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Residents are provided with free high-speed internet in every unit, access to a resident terrace and a solar canopy, and a private landscaped area that will include seating, raised garden beds and a bocce court. The Yonkers Housing Authority, The Community Builders, Inc. and the Mulford Corporation will also cultivate relationships with local partners, such as the Yonkers Office of Aging, to offer additional services for residents through direct referrals.

The development addresses a need for affordable housing for seniors in the Ashburton Avenue area, where affordable housing developments, including on The Ridgeway campus, experience lengthy waiting lists.

Read the full press release here.