Melrose North was developed by Bronx Pro Group and Services for the Underserved (S:US). The 171-unit project serves households earning between 40% and 80% of AMI, including 103 supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues, as well as individuals and families who have been victims of domestic violence. The building is Passive House certified and includes a computer room, outdoor gym, laundry, play area, and community garden. There is 24-hour security and S:US’s social service offices are located on the ground floor. Additionally, the nonprofit Dreamyard Project has approximately 5,000 square feet of community facility space on site. Here, Bronx youth will learn professional development, design, and marketing for the burgeoning gaming industry. As part of the project, the development team constructed an accessible ramp for the adjacent Metro North station and a trash compactor for the adjacent NYCHA properties will be installed in the building.
Bronx Pro and S:US were awarded the site through a NYCHA RFP. NYCHA retains ownership of the site, and the beneficial owner of the project entered a 99-year ground lease with NYCHA. Construction was financed with HDC bonds and subsidy, HPD subsidy through the Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP), tax credit equity, a $1.996 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, deferred accrued interest, and deferred developer fee. Fifty-two of the supportive housing units will receive NYC 15/15 HRA subsidy for the social services and matching rental assistance from HPD to cover operating expenses. The remaining 51 supportive housing units are funded through ESSHI.
