State, City and local officials, including those from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly constructed St. James Terrace, a mixed-income, affordable, and supportive housing development located at 2520 Jerome Avenue in Fordham Manor on Oct. 29.

 

HCR is the State’s affordable housing agency, “with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.”

 

The nine-story, 102-unit residence is located adjacent to St. James Episcopal Church, a designated landmark in The Bronx, and the building includes a rooftop terrace, resident lounges, multi-purpose rooms, a laundry room, bicycle storage, and a fitness room. Residents of St. James Terrace and the Church community will have access to a new landscaped courtyard located between the church and the residential building.

NYS Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia (A.D. 86) said at the ceremony, “This is one of the poorest districts that we have in the State of New York and not only that, one of the biggest crises we have right now is affordable housing.”

 

According to officials, the $64 million development will include a community center and a weekly food pantry along with an afterschool program that will provide tutoring and snacks to school-aged children who live in the residence.

 

Ruthanne Visnauskas, commissioner at HCR, said at the ceremony, “St. James Terrace is a shining example of the power of partnership and addressing a housing crisis that has impacted people throughout New York City and especially here in The Bronx.”

Meanwhile, Ramon Sanchez, a resident of St. James Terrace, said of the new complex, “I found something that I’ve been seeking my whole life – stability. It shows me that there are resources and that there are ways for things to be accomplished.”

 

Concern Housing, a nonprofit agency committed to helping individuals and families to live in the community with dignity and enhanced opportunities through the provision of housing and support services, manages the project. Ralph Fasano, its  executive director, said, “St. James Terrace represents not only the hard work and dedication of all those who made this possible, but also a brighter future for the members of the community who will call it home.”

 

He added, “New York City is in desperate need of more affordable and supportive housing, and we are grateful for our partners who have helped make this moment possible. Providing a stable place to live against this beautiful and historic backdrop is an immense source of pride for our organization.”

For her part, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said, “Affordable housing is crucial in addressing the housing crisis in The Bronx. The completion of St. James Terrace is a significant step forward, providing 102 new homes and essential services for our most vulnerable residents. I want to thank Gov. [Kathy] Hochul, St. James Episcopal Church and everyone else who was involved in bringing this project to fruition.”

 

As reported, during the Bronx CB7 Housing Committee meeting dated Sept. 15, 2020, a spirited debate evolved among residents, committee members and church representatives over plans to build the affordable housing complex.

 

Some homeowners had concerns that the addition of more affordable housing in the area would affect the value of their homes. They also had concerns that the neighborhood did not have sufficient school, transportation, or other resources or amenities to absorb more residents.

During the discussion, then-Bronx Community Board 7 District Manager Ischia Bravo ensured all parties were heard, stepping in to check anyone who sought to badger homeowners over their concerns, while also contextualizing the need for more affordable housing by saying, “Being poor is not a crime.”

 

As also reported, in May 2023, the New York Episcopal Federal Credit Union (NYEFCU) was officially launched on the campus of St. James Episcopal Church, located at 2500 Jerome Avenue, opposite Monroe College. Officials said at the time the launch marked a major milestone in enhancing financial inclusivity for those who they described as the diocese’s marginalized and unbanked populations, and signified a new chapter in the church’s mission to promote justice and compassion in the world.

 

Meanwhile, State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) also welcomed the opening of the new affordable housing complex, which he said will provide families with an affordable place to live along with the supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability. He added, “It is essential that we continue to prioritize affordable housing in our city.”