LGBTQ+ Friendly Affordable Housing Complex OK'd For White Plains

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A new senior housing development — that will be Westchester County’s first LGBTQ+ friendly affordable housing complex — was approved Monday.

The county Board of Legislators unanimously OK’d the lease agreement for the property at 143 Grand St. in White Plains.

Westchester County purchased the property in 2000. It is partially occupied by the county’s Board of Elections, though most of the property has remained vacant for years, according to a spokesperson.

County officials said the new development will transform the location into a beautiful and functional affordable housing complex called Court Street Residences.

It will consist of at least 140 residential units for applicants age 55 and up.

Legislator Ben Boykin D-White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison, said he is familiar with the property — as a White Plains city councilman and as a county legislator.

“I am thrilled to see this project finally come to fruition,” he said. “Creating safe and inclusive spaces for our seniors is crucial in guaranteeing that they are able to age with dignity and respect.”

A corporation formed by HANAC Inc. and Monadnock Development LLC will construct the new complex on the southwest corner of Court and Quarropas streets.

The facility will be all-electric and will incorporate green technology, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable. It will also feature a range of amenities such as parking, community rooms, an exercise room, on-site laundry, a computer room and medical/hospital offices with significant programs for seniors.

The units will be subject to affordability restrictions for the entire term of the lease, which can be up to 95 years. The new development will also set aside a portion of the units for households with incomes at or below 80 percent and 60 percent of the area median income, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, securing housing for seniors who need it most.

The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center will also be leasing space at the new mixed-use development. The center will coordinate outreach to eligible LGBTQ+ seniors and assist them with applying for the available units, ensuring it will be an inclusive community that meets the needs of all seniors.

While housing affordability affects households of all backgrounds and demographics, older individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ are statistically more likely to experience discrimination and harassment as a result of housing affordability, according to a county spokesperson. The population is also less likely to have children or other family members to help meet their needs as they age, further exacerbating the crisis.

Judy Troilo, executive director of The LOFT, said there was a time in the recent past when LGBTQ+ community members were not living long enough to take advantage of senior housing.

“There was also so much fear associated with identifying as LGBTQ+ publicly,” she said. “This housing today is a symbol of how far we have come.”

Troilo said the brand-new center will include space for its growing programs and will make a home for a partner provider to offer medical and mental health services specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Westchester.

“Having all these incredible services under one roof is truly groundbreaking and will no doubt become a model for others to follow nationally,” she said.