A topping out ceremony has been held for Mt. Hope Plaza, a 56-unit apartment building at 65 Lake St. in White Plains. Because of the construction techniques used for the building, a concrete slab was hoisted into place to mark completion of the building’s final floor rather than a steel beam as is used in topping out ceremonies for buildings having steel frameworks. The slab was signed by various officials and other guests at the event and carried an American flag.
Among those attending the event were White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, State Sen. Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Chris Burdick, County Legislator Ben Boykin, White Plains City Council President Victoria Presser, and representatives of the project’s developers Mt. Hope Community Development Corporation and Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church and Community Housing Innovations (CHI).
“Mt. Hope Plaza is more than just a building; it’s a testament to the power of community partnership and a commitment to ensuring our seniors have a safe, stable place to call home,” said Ron Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations. “This project, in partnership with Mt. Hope Community Development Corporation and with strong support from our elected officials, will provide 56 units of affordable housing, with a special focus on those seniors who have experienced homelessness. We’re proud to be part of a project that addresses such a critical need in our community.”
The building will feature a structured parking garage, with 47 spaces shared with the church. All 56 apartments are designated for adults aged 62 and older with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. CHI will manage 20 of the 56 units that will specifically cater to seniors experiencing homelessness, supported by services funded under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. CHI serves individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have special needs, offering a range of programs including emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, and supportive services.
Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith, senior pastor of Mt. Hope A.M.E Zion Church, had been a major proponent of the project saying, “Our seniors are the crown jewels of the community with the greatest need for affordable adequate living accommodations. Unfortunately, they are our most forgotten. Our mission is without question to minimize and or eliminate this atrocious situation. Mt. Hope Plaza design will provide a comfortable living space during their maturing golden years.”
Sen. Mayer has described the project as “a tremendous example of Westchester’s commitment to affordable housing and ensuring our aging community and those who need supportive services can remain in the community they love.”
Funding sources include Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, subsidies from New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal, support from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, investments from Westchester County and the City of White Plains, and financing from Webster Bank.
