Lead developer the NRP Group with equity owners Forward Thinkers Development and Grandview Consulting on Dec. 17 broke ground on Opal 115, a 315-unit affordable housing project in Mount Vernon near the Mount Vernon West Metro-North station. The development parcel is bounded by MacQuesten Parkway, Grove Street and South Terrace Avenue. The apartments will be divided among two buildings, with about half consisting of two-bedroom and three-bedroom units.
Opal 115 will feature an 8,300 square-foot basketball court, fitness center, a playground, 4,800 square-feet of retail space, and space for a nonprofit. The building will have solar panels on the roof, electric heat pumps and water heaters in each unit, and Energy Star appliances. It is expected to receive LEED Silver certification and Energy Star Multifamily New Construction certification.
The affordable housing project is receiving government support, including funding through New York state’s Housing and Community Renewal Division’s Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program that is expected to generate $83 million in equity, $39 million from its New Construction Program, a $38 million First Mortgage from its Housing Finance Agency, and $3.2 million from its Middle-Income Housing Program.
Empire State Development awarded the project $8.7 million.
The project is participating in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Cleanup Program and after completion of environmental cleanup work will be eligible for $11 million in tax credits to be issued by the New York State Department of Tax and Finance. The project also is supported by $11 million in Westchester County Flex Funding and $6 million in Westchester County New Homes Land Acquisition funding. The project is expected to obtain a 30-year Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the City of Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, “We are not just constructing buildings; we are creating vibrant spaces that address the needs of our community, offering workforce housing, community centers, gyms, retail spaces, and commercial opportunities. Projects like this located around the Mount Vernon West train station embody the true spirit of transit-oriented development: fostering growth, accessibility, and opportunity for all residents. This is the future we envision and are committed to delivering for the people of Mount Vernon.”
According to Jonathan Gertman, senior vice president of development at The NRP Group, “Opal 115 represents the best of what can be achieved when we unite to address housing affordability and community investment. What was an underutilized site is now being transformed into a vibrant cornerstone of opportunity for Mount Vernon, reflecting both its historic roots and its bright future. With affordable homes, thoughtful design, and excellent access to transit, Opal 115 will connect families to opportunities and strengthen the neighborhood for generations to come.”
