Development Continues Revitalization Effort of West Side with 33 Units of New High-Quality Affordable Housing on Clinton Avenue to Open early April
Port Chester, NY (March 4, 2013) – In a sign of the continuing revitalization of Bridgeport’s West Side, developer POKO Partners LLC will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 12 at 9:30 AM to celebrate the completion of the Clinton Commons Apartments at 91 Clinton Avenue. POKO will be joined by Mayor Bill Finch, State Senator Andres Ayala and State Representative Ezequiel Santiago along with DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith and CHFA Executive Director Eric Chatman whose agencies helped fund the 33-unit affordable housing project.
POKO Partners believes the completion of this project is a linchpin in the continued revitalization of the West End of Bridgeport. The new complex, set to open in early April, offers 33 units of high-quality affordable housing, 10 of which will be provided social and supportive services through the Alpha Community Services YMCA, a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.. Income restrictions do apply.
According to POKO Partners President Ken Olson, “as Bridgeport continues to seek to revitalize itself through a bold Master Plan, there are crucial aspects of the City’s dynamic that are needed before the revitalization vision can fully take hold. There is little doubt that Bridgeport has a critical gap between the demand for and the supply of quality affordable housing with a supportive services component. High quality affordable housing along with supportive services is a priority for this region and we believe that Clinton Commons Apartments will satisfy just this need.”
“The addition of these new, well-built housing units is critical to the future development of Bridgeport,” commented Carmen Colon, Executive Director of the Alpha Community Services Y, “working in partnership with such great allies helps the YMCA achieve its mission.”
According to Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, “building more rental housing in our city has been one of our highest priorities. This development is a fine example of what can be accomplished with great partnerships, thanks to the collaborative efforts of POKO, the Alpha Community Services YMCA, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development,” said Mayor Finch. “These new affordable rental housing units will benefit the entire West End community. I’m looking forward to welcoming these new residents to the neighborhood.”
Clinton Commons Apartments offers a mix of one, two and three bedroom units in a LEED silver building, offering modern energy efficient appliances. Designed by Crosskey Architects, the 4.5 story single building has six townhouse style units that form a street frontage and a welcoming appearance to the development. An elevator will serve upper floors, and there are 27 handicap accessible units. Ample parking is available for tenants. Clinton Commons promises to be a cornerstone development for the ongoing revitalization efforts on the West Side.
Financing for Clinton Commons Apartments was provided by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Applications are available from POKO Management Corp., 225 Westchester Avenue, Port
Chester, NY 10573, (tel) 914-937-5129, ext. 318 or by email from RENTS@POKOMGT.COM or by visiting the POKO website at http://www.pokopartners.com/media/ClintonCommons-AptApplicationwithcoverletter.pdf
About POKO Partners, LLC
POKO Partners LLC is a socially responsible private real estate company founded in 1993 by Kenneth Olson. Based in Port Chester, New York, POKO Partners’ core philosophy embraces the development of quality, mixed-income and affordable housing to positively impact undervalued neighborhoods throughout New York City and Connecticut. POKO Partners strives to spur economic and community revitalization by creating neighborhoods, not just buildings. Other POKO projects include Threadmill Apartments, Stonington, CT; Wall Street Place,
Norwalk, CT; Delany Lofts, Harlem, NY; Bronx Apartments in the Melrose section of the Bronx, NY, and Clinton Commons, Bridgeport, CT. For more information, visit www.pokopartners.com.
About the Alpha Community Services YMCA, a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Alpha Community Services YMCA, a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA addresses the basic needs for shelter, dignity and self-sufficiency by providing a range of housing opportunities and supportive services. The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is a community service agency dedicated to addressing community needs that enrich families, promote health and wellness, develop youth and build self-esteem for all. YMCA membership and participation is open to everyone regardless of race or ethnic background, religious preference or ability to pay. The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with eleven Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport while also operating YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, a 1,000 acre residential and day camp in Mt. Washington, Massachusetts.
cccymca.org
203-777-9622