New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was joined by various elected officials in the University Heights section of The Bronx on Oct. 21 to announce a $55 million Empire State Development (ESD) investment to advance Fordham Landing South, Phase I of what has been described as a transformative, 100 percent affordable Fordham Landing Development housing project planned along the Harlem River.

 

Dynamic Star, LLC, the developers behind the project had given an update on the three-acre site to Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) members on Feb. 11 at their monthly land use committee meeting.

 

Hochul’s office said the promised State funds, as reported, will support essential site infrastructure, including site acquisition, planning and design, infrastructure construction, and other costs, to unlock a mixed-use, transit-oriented development that will bring new affordable homes, jobs, and public space to the Bronx Harlem River waterfront.

 

Joining Hochul, among other officials at the press conference were Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (A.D. 83), Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia (A.D. 86), Assemblymember Landon Dais (A.D. 77), and Council Member Pierina Sanchez (C.D. 14).

 

Building on the City of New York’s plan announced in August 2025, State officials said Fordham Landing South will, as reported, create more than 900 new affordable homes. They said the project will also transform an underutilized stretch of the Harlem River located at by University Heights Bridge and Fordham Road into a vibrant, connected neighborhood featuring a charter school, grocery store, underground parking, three acres of public waterfront, and improved access to Metro-North service.

 

“Across New York, we are taking bold action to tackle the housing crisis and make our state more affordable for everyone,” Hochul said in part. “Projects like Fordham Landing South are what progress looks like — government at every level coming together to turn vacant or underused land into vibrant communities with affordable homes, jobs and public space. I’m proud that New York State is investing in the Bronx and building a stronger, more inclusive future for all New Yorkers.”

 

For her part, Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Affordable housing is not only essential to our communities, it is the foundation of economic opportunity. Through this investment, ESD is helping to lay the groundwork for nearly 1,000 new affordable homes that will give Bronx families stability and access to transit, parks, and good jobs. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, and in close partnership with the Assembly and the City, we’re transforming this stretch of the Harlem River into a model for inclusive, sustainable development.”

 

Meanwhile, Heastie said, “It is said that New York City is the city that never sleeps, but for too many finding a place to call home has been a challenge. As our city expands, the shortage of affordable housing has become increasingly apparent. Our aging infrastructure, coupled with the urgent need for affordable housing projects, makes the Fordham Landing project more crucial than ever.”

 

He added, “It addresses numerous concerns for the Bronx and our city as a whole making today’s announcement a big win. I want to express my gratitude to Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to making housing a priority, and to Assemblymember Tapia for her unwavering dedication to her district and the overall well-being of the Bronx.”

 

Tapia said she was proud to lead the effort to secure $55 million in state funding to make the long-awaited project a reality for the community. “After nearly four decades, we are finally unlocking the potential of this site and transforming it into something that serves the people of the Bronx,” she said.

 

She continued, “Fordham Landing South will deliver nearly 1,000 affordable homes and the first public access to this stretch of the Harlem River. This is about empowering families so they can live with dignity, put food on the table, and build a community where Bronx residents can live, work, and thrive. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Speaker Heastie for working with me to bring this vision to life.”

 

Gibson said Fordham Landing South was a significant investment in the borough, with 100% affordable housing, a new pedestrian bridge, an extended platform to better connect Bronxites to jobs, schools, and opportunity, access to recreational space, and so much more. “Once it’s completed, this project will serve as a prime example of positive development designed with intentionality and balance to best serve the needs of our communities,” she said.

 

Gibson added, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for a $55 million investment into this project that will help alleviate our city’s housing crisis and ensure our residents have access to safe and affordable housing opportunities in our borough.”