The city is expanding its affordable housing program for seniors by updating an existing initiative that provides flexible, multigenerational housing options for older adults.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) on July 30 said they have updated the Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program, which traditionally funded studio and one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors.
Under the new rules, developers will be required to include at least 20% two-bedroom units in SARA projects built in areas with limited affordable housing. In other neighborhoods, the two-bedroom units will be encouraged as part of a more inclusive design approach.
The updated guidelines aim to support older adults who live with adult children, grandchildren, or live-in aides by creating more room for shared households.
“For too long, our city’s housing policies have made it harder for older adults to live with aids, children, or other family members," Adams said in a statement. "With these new rules, we’ll build more senior housing with extra bedrooms and help more families find an affordable place to live together in New York City."
According to city data, one in three older adults in New York lives with an adult child and most moved into their homes together. The policy aims to ensure that seniors who want or need to live with others can access affordable housing that meets their needs.
