New York governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled plans for an affordable housing project, Liberty Landing, in West Chelsea, Manhattan, US. 

The project is a joint venture between Camber Property Group and Osborne Association. 

It represents more than $108m investment aimed at converting 100,000ft² former Bayview Correctional Facility into housing for low-income residents and individuals reentering society post-incarceration. 

The project intends to largely preserve the Main and Annex buildings and construct a new structure within the existing courtyard to optimise residential space.  

Once completed, the complex will feature 124 affordable housing units. 

In addition, it will include a 9,300ft² community facility dedicated to youth programmes.  

The development will further have a 15-unit transitional residence for individuals with mental health challenges. 

The State Office of Mental Health is set to contribute both capital and operational funding for the transitional housing component.  

The proposed project is sponsored by Empire State Development and will follow a General Project Plan.  

It will undergo an environmental review as mandated by the State Environmental Quality Review Act and will be subject to public scrutiny and feedback before receiving final approval. 

Besides, Osborne Association, the supportive service partner for Liberty Landing, is poised to deliver a suite of on-site social services.  

Osborne Association president and CEO Jon Monsalve said: “We are proud to partner with New York State and Camber Property Group to transform the Bayview Correctional Facility into a community asset.  

“With decades of experience in reentry support, Osborne is expanding its housing portfolio in direct response to the overrepresentation of older adults and LGBTQIA+ people in our jails and prisons and the dearth of housing options for them when they return to the community.”