Ground broken on affordable housing in South Bronx

Developers began construction today on an affordable housing community that will house thousands of South Bronx residents. The project will include eight new buildings containing a total of 640 units on Eagle Avenue and 156th Street in the Melrose neighborhood. Jackson Development Group and Joy Construction expect to complete the first phase of construction, six buildings costing approximately $169 million, in about two years. The project has been in the works for around three years, in a neighborhood that “desperately needs new opportunities for housing and development,” said Community Board 1 District Manager Cedric Loftin. Residents’ income will determine eligibility and qualifying families will be selected through a lottery.