New Report Finds Affordable, Supportive Housing Development Delivers Economic Impact in the Bronx Well Before the Doors Open
New Report Finds Affordable, Supportive Housing Development Delivers Economic Impact in the Bronx Well Before the Doors Open
Grant $23M Boost to Local Economy, Hundreds of Jobs Created Midway through Construction of $335M Development
(BRONX, NEW YORK) – April 21, 2026 – Samaritan Daytop Village and Mega Contracting Group today released an analysis documenting the economic impact of constructing an affordable, supportive, and transitional housing development in the Highbridge section of the Bronx.
Construction on Highbridge, a $335-million mixed-use development led by Samaritan with Mega serving as the General Contractor, began in late 2024. With its opening projected for 2027, today’s analysis shows that Highbridge has already contributed more than $23 million to the Bronx economy through job creation, local hiring, and spending with neighborhood businesses.
“Developments like Highbridge are about more than affordable places to live. They are essential infrastructure—like schools, transit, and health care systems—that generate immediate and long-term economic benefits,” said Mitchell Netburn, President and CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village. “Long before residents move in, Highbridge is creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and bringing new investment into the Bronx.”
Key findings from the report include:
- $5.91 million already spent with Bronx-based businesses, with more projected
- 40% of subcontracts awarded to Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises
- 350-400 workers on site daily, including 145 who live in the local community
- Wages ranging from $20 to $50 per hour
- An estimated $35,000 spent weekly at local restaurants, bodegas, food trucks, convenience stores, and neighborhood retailers
“Creating stable, affordable homes not only meets a critical need, it also strengthens communities by creating jobs and supporting local businesses,” said Hercules Argyriou, Vice President of Mega Contracting Group. “At Highbridge, and all our developments, we are proud to invest in both people and the local economy.”
When complete, Highbridge will have 316 units of permanent housing (60% of them supportive) and 106 shelter units for families, along with more than 30,000 square feet of community and outdoor space designed to promote health and connection. The development will include on-site services provided by Samaritan Daytop Village, supporting residents with behavioral health care, vocational training, and pathways to long-term stability. There will be approximately 100 permanent jobs, with Samaritan’s commitment to hiring locally ensuring that the economic benefits remain rooted in the community.
Highbridge’s environmentally friendly features – including an urban farm, stormwater management, energy-efficient systems meeting Passive House standards, and heat pump systems – will contribute to environmental improvements in the South Bronx. The building has already been recognized for its environmental impact, earning a $1-million NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence award for resilient, climate-friendly multifamily buildings.
Highbridge is made possible through strong public-private partnerships, including with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Department of Homeless Services (DHS), New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, NYSERDA, Richman Housing Resources, Citi Community Capital, The Leviticus Fund, The Down Payment Assistance Fund, and Deutsche Bank.
Download the Highbridge Economic Impact Report.
ABOUT SAMARITAN DAYTOP VILLAGE:
Since 1960, Samaritan Daytop Village has been improving the quality of life for New Yorkers. We are nationally recognized for our treatment of substance use disorder as well as for the veteran-specific approach we pioneered. Our continuum of services also includes primary health and mental health care, transitional and supportive housing, educational and vocational assistance, peer-assisted recovery, and specialized programs for adolescents, families, and older adults. Annually, Samaritan Daytop Village serves over 43,000 people at more than 80 programs throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, and we continue to grow.
ABOUT MEGA CONTRACTING GROUP
Mega Contracting Group is a full-service development, general contracting, and construction management firm dedicated to shaping communities across the New York metropolitan area. From residential and commercial buildings to landmark renovations, public infrastructure, and complex institutional projects, the firm brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every stage of the building process and is known for delivering high-quality projects with precision, integrity, and a strong commitment to long-term community impact.
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