Phipps Houses and H2M win key environmental award

Melville, NY Phipps Houses (Phipps), New York City’s oldest and largest nonprofit affordable housing developer, in partnership with H2M architects + engineers (H2M), a leading consulting and design firm, has received the Big Apple Brownfield Award. 

Each year, the New York City Brownfield Partnership recognizes the successful cleanup of brownfields: developed land that has been underutilized or abandoned and carries a high risk of environmental contamination. Phipps and H2M were recognized for their work on Phase 4 of a five-phase development in Far Rockaway, Queens, that brings 1,700 high-quality affordable apartments and over 125,000 s/f of commercial/community facility space to the area. 

Phase 4 of the development revitalized a one-acre site previously occupied by vacant land and dilapidated two-story residential buildings. The redevelopment added 183 units of affordable housing to the area, including 28 units designated for formally homeless individuals and families, and features a wide variety of amenities, including outdoor spaces and a community center. The development also includes a Phipps Neighborhood Opportunity Center which provides workforce development, youth services, and community resource programs for residents.

As the project environmental consultant, H2M helped Phipps navigate the requirements for the New York City’s Local Brownfield Cleanup Program. H2M provided environmental site assessments, soil sampling reports, and investigative reports, and oversee the identification and removal of approximately 15,275 tons of contaminated soil. The New York City Office of Environmental Remediation issued a Notice of Completion in 2024.

“This project highlights our mission to build thriving communities that are healthy, safe, and affordable while ensuring long-term growth in our neighborhoods,” said Kelly Biscuso, vice president of development at Phipps Houses. “In collaboration with H2M we ensured that we met the highest environmental standards for families living at Rockaway Village.”

“Brownfield cleanup projects can help revitalize the land, set the groundwork for economic development, and contribute to a healthy and vibrant community,” said Kevin Taylor, P.E., P.G., CIH, vice president and deputy director of environmental engineering & sciences at H2M architects + engineers. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done with Phipps Houses, and even prouder of its impact on the environment and local neighborhood.”

The 2025 Big Apple Brownfield Awards took place on Thursday, May 15 from 5-9:30 p.m. at Racket NYC in New York City. Visit www.nycbrownfieldpartnership.org for more information about the New York City Brownfield Partnership.