1,000 new affordable homes for NYCHA seniors coming to Central Brooklyn
Photo of Bed-Stuy via Wikimedia
New York State will finance 1,000 affordable homes for seniors who are residents of the city’s public housing system, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday. The 100 percent affordable units will be constructed on underutilized land in Central Brooklyn that is owned by NYCHA. The $15 million plan falls under the governor’s $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative, which aims to bring affordable housing, open space and recreation, new jobs and better healthcare services to the area, which includes the neighborhoods of Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, Ocean-Hill, Bushwick, Crown Heights and East New York.
Via Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr
“Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, affordable, clean housing — it is the foundation of our comprehensive efforts to address chronic disparities in Central Brooklyn,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“This investment will seize the potential of vacant properties and help 1,000 seniors move into quality living environments and support our efforts to improve wellness and opportunities in these communities.”
The 1,000 units will spread across 11 projects on 11 NYCHA sites, which have not yet been determined. Proposed properties will be reviewed by the New York State Homes and Community Renewals (HCR). After a development is selected by NYCHA for a site, it will then be able to apply for the $15 million in low-income housing tax credits for the senior apartments. A timeline for the construction of the apartments has not been released.
When announcing the Vital Brooklyn initiative last year, Cuomo cited the area’s higher rates of health issues, high rates of violence and crime, higher rates of unemployment and deficient access to high-quality healthcare. The plan will bring 3,000+ units of affordable housing, more green space and recreational facilities, access to healthier food through farmer’s markets and community gardens, new jobs and more.
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