Affordable Housing

How the city’s new credit history guidelines affect affordable housing applicants

Image via Flickr CC

July 9, 2018

How the city’s new credit history guidelines affect affordable housing applicants

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If you’ve ever applied for affordable housing in New York City, you already know that the process can feel more like an IRS audit than a typical housing application. While owners and management companies are empowered to ask for a lot of paperwork, to qualify for an affordable housing unit, you’ll need to do more than provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. You'll need to share several years of financial, housing, and employment information, and if the developer doesn’t think you’ve provided enough evidence to quality, they can always ask for more evidence as the selection process unfolds. Fortunately, as of July 1st, the process of applying for affordable housing and the baseline credit criteria needed to qualify just got a bit easier for applicants.
Everything you need to know
Lottery opens for 30 middle-income units at Bushwick’s Gothic church conversion
July 6, 2018

Lottery opens for 30 middle-income units at Bushwick’s Gothic church conversion

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A little over a year ago, an affordable housing lottery opened for 20 low-income units at  The Saint Marks, a Bushwick church-to-rental conversion at 618 Bushwick Avenue. And now, 30 more below-market-rate residences are up for grabs, this time for middle-income New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income. They range from $2,013/month studios to $2,564/month two-bedrooms. The former St. Mark’s Lutheran School and Evangelical Church retains its 1890 Victorian Gothic church and four-story former school building but has a seven-story addition from developer Cayuga Capital at the corner.
Find out if you qualify
Live in new ‘hipster haven’ Washington Heights for $1,705/month

Coogan’s Restaurant in Washington Heights, via CityRealty

July 5, 2018

Live in new ‘hipster haven’ Washington Heights for $1,705/month

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A recent Post article dubbed Washington Heights "the new Williamsburg," referencing census data that shows the upper-Manhattan 'hood has more millennials than any other area in the entire city. Noting that New Yorkers age 20 to 34 have been priced out of places like Bushwick, NYU adjunct professor of urban planning Michael Keane said, "they’re thinking, ‘Hey, Washington Heights is in Manhattan, it’s easy to get to Midtown, crime is down and the rent is several hundred dollars less.’" And this new middle-income housing opportunity at 516 West 162nd Street, is even less, with five one-bedrooms up for grabs for $1,705 a month and one two-bedroom for $2,055. By comparison, market-rate one-beds in the building go for $2,300 and two-beds for $3,050.
Find out if you qualify
Live in Williamsburg off the G, M, J trains for $2,250/month

Photo via Wiki Commons

July 3, 2018

Live in Williamsburg off the G, M, J trains for $2,250/month

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Fear not the L train shutdown; this Williamsburg middle-income housing opportunity puts you just one block away from the G train at Broadway and the M and J trains at Lorimer. There are three $2,250/month one-bedroom units up for grabs at 37 Montrose Avenue for households earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $77,143 and $122,070 annually. The five-story rental building, which was recently completed, has just 10 units and offers a laundry room and rooftop patio. The building website says it has "an industrial warehouse vibe with high-end finishes [and] original art throughout.
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Apply for a $960/month one-bedroom apartment in colorful Bushwick
June 29, 2018

Apply for a $960/month one-bedroom apartment in colorful Bushwick

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Photo via bslax28 on Flickr An affordable housing lottery launched this week for just two one-bedroom apartments in the heart of hip Bushwick in Brooklyn. Located at 176 Knickerbocker Avenue, the newly constructed rental sits just off bustling Flushing Avenue, as well as near beloved spots like pizza place Roberta's, Art Deco cocktail bar The Narrows and music venue House of Yes. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the two available $960/month one-bedroom units.
Find out if you qualify
Nearly 200 affordable apartments up for grabs in the South Bronx, from $548/month
June 28, 2018

Nearly 200 affordable apartments up for grabs in the South Bronx, from $548/month

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The Mulberry via PRCNY & Camber Property Group Across two brand new affordable housing buildings in the South Bronx, there are 191 units available. The Hemlock, at 1000 Fox Street, and the Mulberry, at 960 Simpson Street, have a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as part of a newly launched housing lottery. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40 and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range from a $548/month studio to a $1,831/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
Lottery opens for 231 affordable units at Flushing’s new mixed-use development

Rendering via Monadnock Development

June 28, 2018

Lottery opens for 231 affordable units at Flushing’s new mixed-use development

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Three-and-a-half years ago, the Department of City Planning enlisted Monadnock Development to build a mixed-use project in downtown Flushing, Queens. Located at 133-45 41st Avenue and dubbed One Flushing, the development has 22,000 square feet of retail space, along with 232 all-affordable apartments, nearly 40 percent of which is set aside as supportive senior housing. Including low- and middle-income units, the lottery for these residences has just opened, ranging from $548/month studios to $2,302/month three-bedrooms. In addition to being just around the corner from the 7 train and adjacent to the Flushing-Main Street LIRR Station, the building offers a 156-space public parking lot, 24-hour attended lobby, laundry room, bike storage, tenant lounge and terrace, fitness center, and rooftop garden.
Get all the details
Live across from Crown Heights food hall Berg’n, from $1,769/month
June 27, 2018

Live across from Crown Heights food hall Berg’n, from $1,769/month

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Photo via Berg'n An affordable housing lottery launched Wednesday for four newly constructed, middle-income apartments in Crown Heights. Located at 916 Bergen Street, the rental building sits directly across from local favorite, Berg'n, a beer/ food hall from the founders of Smorgasburg. Residents will have access to a bike room and the building's rooftop. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, including one $1,769/month studio and three $2,635/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
Rent stabilized apartments will see increases of 1.5 and 2.5 percent this year

Photo courtesy of the MET Council on Housing

June 27, 2018

Rent stabilized apartments will see increases of 1.5 and 2.5 percent this year

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Last night the Rent Guidelines Board approved rent hikes for tenants in rent-stablized buildings, making this the second year rents for such units have increased. This latest vote by the board allows landlords to charge their rent-stabilized tenants increases of up to 1.5 percent for one-year leases and 2.5 percent for two-year leases. As the New York Times points out today, "the increases were seen as modest given the history of the nine-member board." Still, these are the steepest permitted increases since 2013 -- news met with jeers from housing advocates at a public hearing held at Cooper Union.
Here more about what's in store
Plan released for a seven-building, 800+ unit affordable development in Brownsville

Rendering via L+M and Curtis+Ginsberg Architects

June 26, 2018

Plan released for a seven-building, 800+ unit affordable development in Brownsville

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Plans for a seven-building affordable housing development in Brooklyn's Brownsville were released this week, as part of the city's revitalization effort in the neighborhood. As part of the "Brownsville Plan," the proposed project includes eight-to nine-story residential buildings with new retail and community space along Livonia Avenue. The project would extend the existing Marcus Garvey Apartments, a housing complex built in the mid-1970s that currently has many underutilized parking lots (h/t YIMBY). Overall, the more than 900,000-square-foot development will bring over 840 affordable apartments, currently estimated to be set aside for New Yorkers earning 80 percent or below the area median income.
More details here
Lottery opens for 29 affordable units at Crown Heights’ former Fox Savoy Theater site

2011 Google Street View of the Fox Savoy Theater before it was demolished

June 26, 2018

Lottery opens for 29 affordable units at Crown Heights’ former Fox Savoy Theater site

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It's been four years since Crown Heights' historic Fox Savoy Theater was torn down to make way for a 114-unit apartment building at 1511 Bedford Avenue. Designed by famed theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1926, the neo-classical structure was not landmarked, therefore, developer Realty Within Reach was able to replace it with Isaac & Stern Architects' 10-story rental building. Twenty-five percent of the apartments, or 29 units, are set aside for households earning 60 percent of the area median income, and as of today, they're available through the city's housing lottery. The units range from $816/month studios to $1,064/month two-bedrooms, and amenities include on-site parking, bike storage, a gym, roof deck, and rec room.
Find out more
Two chances to live near the JFK AirTrain, from $1,418/month

Photo via Wiki Commons

June 25, 2018

Two chances to live near the JFK AirTrain, from $1,418/month

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If you travel often for work, this affordable housing opportunity could make your life a lot easier, provided you earn between $48,618 and $83,440 annually. The city opened the lottery for a $1,418/month one-bedroom and a $1,599/month two-bedroom at 89-15 138th Street, which is just two blocks away from the J, M, Z trains and a slew of buses at Jamaica Station and the AirTrain to JFK. An added bonus? The two units up for grabs have balconies.
Find out if you qualify
Two affordable one-bedrooms in Bed-Stuy up for grabs for $985/month
June 22, 2018

Two affordable one-bedrooms in Bed-Stuy up for grabs for $985/month

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Photo via CityRealty Act quickly: Just two one-bedroom apartments are available at a new rental building in Brookyln's Bed-Stuy neighborhood. The rental at 88 Hart Street sits between Marcy and Tompkins Avenues and only a few blocks from the Kosciuszko Pool and the Herbert Von King Park, a historic green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted that also has a cultural arts center. Plus, the building includes a laundry room. New Yorkers who earn 60 percent of the area median income, or between $33,772 and $50,100 annually, can apply for the affordable $985/month one-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
Live in a new rental on Williamsburg’s South 4th Street for just $923/month

Looking west down South 4th Street with Pies n’ Thighs on the corner, via *Bitch Cakes*/Flickr

June 21, 2018

Live in a new rental on Williamsburg’s South 4th Street for just $923/month

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If you're a fan of Williamsburg's food scene (what good New Yorker isn't?) and earn between $31,646 and $50,100 annually, you may want to apply for one of two affordable apartments up for grabs at the new boutique rental 94 South 4th Street. For just $923 a month you'll get a one-bedroom unit right near hot spots like Pies n' Thighs, La Superior, Sunday in Brooklyn, Maison Premiere, and The Woods.
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NYC’s new housing lottery guidelines will help vulnerable and low-income New Yorkers
June 19, 2018

NYC’s new housing lottery guidelines will help vulnerable and low-income New Yorkers

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Finding and applying for affordable housing in New York city can be a challenge for anyone. The application process can be confusing and daunting for those who need it most. Today the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced new guidelines for the process that are intended to help provide access for low-income residents and protect people who have survived domestic abuse.
Find out about the new guidelines
100+ affordable apartments up for grabs at a South Bronx passive house, from $702/month

Rendering via Curtis + Ginsberg Architects

June 18, 2018

100+ affordable apartments up for grabs at a South Bronx passive house, from $702/month

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Located between East 151st and 153rd Streets, a 15-story affordable rental is now accepting applications for a whopping 107 units. Dubbed Park Avenue Green, the South Bronx building at 2980 Park Avenue is the second phase of a multi-phase housing project. Designed by Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, the building includes 154 apartments and a 4,300-square-foot community facility. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 60 and 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units ranging from a $702/month studio to a $1,823/month three-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
Live in an affordable three-bedroom near Brooklyn College in Flatbush for $1,279/month
June 18, 2018

Live in an affordable three-bedroom near Brooklyn College in Flatbush for $1,279/month

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Via NYC HPD An eight-story affordable rental building in Flatbush is offering up seven three-bedroom apartments for just $1,279/month. Located at 1345 Rogers Avenue, just a short walk from Brooklyn College, Crystal Towers contains 91,100 square feet of residential space with a total of 123 apartments. Residents will have access to amenities like an on-site super, a rear garden, bike storage and on-site laundry.  Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the seven $1,279/month three-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify
Snag a one-bedroom at a passive house in Washington Heights, from $1,650/month
June 15, 2018

Snag a one-bedroom at a passive house in Washington Heights, from $1,650/month

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A newly constructed rental that meets passive house standards has launched a lottery for six middle-income apartments in Washington Heights. Designed by PM Architecture, the Uptown six-story building contains 20 units and boasts a facade of charcoal-painted insulated panels. Located at 577 West 161st Street, the building will have a medical office on its first floor, residences above it, and an outdoor recreation space in the back. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the $1,650/month and $1,800/month one-bedroom apartments.
Find out if you qualify
NYC commits $500M in plan to build thousands of affordable apartments for seniors on unused land

Photo via Wiki Commons

June 13, 2018

NYC commits $500M in plan to build thousands of affordable apartments for seniors on unused land

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As part of the new city budget, New York City has committed $500 million toward a plan to construct thousands of new apartments for low-income senior citizens on vacant public housing land, the Wall Street Journal reports. The new units would also free up existing NYCHA units currently occupied by seniors for people currently on wait lists for housing.
Find out more
Apply for 65 mixed-income units at ODA’s futuristic waterfront rental in Williamsburg, from $565/month
June 12, 2018

Apply for 65 mixed-income units at ODA’s futuristic waterfront rental in Williamsburg, from $565/month

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Via 420 Kent A residential tower found along the Williamsburg waterfront as part of a collection of three-Lego-like high rises known as 420 Kent, has 65 mixed-income housing units up for grabs. Designed by ODA-Architects, these elegant, smoky-glass facade, offset box buildings jet out in different directions and contain a whopping 857 apartments. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units at 416 Kent ranging from $565/month studios to $2,733/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
3 middle-income units up for grabs in a quiet section of Flushing in Queens, from $1,700/month
June 12, 2018

3 middle-income units up for grabs in a quiet section of Flushing in Queens, from $1,700/month

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Photo via Wikimedia A newly constructed four-story residential building in Murray Hill is now accepting applications for three middle-income units. But it's not the Murray Hill of Manhattan you know, but instead a quiet enclave in Queens, part of the sprawling neighborhood of Flushing. Found at 168-05 Depot Road, the rental sits just four blocks from the Long Island Rail Road station at Broadway. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the $1,700/month one-bedroom and two $1,950/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
Lottery launches for 21 middle-income units at a new luxury rental in Jamaica Estates from $1,480/month

Photo via A&R Properties Group and TCX Development

June 11, 2018

Lottery launches for 21 middle-income units at a new luxury rental in Jamaica Estates from $1,480/month

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A newly constructed building in the upper-middle-class enclave of Jamaica Estates in Queens (aka President Donald Trump's hometown) is accepting applications for 21 mixed-income apartments. Dubbed the Maya, the eight-story luxury rental at 177-30 Wexford Terrace contains 68 units. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 85, 90, 100, 105, 110 and 115 percent of the area median income can apply for the units ranging from a $1,480/month studio to a $2,622/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify
16 chances to live in the center of Brooklyn, from $1,017/month
June 11, 2018

16 chances to live in the center of Brooklyn, from $1,017/month

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Photo via CityRealty Maple East New York Housing, located where the Crown Heights and East Flatbush neighborhoods of Brooklyn meet, is accepting applications for 16 affordable apartments. The building, found at 918 East New York Avenue, contains a blend of affordable and supportive housing, offering a mix of studios, one and two bedroom units. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the $1,017/month one-bedrooms and $1,224/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
City reaches settlement, agrees to spend $2B on NYCHA improvements after federal probe

Photo via Wikimedia

June 11, 2018

City reaches settlement, agrees to spend $2B on NYCHA improvements after federal probe

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New York City has agreed to fork over $2 billion in the next 10 years to settle a federal prosecutors’ investigation into safety and health issues at buildings run by the by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the Wall Street Journal reports. The city has been ordered to repair buildings run by the country's largest city housing authority after an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s District Office, which began in 2015, checked reports of crumbling conditions across the authority's 325 developments.
Find out more
Live in the Bronx for just $1,100/month and get to Midtown in 40 minutes
June 8, 2018

Live in the Bronx for just $1,100/month and get to Midtown in 40 minutes

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Photo by Axel Drainville on Flickr Three middle-income units are up for grabs at a newly constructed building in the East Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx. Located at 1779 Weeks Avenue, the rental sits just steps from the B and D train, making Midtown commutes a breeze. Plus, residents can enjoy open space, playgrounds and a public pool at Claremont Park, which is just a few blocks south. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for one $1,100/studio and two $1,300/month one-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
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