A significant affordable housing project in Brooklyn’s East New York area has started construction. The $270 million project, known as Innovative Urban Village Phase 1A, will renovate the property of the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) by constructing 385 new, reasonably priced apartments and a grocery store.
The project is the initial stage of a multi-phase redevelopment that will eventually bring new green infrastructure, commercial and community areas, and about 2,000 affordable dwellings to the area. Led by a collaboration between Monadnock Development, the Gotham Organization, and CCC, the project is being praised as an example of inclusive, community-based urban planning.
A New Vision for Affordable Housing
Income restrictions will apply to all apartments in Phase 1A for households making between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Remarkably, 94 spaces will be reserved for formerly homeless people and families, who will also have access to the Urban Resource Institute’s on-site supportive services, which include case management, legal assistance, mental health care, and nutritional counseling.
The property offers people better access to healthy food options in an area that is frequently underserved by fresh produce sellers by including commercial space for a full-service grocery store in addition to residences.
“This project is helping us fight the housing affordability crisis while also prioritizing improvements that will make the neighborhood more livable for families,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
Sustainable and People-Centered Design
Electric heating and cooling systems, solar panels, green roofs, electric vehicle charging stations, and ENERGY STAR appliances are just a few of the eco-friendly features that will be available in the Urban Village. By creating new pedestrian-friendly streets and three acres of publicly accessible green space, the development will blend in with the area.
With an emphasis on walkability, sustainability, and community involvement, Practice for Architecture and Urbanism and SLCE Architects created the project. Additionally, the site qualifies for $28 million in tax credits for environmental rehabilitation through the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program.
A Multi-Phase Redevelopment Plan
Eventually, the Christian Cultural Center’s campus will be home to ten new buildings that offer not just housing, but childcare centers, senior programming, workforce development resources, and even a performing arts center. The initiative is designed to serve residents at every stage of life and income level.
This is all about transforming lives and communities. Rev. A.R. Bernard, senior pastor of CCC, said, “We are confident that the ripple effects of this dynamic mixed-income community will be felt far beyond East New York, setting an example for all of New York to follow.”
Strong Support From Public and Private Partners
The development is backed by a coalition of state, city, and private stakeholders. The New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) contributed more than $160 million, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Additional funding comes from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs, and other financial institutions.
Elected officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, praised the project as an example of public-private cooperation done right.
“The best way to tackle our city’s housing crisis is to build more affordable housing, and that is exactly what our administration is doing,” said Mayor Adams. “’Innovative Urban Village’ will bring more homes, more jobs, and more joy to Brooklyn, while giving more New Yorkers access to a brighter future in this vibrant community.”
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