The housing crisis in New York City has reached a breaking point, with the rental vacancy rate at 1.4%, a historic low, and projections indicating that the city will be short almost half a million housing units by 2032. Coupled with vacancy rates, many New Yorkers are rent burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs. In East New York’s Community District 5 specifically, the number of rent-burdened residents is more than 50%.
As the crisis persists, it’s more essential than ever to bring much-needed 100% affordable housing to East New York – reaching income levels most relevant to East Brooklyn communities. Historically, the area has been overlooked when it comes to public and private investment, despite bearing the brunt of systemic disinvestment and displacement. Efforts to bring new housing to the neighborhood have too often come without meaningful community input or lasting affordability. The call for more housing has been loud and clear, but so too has the demand for development that centers community.
That is what makes the Herkimer-Williams project so significant.
Now having started the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), this proposed mixed-use development at Broadway Junction offers a rare and urgently needed opportunity: up to 1,000 units of 100% affordable housing, created in direct response to community priorities.
Following over 100 public meetings with community members in East New York, project developer Totem refined its plan for Herkimer-Williams to reflect neighborhood priorities including open space, increased economic opportunities, and affordable housing designed to offer a pathway to long-term housing stability. In response to feedback, the number of housing units was increased from 600 to 1,000 while the maximum building height was reduced.
The developer also recently shared at a Community Board 5 Land Use meeting that it is in discussion with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development about the affordability program for the first phase of housing, which is targeting the Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) Program. That program ranges from 30 to 80% of AMI across unit types, which mirrors the feedback given by the Land Use Committee about the AMIs to target. The Community Board is determined to advocate for the majority of income levels of East New York residents.
As Herkimer-Williams moves through ULURP, the development team is asking for continued feedback. The visioning of this project isn’t over. There’s still time to help shape the future of this project and ensure it meets the needs of those who call East New York home. Share your thoughts by participating in this survey. Help contribute to a stronger future for all of East New York by making your voice heard.
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