A bold new phase in East New York’s transformation is officially underway. On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams and Reverend A. R. Bernard joined community leaders to celebrate the vision for Phase 1B of the highly anticipated “Innovative Urban Village” — a project poised to bring over 450 new affordable homes, critical services, and new opportunities to one of Brooklyn’s most underserved neighborhoods.
The next phase of this ambitious development will offer affordable housing to New Yorkers at a range of income levels, with 15 percent of the units reserved for formerly homeless residents. In addition to housing, Phase 1B will deliver over 10,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, a 12,600-square-foot daycare facility, and a brand new 9,500-square-foot playground — all designed to foster a thriving, family-friendly community.
The project comes with significant investment: over $313 million in total, including more than $260 million in city capital funding through the Adams administration and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
A Vision for a More Just and Equitable East New York
For Mayor Adams, the announcement reflects his larger vision to tackle New York’s housing crisis head-on. “Juneteenth is not only about remembering the past; it’s about recommitting ourselves to a more just, more equal, and more prosperous future. That’s what today’s announcement at Innovative Urban Village is all about too,” said the mayor. “This project, in the heart of East New York, will help us get there, bringing thousands of new homes to the neighborhood and creating a holistic community with fresh food, child care, the arts, and more.”
For Reverend Bernard, the milestone is deeply personal. “I grew up in Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, and East New York. Never did I imagine that I would have the opportunity to bring this kind of change to a community that I grew up in,” he shared. “This shows what is possible when government, the private sector, and not-for-profits come together to change the narrative in underserved communities like East New York.”
Phase 1B Brings Housing, Services, and Green Spaces
Ultimately, the entire Innovative Urban Village will span 10.5 acres and is expected to bring up to 2,000 affordable homes, a performing arts center, retail, child care, and green spaces to the neighborhood. Phase 1A of the project, which broke ground in April 2024, is already in progress and will include more than 380 affordable units and a new grocery store.
“This project is a massive investment in confronting the housing crisis — aggressively and head-on,” said HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “We are building nearly 2,000 homes altogether here at the Innovative Urban Village, creating good-paying jobs, and bringing vital resources to the community — like a child care facility, a new grocery store, and a performing arts center.”
The housing in Phase 1B will include a thoughtful mix: 114 units for Extremely Low Income households, 114 for Very Low Income, 224 for Low Income, and 68 set aside for formerly homeless households. Apartments will range from studios to three-bedroom units, featuring modern amenities and community-centered design.
Local Leaders Applaud Bold, Community-Centered Development
State and local officials are hailing the project as a model for the future of affordable housing in Brooklyn. “By offering affordable homes, including units for formerly homeless individuals, with vital services like child care, retail, and green space, we are investing in the future,” said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud.
“With an over $500 million investment from the state, I am proud to support the Innovative Urban Village,” added Assemblymember Nikki Lucas. “This project brings over 2,000 units of affordable housing and key opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive. It will also bring much-needed jobs for our residents.”
Councilmember Farah N. Louis emphasized the importance of community partnerships in moving the project forward. “Since taking office, I fought to ensure that our city would meaningfully partner with our clergy to bring much-needed affordable housing capital to Central Brooklyn,” said Louis. “I believe this project will provide opportunities for the next generation.”
Citywide Housing Strategy Builds on “City of Yes”
The Innovative Urban Village aligns with the Adams administration’s broader “City of Yes for Families” strategy, which aims to add 500,000 new homes citywide by 2032. To date, the administration has already passed the largest citywide zoning reform in 60 years and advanced five neighborhood-level housing plans.
Recent successes — including the record-breaking Willets Point project and new tools for accessory dwelling units and basement apartment legalization — are also helping to create urgently needed homes across the five boroughs.
With major investments in housing capital ($24.7 billion committed over 10 years) and strengthened tenant protections, the Adams administration continues to position itself as one of the most aggressively pro-housing in the city’s history. The Innovative Urban Village in East New York stands as one of its most promising examples of that commitment.
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