HPD Expands “HomeFirst” Down Payment Assistance Program

The program offers up to a $100,000 forgivable loan to cover down portions of down payments or closing costs. On October 4, 2021, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the first expansion of its “HomeFirst” Down Payment Assistance Program. The “HomeFirst” Program offers financial assistance in the form of a forgivable loan for first-time homebuyers in purchasing a home in New York City by helping cover portions of down payments or closing costs.


HPD and NYCHA Announce Deal to Construct 101 Units of Affordable Housing in the Bronx

Supportive services will be offered to all households. On September 28, 2021, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced the finalization of a deal to bring 101 new affordable apartments to the Mott Haven neighborhood in the Bronx. The Betances Family Apartments project, located at the corner of East 146th Street and Willis Avenue on NYCHA’s Betances VI campus, will be 100 percent affordable. The <Read More>


HPD Reveals Plans for Almost 600 Affordable Units and New Performing Arts Center in East Harlem

The two developments will have almost 600 affordable units between them. On August 13, 2021, the New York City Department of Housing Development and Preservation (HPD) announced its plan to develop nearly 600 affordable homes, a new Afro-Latin Music and Arts (ALMA) Center and to renovate the East Harlem Multi-Service Center in East Harlem. The project will include two mixed-use developments, located at 413 East 120th Street and at the former 25th Precinct … <Read More>


HPD Announces Settlement with Building Owner to Fix Lead Paint Violations at Four Buildings in the Bronx and Queens

The four impacted buildings have over 200 households. On August 19, 2021, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced a settlement agreement with a building owner for the correction of lead-based paint violations across four buildings in the Bronx and Queens. The four buildings are 1585 White Plains Road and 58 East 190th Street in the Bronx, and 90-60 179th Place and 150-02 88th Avenue in Queens. The building owner, Ved Parkash, will be <Read More>


HPD Announces Affordable Housing and Library Project in Inwood

The new Eliza project will bring 174 affordable homes and a state-of-the-art public library to the Inwood community. On June 10, 2021, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the Eliza, a mixed use development featuring affordable housing and a public library, and education space, located at 4790 Broadway in Inwood. The project has been fully financed and is moving forward.


HPD Releases New Design Guidelines for Affordable Housing

The newly revised design guidelines will promote equity, health, and sustainability for affordable housing. On March 4, 2021, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development released newly revised design guidelines for affordable housing. The COVID-19 pandemic led the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to have stronger requirements to improve the standard of living, promote public health, and reduce the carbon footprint of New York City.