City Planning Approves Application to Convert Former Hotel Building to Affordable Housing

The conversion of the former Watchtower hotel will bring 508 residential units to DUMBO, Brooklyn. On February 19, 2020, the City Planning Commission approved an application to rezone a block in DUMBO, Brooklyn from a light manufacturing district to a mixed-use residential and commercial district. The block is bounded by High Street to the north, Sands Street to the south, Jay Street to the east, and Pearl Street to the west. The rezoning would facilitate … <Read More>


New East New York Development to Renovate Shelter and Create Affordable Housing

The new development proposes services for both residents and the greater East New York community. On October 16, 2019, the City Planning Commission voted to approve a land use application to develop four mixed-use buildings in East New York, Brooklyn. The lot is bounded by Sutter Avenue to the north, Blake Avenue to the south, Snediker Avenue to the west, and Hinsdale Street to the east. To facilitate the new 387,100 square feet development, the … <Read More>


Non-profits Team Up to Convert Vacant City Land to Affordable Housing

The new building will bring 20 deeply affordable units to Bushwick, and will be constructed with sustainability features. On February 13, 2019, the City Planning Commission voted to approve an application by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development for the construction of a new and 100 percent affordable 20-unit building in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. HPD sought City Planning’s approval for the disposition of the City-owned property at 63 Stockholm Street, designation of … <Read More>


Innovative Shared-Use Building to Bring Affordable Housing and Modern Library to Sunset Park

The shared-use building is expected to be completed in December 2020. On February 6, 2019, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer announced that HPD is joining Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc., Brooklyn Public Library, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal in bringing a new, first of its kind, shared-use model building to Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The eight-story building will house both Sunset Park’s new state-of-the-art public library and 49 deeply … <Read More>


Greenpoint Hospital To Become Affordable Housing

Former hospital site will feature 512 affordable units and a new shelter for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. On September 13, 2018, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that a team had been selected to transform the Greenpoint Hospital site into a mixed-use development. The new development located at 288 Jackson Street will feature approximately 512 affordable units and a new shelter for 200 New Yorkers.


Three Affordable Housing Projects Approved by Land Use Committee with Measured Disapproval

The City Council’s Land Use Committee approved three projects in Brooklyn with varying forms and degrees of affordable housing. On April 20, 2017, the Land Use Committee voted to approve three new projects with some dissent registered. During the meeting, Council Member Jumaane Williams remarked that as a body the City Council was presenting two faces. One face to the public in discussing homelessness and affordable housing, and another face when voting on projects “that … <Read More>