BROOKLYN, NY --(Marketwired - September 18, 2014) - Today, Habitat for Humanity New York City broke ground on a 15-home development in Ocean Hill-Brownsville at the corner of Dean Street and Mother Gaston Boulevard. This complex is a continuation of affordable housing work completed by the organization over the past seven years in this community.
The development will be comprised of 15 two-bedroom apartments that will be sold to families through Habitat NYC's affordable homeownership program. Each potential homebuyer must meet Habitat for Humanity NYC's strict requirements, which include being a first-time homebuyer, contributing "sweat equity" hours toward building their home and the homes of their neighbors, and meeting income and credit guidelines. Income requirements state that homeowners earn between 50 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
The Dean Street development is made possible thanks to partnerships between local and state agencies. Funders for the project include the Brooklyn Borough President's Office, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, New York State Affordable Housing Corporation and the New York State Housing Trust Fund. The homes are also made possible thanks to the private support of the Estate of Renee Rojahn and Plymouth Church.
Unique to Habitat for Humanity is the hands-on partnerships forged in constructing affordable housing in New York City. Volunteers from all walks of life will help build alongside the families who will ultimately call them home.
The homes will be built to Enterprise Green Community standards, which will benefit the environment and assist the homeowners through lower operating costs. The project is scheduled to be completed in April 2016.
"Habitat for Humanity is pleased to play an ever increasing role in creating homeownership opportunities. This development is aligned with Mayor de Blasio's plan to build and preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing and we will continue to do our part in ensuring safe, decent and affordable housing for every New Yorker," said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City.
"Habitat for Humanity's creation of fifteen low-income homeownership opportunities in the Ocean Hill/Brownsville neighborhood is a great example of our commitment to fostering diverse and affordable communities," said Vicki Been, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development. "This would not have been possible but for Habitat's vision and financial contribution, and the generous provision of funding from the City, the State, and the Brooklyn Borough President. On behalf of my colleagues in city government who are working hard to realize the goals of Mayor de Blasio's Housing New York plan, I'd like to thank all of our project partners, including those who supplied sweat equity, for their commitment to developing this badly needed affordable housing in Ocean Hill/Brownsville."
"As Brooklyn has ascended to the peak of cultural cache and prestige, it is important that we remember to maintain our borough's affordability, so that our popularity can translate into prosperity for all of our residents. With these new homes at the Dean Street Residences in Ocean Hill-Brownsville, Habitat for Humanity NYC has created some wonderful opportunities to allow those who built Brooklyn's present to remain a part of Brooklyn's future," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.
"Community Board #16 is elated that NYC Habitat for Humanity is breaking ground on a project that will create 15 units of affordable housing and erase a blighting condition that has existed far too long in our community. We are confident that Habitat for Humanity will construct the same quality of housing as it did on two other sites in Community District #16," said Bettie Kollock-Wallace, Chairperson of Community Board #16.
About Habitat for Humanity New York City Habitat for Humanity New York City transforms lives by building quality homes with families in need and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat NYC has served more than 380 families in the five boroughs of New York City with their permanent housing needs. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit HabitatNYC.org or call (212) 991-4000.
www.HabitatNYC.org #HabitatNYC @HabitatNYC Facebook.com/Habitat.for.Humanity.NYC
The following files are available for download:
- Rendering of Habitat for Humanity NYC's Future 15-Unit Dean Street Complex in Ocean Hill-Brownsville
- Habitat for Humanity New York City Dean Street Groundbreaking Ceremony
- Habitat for Humanity New York City Dean Street Groundbreaking Ceremony
- http://mb.cision.com/Public/9006/9646901/af9c...c5_org.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2014/9...415612.jpg
Contact: Carly Blatt (212) 991-4000 ext. 344 cblatt@habitatnyc.org
