Construction began on a 287-unit affordable and supportive housing development in Brownsville on Tuesday.
The three-building development is the second and final phase of construction that is bringing a total of 635 new units to the Marcus Garvey Apartments, an existing Mitchell-Lama multifamily affordable housing complex, according to a news release.
All 287 apartments will be affordable for households earning at or below 70% of the Area Median Income, and the development will include 88 supportive units reserved for individuals reentering the community from incarceration.
Services will be provided by the Osborne Association and include workforce development programs, family and relationship coaching, independent living skills training and health and wellness services. Rental and operating subsidies for these units will be funded through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Additionally, there will be 55 supportive apartments for formerly homeless individuals and families under the New York City 15/15 program. Services that will be provided include independent living skills training and health and wellness services.
“I am committed to increasing the housing supply to ensure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to find a safe, stable and affordable place to call home,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 8,500 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Marcus Garvey Extension Phase 2 continues this effort and is part of Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive housing plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
“What we need to address NYC’s housing crisis is more truly affordable housing built for all members in the community, which the Marcus Garvey Apartments will help bring to Brownsville," Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said. "Brownsville deserves the best housing that meets the needs of residents, from people returning from incarceration to families doing their best to make ends meet."
