This week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the commencement of construction on a new affordable housing development in Brooklyn.
Called Clarkson Estates, the development — located in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens-Wingate neighborhood — will offer 328 affordable apartments, 164 of which will be reserved as supportive units for formerly unhoused New Yorkers.
The project is part of the state’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative, which aims to create 4,000 affordable homes in Central Brooklyn, along with addressing social, economic, and health disparities in the borough’s high-need communities.
“Clarkson Estates continues our progress expanding access to essential services and quality affordable housing for Central Brooklyn’s historically underserved neighborhoods,” said Hochul. “Through the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, we are improving the health and quality of life of Central Brooklyn's residents while complementing our statewide efforts to address the housing shortage and build a more equitable New York for all.”
Features of Clarkson Estates include energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures, solar-ready infrastructure, free wireless internet in every apartment, along with several amenities such as an indoor fitness center, children’s playroom, resident training kitchen, landscaped courtyard, and more.
In addition to residences, the development will also have a 30,000-square-foot community facility, referred to as the Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr. Community Hub.
The community center will house a cafe, childcare center, basketball court, in addition to a number of CAMBA-operated programs such as a workforce training center, food pantry, youth education and development center, small business incubator, among others.
“As rising costs strain family budgets and cause displacement in Flatbush, affordable housing is more important than ever. Clarkson Estates will deliver much-needed housing and supportive services for at-risk residents, as well as space for crucial community programming,” said New York State Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham.
“This development will honor the service and contributions of Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., who dedicated so much to community building in the Caribbean diaspora.”
