"HPD and Gilbane Development Break Ground on Controversial Affordable Housing Project in Brownsville, Brooklyn"
"Construction begins on $254 million affordable housing project in Brooklyn, led by HPD and Gilbane Development."
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Gilbane Development have officially broken ground on a highly anticipated affordable housing project in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The nine-story residential building, known as the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments, is a collaborative effort between HPD, Gilbane Development, Blue Sea Development, and Artspace Projects, Inc. According to HPD, the $254 million project will bring 283 affordable rental apartments to the neighborhood, with units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms.
The project has been met with controversy and opposition from some community members, who argue that the development will contribute to gentrification in the area. However, HPD and the developers have maintained that the project will provide much-needed affordable housing for households earning between 30 and 70 percent of the area median income.
In response to the criticism, HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll stated, "We are committed to creating equitable and inclusive communities, and the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments is a crucial step in achieving that goal. We worked closely with community leaders to ensure this project meets the needs of the neighborhood and provides quality affordable housing for its residents."
The property, located at 366 Rockaway Avenue between Pitkin and East New York Avenues, will also include a community arts center and a portion of units reserved for formerly homeless individuals. The project was designed by Aufgang Architects, known for their work on other affordable housing developments in New York City.
Despite the controversy, the Brownsville Arts Center & Apartments is moving forward, with an expected completion date in 2023. The project is seen as a crucial step in addressing the