August 31, 2021

Fostering Diverse, Livable Neighborhoods

Delivering on the City's Commitment to East Harlem

On August 13th, we announced the winning proposals of the East Harlem RFP, which delivers on significant commitments made as a part of the East Harlem rezoning and neighborhood plan. Two mixed-used developments will provide nearly 600 new affordable homes, along with a new Afro-Latin performing arts space, and a newly renovated east Harlem Multi-Service Center. Through these designations, we’re making good on the City’s promise to invest in job training, youth, education, and more affordable housing for East Harlem.  

Advancing Solar Energy in Affordable Housing

NYC has committed to 1 gigawatt of solar citywide by 2030. HPD's Solar Where Feasible policy requires solar on affordable housing when it is cost-effective, ensuring that investment in clean energy helps create and preserve affordable housing by lowering building operating expenses, creating green jobs, and reducing harmful emissions. HPD and Solar One are hosting a workshop on September 23, 12pm, to share proven strategies to bring cost-effective solar energy to mid-cycle affordable housing in New York City. Learn more and register here.

Streamlining and Improving Equity in the Marketing Process

Strengthening M/WBEs and Nonprofits in the Industry

The third and final round of the Pathways to Opportunity Marketing Agent trainings for M/WBEs and Non-profits is now closed for application. By October, this joint initiative between HPD, LISC, Enterprise, and Goldman Sachs will have trained 40 firms in LIHTC Compliance, Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodations, and HPD/HDC Marketing and Housing Connect.

And for M/WBE and nonprofit developers, including CLTs, seeking further opportunities and exposure to best practices in affordable housing development, HPD’s Building Capacity Course is now open for applications! Learn more and apply here.

Updating the Marketing Guidelines for Affordable Housing

HPD and HDC are pleased to announce an updated version of the Marketing Handbook, which includes clarification and expansion of guidance on rejecting applicants based on criminal background. In accordance with the 2016 HUD Guidance, developers are required to make an individual assessment of applicants, taking into consideration the nature and severity of offenses, maximum lookback periods, and factors such as current employment or volunteer activities. Additionally, COVID-19 era adjustments like reducing eligibility documents and facilitating virtual unit viewings have been made permanent. Plus, more re-rentals and resales will be made available through the open, streamlined process of Housing Connect. Learn more on the Marketing Guidelines webpage.

Moving Forward on Exciting Projects

Opening More than 300 Affordable Supportive Homes

On July 27th, we celebrated the opening of Edwin’s Place, a joint supportive housing project between Breaking Ground and African American Planning Commission, bringing 126 affordable homes to homeless and low-income individuals, veterans, and families in Brooklyn. And, earlier this month, we cut the ribbon on two more amazing supportive housing projects, The Harriet Tubman Building by Related Companies and Win, bringing 63 affordable homes to Far Rockaway Queens and The Hannigan, another joint project with Breaking Ground and the Center for Urban Community Services, welcoming home 117 households to a brand new building in Harlem. That means more than 300 vulnerable families now have safe, permanent, affordable homes and the supportive services they need to thrive.

Breaking Ground on New Homeownership Opportunities

In partnership with SRBuild and the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), HPD announced the groundbreakings for the Bed Stuy North & Central Phase 1 development across 13 scattered sites in Brooklyn. In addition to 20 affordable homes for rent, this new development will give 11 families the opportunity to buy a home and live the American dream, which otherwise might remain out of reach. By creating more affordable homeownership opportunities for New Yorkers through our Open Door program, we are helping families build wealth to pass to future generations and giving communities a greater stake in their neighborhoods.

Ensuring Housing Quality and Safety

Reaching a Settlement to Correct Lead-Based Paint Violations

This week, HPD announced it reached a $60,000 settlement agreement with a building owner to correct 42 lead-based paint violations across his four buildings in the Bronx and Queens. In the past fiscal year, even with Housing Court limited in capacity, HPD has continued to initiate cases to keep kids safe from lead, enforce new requirements under Local Law 1, and work with property owners to make sure they understand and comply with their responsibilities under the expanded law. Learn more about requirements at nyc.gov/lead-based-paint.

Registering Buildings

Heads up residential building owners – if your property has more than 3 units, or if you own a 1-2 unit building where neither you or your family resides, it's time to complete your annual registration. The deadline for registrations is tomorrow, September 1st, and HPD uses registration contact information for all of its official notifications, as well as in the event of an emergency at the property. Register your property.

Reaching out to Property Owners

Finally, we would like to share some important information about the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program. The vouchers have huge incentives for owners - stable income from market rents, 15% broker fees paid by the City, and one month’s security. In addition, the City is scaling up a large interagency program to support owners, brokers and property managers as part of our work to house EHV voucher recipients. There is a large team of trained specialists in the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement (PEU) who will be dedicated to supporting owners and agents by answering all of their questions and guiding them through the entire process. To find out more about EHV and to get connected with a PEU Specialist, check out our owners resource page at nyc.gov/ehv/owners.

The Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants has also compiled a list of resources for residential property owners in the wake of COVID-19, which you can also find in additional languages on HPD's COVID-19 updates page.

Louise Carroll

HPD Commissioner