NYCHA Now

NYCHANow chronicles the hard work of the men and women who make the New York City Housing Authority run, reporting the latest news and happenings.

NYCHA Now
July 2015 

Request for Proposals Released for Affordable Housing on NYCHA Properties

Michael Corwin

On July 1, NYCHA released the “Request for Proposal” (RFP) for potential developers to expand 100 percent affordable housing opportunities at three NYCHA developments, including Ingersoll (Fort Greene, Brooklyn), Van Dyke (Brownsville, Brooklyn) and Mill Brook (Mott Haven, the Bronx.) The plan to create affordable senior and family housing on underused NYCHA property was the outcome of an extensive and meaningful planning process with hundreds of residents and community advocates.

The proposal advances the goals of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Housing New York plan to build or preserve 200,000 affordable housing units over the next ten years. It also helps achieve NYCHA’s commitment to contribute 10,000 of those affordable units within the decade as part of NextGeneration NYCHA, the Authority’s 10-year strategic plan.

“We must use every tool at our disposal to preserve public housing and create more affordable housing opportunities for seniors and families that are trying to make ends meet while living in the City they are proud to call home,” said NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly. “By taking a thoughtful approach to how we use NYCHA property, we can create more affordable housing options for residents and New Yorkers.”

Through the RFP, the City has invited developers, including non-profit entities and M/WBE firms, to submit proposals for the design, financing, construction, and operations of 100 percent affordable new housing at the developments. For the purposes of this RFP, affordable is considered a senior or family household earning less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The proposed developments will be 100 percent affordable and seek to reach households at lower AMI levels.

NYCHA will retain rights to the land developed through a long-term ground lease, provide critical oversight to the project, require developers to train and hire NYCHA residents, and proactively engage residents on a regular basis as the project moves forward.