Cooper Square Land Trust plans 570 affordable apartments at Saint Emmerich's site

In a recent meeting hosted by the New York City Committee on Housing & Buildings, community leaders and advocates gathered to discuss the pressing need for social housing and the importance of public land for public good. The discussions highlighted significant achievements and ongoing challenges in the realm of affordable housing in New York City.

One of the standout moments came from a project director of the This Land is Ours munchie land trust, who shared a successful initiative funded by the city council. The project involves the acquisition of a property on East Twelfth Street, which will yield 570 apartments, with 60% designated as deeply affordable. This development aims to address the critical housing needs of families earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or below. However, the timeline for completion remains uncertain due to complex financing requirements.

The speaker emphasized the ongoing struggle against for-profit developers who have increasingly taken over city-owned properties in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Chelsea Clinton. They expressed hope for acquiring additional sites, including NYCHA and NYPD parking lots, but acknowledged the competitive landscape posed by profit-driven entities.

Another participant, Mark Natanawan, a tenant organizer, reinforced the call for public land to be utilized for community benefit. He advocated for legislation that supports social housing initiatives, emphasizing the importance of the mission and values of organizations entrusted with developing housing. Natanawan's experience with various developers underscored the need for a shift towards community-focused housing solutions.

The meeting also touched on the need for increased funding and resources for community organizations working on these initiatives. The call for more support reflects a broader concern about the sustainability and effectiveness of efforts to provide affordable housing in the city.

As the discussions concluded, the commitment to ensuring that public land remains accessible for community use was clear. Advocates are pushing for a collaborative approach to housing that prioritizes the needs of residents over profit, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable future for New York City. The outcomes of this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the city's housing policies and addressing the urgent needs of its residents.