Bklyn Beep Unveils Housing Project in Crown Heights

By SASKIA NEWTON

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams announced on Thursday a $2.250 million project to construct affordable housing units in the Crown Heights neighborhood, in hopes of bringing prosperity to the community, especially for those in desperate need.

“We’ve come a long way when we partnered with each other to deal with the housing crisis,” said Adams.

Plagued with homelessness and elders being displaced, the location 1575 and 1579 St Johns Place was chosen because it provides space, parking lots and air rights where they can develop housing. At least 185 units will be built, half of which will go to elder residents.

“Your tax dollars are going back to you,” said Adams.

Adams said he hopes to end the nightmares of those living on the streets and in shelters and wants them to be able to participate in the “American Dream”. His team looked forward to using the community of Crown Heights as “one of the location that we use our capital dollars in,” said Adams.

“We are excited and very appreciative,” said Ericka Keller of Brisa Builders Corp. “The units will change neighborhoods.”

“It’s a dream come to realization,” said Cecil Henry, pastor of Calvary Community Church. “Money follows dream and vision.”  Henry said he wants to create a bridge between seniors and families and calls the program “inter-generational”.

“We are short of senior housing and this is a good start,” said Henry.

Vicki Been, Commissioner of New York City Department of Housing Preservation, thanked the Borough president. “He is dedicating his capital money to affordable and senior housing throughout the borough,” said Been.

Adams said he had a vision to work with faith based organizations and bringing them together with developers like Hudson and Self o help build affordable housing.

“It was his vision and leadership that really made is possible,” said Been

In addition to money provided to different developments, Adams gave HPD a check to provide a mobile van. This will enable them to travel throughout Brooklyn to sign people up for the lottery so they can get into the housing.

Photo by Saskia Newton