In the not-too-distant future, the city and developers of Essex Crossing are expected to open applications for the first affordable apartments in the large mixed-income project now rising in the former Seward Park Urban Renewal Area. While the housing lotteries haven’t launched quite yet, now is a good time to start preparing.
Four residential buildings are under construction as part of the first phase of Essex Crossing. Taken together, they will include 311 units for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. People who live in Community District 3 will be given priority for 50% of the affordable apartments.
The city has published a guide to help residents apply for subsidized housing. A recent study concluded that a lot of people fail to qualify because they haven’t filled out their applications properly. You can find the guide here. If you’re planning to enter the Essex Crossing lotteries, make sure you set up an account through the city’s Housing Connect website. Once you’re in the system, you’ll receive alerts about all affordable housing opportunities, including Essex Crossing. You can also sign up here to receive housing updates from the developers.
The lotteries will cover sites 1, 2, 5 and 6 (see the map below). Area Median Income (AMI) for a family of four in New York City is currently $90,600/year. Keep in mind that lotteries for different buildings will open at different times (site 6 will be first). Here’s a breakdown of what will be available:
- Site 1: 11 Condominium apartments – available at 110% of AMI.
- Site 2: 98 rental apartments – available between 40-155% of AMI.
- Site 5: 104 rental apartments – available between 40-155% of AMI.
- Site 6 (senior housing): 100 rental apartments – available at 40% 60% and 80% of AMI.
Need help completing your application and navigating the process? The city has designated two local not-for-profit organizations to assist prospective applicants. They are Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES) and Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE).
