CM James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South; BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JUNE 18, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South Project
BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

(New York, NY)— On June 17, 2013, Council Member Letitia James voted to approve the development of BAM South, the planned 32-story tower next to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) being developed by Two Trees Management Company. The project was approved by a New York City Council.

In addition to the BAM South site, the City holds two additional sites in the Cultural District. The three development sites are expected to include approximately 900 apartments. Upon completion, 30% of two residential buildings will consist of affordable housing— an increase from the traditional 80/20 housing structure. BAM South, which represents a $135 million investment, will consist of a 32-story building containing approximately 300 residential units.

When completed, BAM South will also include a new public library, an extension of BAM’s cinema, and multiple performance spaces for cultural organizations. Additionally, the project will create a 16,000 square-foot publicly accessible plaza along Lafayette Avenue, and 22,800 square feet of ground floor retail and commercial space.

In a separate agreement with the administration, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Pacific Street branch was spared from sale to a private developer. The administration has committed to working with elected officials and community stakeholders to formulate a plan for service through an open process. A potential future change regarding the status of the library would require City Council approval. Additionally, Two Trees committed to including union workers in their construction bidding process

“I am pleased to again offer my support to BAM South, a project which will offer significant affordable housing to the Fort Greene community," said Council Member Letitia James. "I have always supported Two Trees’ vision for the project, and I believe it was important to ensure the project included significant community benefits such as increased affordable housing, maintaining the Pacific Street library, a commitment that cultural organizations utilizing the space will reflect the diversity of this community, and assurance that future utilization of the open space includes the input of all stakeholders.”

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A Message from Council Member Letitia James: Regarding BAM South

“Affordable housing and good-paying jobs for our community remain my top priorities as deliberations on the BAM South project continue. I remain concerned about the closure of a nearby historic library, and feel strongly that the project must address this unfortunate loss of public and community space.

Contrary to certain reports, I’ve never backed down from supporting the vision of BAM South, but I believe the project must deliver additional affordable housing units and jobs that middle-class and working-class New Yorkers can live with. These are not new demands, though they have received particular notice as the project vote draws near.

I feel strongly that all developments in the 35th District should seek to meet the unique needs of our diverse, growing community, and I believe that this project when finalized will do so.”

 - Council Member Letitia James

ATTENTION: 66 Rockwell Affordable Housing

Applications are available for 63 affordable rental apartments at 66 Rockwell Place. The income eligibility ranges from $20,640 to $42,950/ annually.

If you are qualified, and would like to request an application, mail a self-addressed envelope to:
66 Rockwell Place c/o CMP Consultants, Inc.
PO Box 1180
Valley Stream, NY 11582

The application may be additionally accessed at http://www.cmpconsultants.com/HousingApplications_XHJP.html. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, registered, and express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number that will be listed with the application. All applications must be postmarked by May 21, 2013.

ATTENTION: Putnam Court Affordable Housing Application

Putnam Court is an affordable housing development being built in Clinton Hill by Dunn Development (the developer of the Navy Green projects). There are 24 studio apartments with a rent of $613, for those making an annual income between $22,068 and $29,050. The application is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/114787981/Putnam-Court-Application-Final. An additional 34 apartments will house those in need of supportive housing. The application must be postmarked by January 15, 2013.

More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html

ATTENTION: HDC Public Hearing on AY Housing; 7/18

The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will be holding a TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) public hearing to provide information regarding the process of securing financing for a housing tower at Atlantic Yards.

The hearing will take place at the office of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on July 18, 2012 in Conference Room 4A/B at 110 William Street, 4th Floor, at 1:00 p.m.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend, and individuals will have an opportunity to make brief statements. For more information, please contact (866) 923-5315.

This tower is projected to contain 363 rental apartments, of which 50% of these units will be affordable to low-, moderate-, and middle-income households.

ATTENTION: DFS Foreclosure Prevention in Bed-Stuy; 7.14; Bed-Stuy

Gov. Cuomo recently announced that the Department of Financial Services (DFS), partnered with the Neighborhood Housing Services of Bedford-Stuyvesant, will provide help to homeowners struggling to keep their homes.

Foreclosure prevention specialists will be on hand in the DFS Mobile Command Center, at Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza Saturday (tomorrow) from 10AM- 4PM. The program is part of the Community Health & Resource Day, and sponsored by local elected officials. Following this Saturday, the Mobile Command Center will be located at 380 Herkimer Street.

For more information, please contact the Neighborhood Housing Services of Bed-Stuy at (718) 919-2100.

ATTENTION: Making Home Affordable Program Hosts Mortgage Assistance Event; 6/25; BK Marriott

The Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable Program, HOPE NOW and several local, non-profit partners and government agencies are hosting this event that will afford homeowners the unique opportunity to meet directly with their mortgage servicer and/or a HUD-approved housing counselor to find alternatives to foreclosure.

Several local, HUD-approved non-profit counseling organizations will be on-site as well to advise homeowners, including:

- American Debt Resources
- Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, Inc.
- Bridge Street Development
- Brooklyn Housing and Family Services
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors
- Legal Services NYC
- Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation
- Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc.
- NID-HCA Greater New Jersey

WHEN: Monday, June 25, 2012
10AM- 8PM


WHERE: NY Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

For more information, contact 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Committee for Arena Justice Call for Fulfillment of FCR Promises; 6/10

The Committee for Arena Justice (a coalition of community religious leaders) is demanding stronger oversight and the housing and (union/ living wage) jobs promised by Forest City Ratner for Barclays.

WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 2012
3:00PM

WHERE: corner of Atlantic Avenue and South Portland.

For more information, please contact (917) 532-4121.

ATTENTION: Housing Advocates Rally for BK Housing Court Fairness; 6/14

Brooklyn Tenants United-- a coalition that includes Make The Road NY, Pratt Area Community Council, and Fifth Avenue Committee-- plan to MARCH and RALLY for tenants rights at Brooklyn Housing Court!

Please see this 2011 Make The Road report on conditions at Brooklyn Housing Court: http://www.scribd.com/doc/76062986/Home-Court-Advantage-Housing-Court-Report.

WHEN: June 14, 2012
4:00PM

WHERE: In front of Brooklyn Housing Court (141 Livingston Street)

ATTENTION: Town Hall Meeting on Tenants' Rights and Housing Affordability; 5/23; 6PM; Lafayette Presbyterian

(click picture to expand flyer)

For more information, please contact Juanita Edwards at Pratt Area Community Council at (718) 522-2613 ext. 024.

PACC Presents Neighborhood Stabilization Assistance Program; TONIGHT (3/36); 6PM; Brown Memorial Baptist Church

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is hosting a Neighborhood Stabilization Assistance Program Information Night.

Learn more about NSP2- a new program to purchase bank-owned properties, short sales and more!

Attend this event to obtain info on:
* How you can obtain up to $80,000* available towards forgivable loans;
* The application process (including deadlines) and;
* Qualification requirements and timeline explained in detail.


Monday, March 26, 2012, 6-9pm
Brown Memorial Baptist Church
484 Washington Avenue (between Fulton Street and Gates Avenue)

To RSVP or for more info call 718-783-3549 x10.

ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Community Meeting to Discuss Navy Greene; 2/9; 6PM

The Pratt Area Community Council is hosting a Navy Greene Community Meeting to discuss the development and future plans for the site.

WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: 45 Clermont Avenue (Community Room)
(between Park Place and Flushing Avenue)
Fort Greene/ Wallabout, Brooklyn

Please confirm your attendance at rsvp@prattarea.org. You may call PACC at (718) 522-2613 for further information.

ATTENTION: LDCCH Hosts Home Buyer Workshop; 1/25; 7PM

The Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights (LDCCH)- in collaboration with Project Brooklyn Homeowners- will host a Free Interactive Home Buyer Workshop on January 25th, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25th 2012
7:00PM to 9:00PM
WHERE: First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
450 Eastern Parkway, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11225

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU????
• Learn How to buy a home
• Learn what to look for in a home and the right questions to ask
• Learn how to qualify for a mortgage. We make sure all attendee’s fully understand the mortgage process from start to finish
• Learn what to do if they have credit challenges and the steps to repair their credit
• ON THE SPOT MORTGAGE PRE-QUALIFICATION
• FREE CREDIT REPORT AND CREDIT CONSULTATION
• Opportunity to preview homes from our inventory of 130 HOMES throughout the Brooklyn and Queens areas and speak to our team of Realtors that will be present at the work shop

To register, email Evantz Saint-Gerard at Evantz@yahoo.com or Yinery Martinez at LDCCH752@aol.com, or call 718-467-8800.

ATTENTION: Chase Bank Presents Homebuying Seminar

On February 8, 2011, Chase Bank will be hosting a free homebuying seminar. Topics to be discussed include--

-Preparing for bomeownership
-Affordable mortgage programs
-Questions and answers with mortgage specialists

WHEN: February 8, 2012
6:30PM- 8:00PM

WHERE: Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza
1380 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Seating is limited. Please RSVP at (718) 230-1284 by February 2.

ATTENTION: 40 Vanderbilt Housing Application Available

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is now accepting applications for 38 affordable units in the newly constructed building located at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue (Wallabout Section- Fort Greene, Brooklyn). The building participates in a government-assisted affordable housing program supervised by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to access the application. The application deadline is November 2, 2011. One application per household; applications will be received through a lottery process. You may find further guidelines here.

The 38 available affordable units are studios for one individual. Eligible income range is from $21,774- $28,650, and the rent is a maximum of $664.

Please contact PACC at 718-522-2613 with any further questions.

ATTENTION: Bed-Stuy Affordable Housing Unit Application Available

Madison/Putnam Sponsor LLC is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 47 affordable housing rental apartments that are currently under construction, located at 924 & 926 Madison Street and 1007, 1013, 1023, 1052 & 1054 Putnam Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

These buildings are being constructed through the Low Income Rental Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

The application may he found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61065947/Madison-Putnam-Application#. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number that is listed on the application. All applications must be postmarked by September 23, 2011. Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081/ (718) 260-9191 or teamtish@gmail.com with any further questions.

ATTENTION: Navy Greene Applications Available

The application for the Navy Green Apartments- which are located at 45 Clermont Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn- has been made available. The 100 affordable rental apartments now under construction are being developed through the Low Income Rental Program (LIRP) of the City of New York’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), The Low Income Affordable Marketplace Program (LAMP) of the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (SLIHC) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to complete the application. Applicants will be required to meet income guidelines, and will be selected by lottery. Eligible applicants currently residing in Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Applicants residing in New York City will receive a general preference over Non-City residents. Limit one application per household.

Please be sure to include a self-addressed envelope with your request for an application.

Completed applications must be returned by regular mail ONLY to--

Navy Green R3

PO Box 373002

New York, NY 10037

Applications must be postmarked by September 6, 2011.

CM James Questions FCR At AY District Service Cabinet Meeting

On November 4, 2010, Council Member James co-sponsored a meeting (with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz) of the Atlantic Yards District Service Cabinet to discuss the development as well as ongoing traffic concerns.

Below is Council Member James' questioning FCR on their affordable housing promise, community involvement, and involvement of small/local businesses at Barclay's Center. She also addresses FCR's proposal to limit access to its developments, and ongoing parking concerns.



Read more info here.

*Video borrowed from the Atlantic Yards Report.

ATTENTION: Met Council Accepting Applications for Senior Affordable Housing

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is pleased to announce that they are accepting applications for the waiting list of senior affordable housing rental apartments in a building located in the Lincoln Square section of Manhattan.

These studio apartments are for one person households only. The age eligibility requirement is 62 years of age at the time of completing the application. Rent range is below $900 a month, and there is an income limit.

Monthly rent includes heat, hot water and gas for cooking. Seniors will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria to qualify. Income limits are subject to change based on the area median income. One application per household.

Applications may be downloaded from: http://www.metcouncil.org/, or requested by mail from-
Council Management/West 61st Street Residence
80 Maiden Lane, 21st floor
New York, NY 10038

Please include a self-addressed envelope. There is no application fee.

Job Opportunity- NY Fdtn for Senior Citizens Positions Available

New York Foundation for Senior Citizens has the following positions available at their soon-to-open, new 77-unit Housing & Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized senior citizen apartment building at 31-21 Surf Avenue and 31st Street in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

· Social Service Worker (BA/BSW degree required)

· Building Manager

· Superintendent (Bilingual English/Russian and English/Chinese preferred; position is for live-in placement)

The qualifications for the superintendent position are five years experience as superintendent of an apartment building, knowledge of gas fired boiler maintenance (ability to read gauges, check temperature, to oil dynamos and circulating pumps and to check burner’s eye), as well as sprinkler systems, air conditioning, plumbing, elevators (basic knowledge of wear and tear of ropes and brake pads) general building and apartment repairs. Applicant must possess valid Fire Department Certificate of Fitness.

All interested applicants (for all positions) are advised to send their resumes to:

Fax: 212-410-4462

Email: nancy_wan@yahoo.com