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City Proposes Modular Construction to Create Affordable Housing in East NY

The proposal would bring 167 affordable units as well as space for a new medical clinic and social services to 581 Grant Avenue.
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Rendering: Think! Architecture

The city revealed plans on Monday to build 167 units of affordable housing on a city-owned lot in East New York. 

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development selected a project that proposes using modular construction — the next frontier in housing, according to HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer — to build a new, fully affordable, mixed-use housing development at 581 Grant Avenue. 

Modular construction reduces construction cost and development time by allowing for construction of modules offsite, the city stated. The modules are then transported and rapidly assembled on the development site.

"Through Housing New York, we are looking to harness new solutions and innovative technologies to meet the needs of New Yorkers as quickly as possible," said Torres-Springer. "This project will help advance this new construction trend, while bringing 167 affordable homes to East New York, making good on a promise to the community."

The development team led by Thorobird Companies and nonprofit partner Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services will team up with Brooklyn-based manufacturer FullStack Modular to create a mix of studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. The development will rise on an L-shaped parcel, bounded by Pitkin Avenue to the south, Grant Avenue to the west and Glenmore Avenue to the north.

"The modular design allows us to provide an optimal production process," said Thomas R. Campbell, principal of Thorobird. "The homes will arrive faster, in a better quality and at a lower cost."

The team's proposal also includes an expansive community space set aside for a new medical clinic, operated by Brooklyn-based BMS Health and Wellness. Additionally, BACDYS will utilize the community space to provide programming and supportive services for immigrants, women, low-income and homeless community members.

"The number of low-income individuals and families who are unable to make ends meet or even have a place to call home is unacceptable," said New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. "Affordable housing is welcomed and greatly needed in Brooklyn, especially in East New York, and I look forward to the completion of the 167 units which will become home to the neediest members of our community."

The project still has to go through a public approval process. If approved, construction could begin next year and be completed by 2022.




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