Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of a state-owned property at 1024 Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood. The approximately 12,800-square-foot lot, currently owned by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), will be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use development featuring 100 percent affordable housing, according to a press release.
This redevelopment initiative is part of Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to address New York State's ongoing housing crisis by repurposing underutilized state buildings for affordable housing solutions. The RFP, which follows extensive community engagement led by Empire State Development (ESD) in partnership with local elected officials, invites developers to submit proposals by June 20 at 5 p.m. EST.
“After decades of sitting vacant, we're breathing new life into this property and delivering what New Yorkers need most: affordable housing and community amenities,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “This project represents our commitment to addressing the housing crisis while ensuring development reflects the priorities of local residents. By transforming underutilized state-owned property into vibrant, sustainable homes, we're making good on our promise to create more affordable homes across New York State.”
From fall through winter 2024, ESD, in collaboration with local leaders including Senator Jabari Brisport and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, held a series of community workshops in which over 150 residents participated, providing crucial feedback for the project.
The RFP outlines that proposals must demonstrate how they will incorporate the findings from the Community Visioning Report. Proposals must also commit to providing 100 percent affordable housing with rent capped at 100% of Area Median Income and include a ground-floor community center for seniors and intergenerational activities, directly responding to needs identified by local residents.
The site, which has been vacant since 1997, was originally acquired by OCFS from the City of New York with the intention of developing a community center. Prior to its acquisition, the building at 1024 Fulton Street served as a Brooklyn Union Gas showroom in 1912 and was later used for various manufacturing and commercial purposes.
Structural issues have kept the site vacant for nearly three decades, but its location within walking distance of educational institutions and multiple transit lines makes it ideal for transit-oriented development.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight emphasized the importance of the community-driven process.
"This RFP represents ESD's commitment to community-driven housing and economic development. By transforming this long-vacant property into affordable housing with a community facility, we're creating both homes and opportunities for the Clinton Hill neighborhood," said Knight. "
"ESD is grateful to our city partners whose collaboration has been invaluable throughout this process. The extensive community engagement ensures this development will truly reflect local priorities and meet the community's needs."
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas added: “The redevelopment of 1024 Fulton Street illustrates the Governor's commitment to using state- owned properties to create mixed use affordable housing increasing in Brooklyn and across the state," said Visnauskas.
"Up to 100 households will benefit from affordable homes and a community center that will bring people of all ages together and add to the vibrancy of the Clinton Hill neighborhood. Repurposing vacant properties into stable, affordable places where people can live comfortably, raise their families, and make memories is good for residents and the entire community. We look forward to seeing 1024 Fulton Street come to life.”
Request for proposals are available here. The submission deadline is June 20 by 5:00p.m.
