Project is expected to produce over 250 new homes, 100 of which will be permanently affordable, and community benefits

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use voted to approve a rezoning of the Arrow Linen site at 441 and 467 Prospect Avenue in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. The Council successfully negotiated an agreement that will produce 250 new housing units, 100 of which will be permanently affordable, significantly increasing the number of affordable units for the project compared to the original proposal.

As a result of weeks of negotiations to maximize the number of affordable units, 40 percent of the housing units will be permanently affordable – this marks one of the highest proportions of affordable housing for a private ULURP application without public subsidies in city history. The increase in affordable units is particularly notable given the lack of affordable housing built in the Windsor Terrace neighborhood over the last decade.

“This City Council is consistently delivering housing solutions that make our city and homes more affordable amidst the housing crisis,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The revised project, negotiated by Council Member Hanif and approved by the Council’s Land Use Committee, will deliver permanently affordable homes and community services that benefit the surrounding neighborhood and all New Yorkers. The Council will continue to prioritize expanding affordability and housing in every part of the city, including areas that have historically not produced affordable homes. I thank Council Member Hanif, Land Use Chair Salamanca, and Zoning and Franchises Chair Riley for their partnership to get this project across the finish line.”

“I’m proud to set a high standard for community-driven, affordability-focused land use policy, made possible by Speaker Adrienne Adams’ leadership and support,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “This project is a major win for Windsor Terrace and our city: two ten-story buildings with 250 units, 40% affordability—achieved without public subsidies. We secured a shorter building, maximized affordability, and delivered critical community benefits, including green roofs, flood management improvements, a childcare facility, subsidized rent for Sakhi for South Asian Women, and strong job commitments with 32BJ. I applaud my constituents for their tireless advocacy and commitment to affordable housing.

“Today’s vote on the revised Arrow Linen project will allow for the creation of over 250 units of housing, 100 of which will be affordable, representing a small but critical step forward in addressing some of New York City’s most pressing housing challenges,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. “It is essential that all neighborhoods contribute to building more housing and increasing the number of affordable homes that meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers. Today’s committee approval of the Arrow Linen rezoning is another important step forward for greater affordability in New York City.”

“The City Council’s historic ‘City for All’ text amendment set out to ensure that every neighborhood does its fair share in addressing the city’s housing crisis,’ stated Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Chair of the Committee on Land Use. ‘Today, we did just that with the approval of the Arrow Linen redevelopment. In addition to a commitment to include union jobs and an ironclad community benefits agreement negotiated by the community, for the community, this approval will bring 250 units of housing, 100 of which being much-needed affordable housing, to an area that has seen little new construction. I strongly commend Council Member Shahana Hanif for her efforts to secure more affordable housing than required, and for standing firm with the needs of her community.”

Other details of the agreement include:

  • The applicant will set aside 100 units to be permanently affordable out of the projected 250 total units. This means 40% of the project’s units will be affordable, exceeding the 25% requirement of Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Option 1, which would have resulted in approximately 62 units of affordable housing.
  • The height of the new building will remain 10 stories, down from the proposed 13 stories.
  • Existing buildings in the project area will be rezoned to map Mandatory Inclusionary Housing onto them, bringing them into zoning compliance without enabling higher density, redevelopment, or additions, unless it’s to facilitate 100% affordable housing.
  • The community will also benefit from access to subsidized space for a childcare center and a domestic violence service provider.

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