New Housing Lottery: Apply Now for Homes Starting at $454—Two Key Requirements Revealed
Affordable housing opportunities are now available for many New Yorkers, with monthly rents starting as low as $454, offering relief to low-income families, seniors, and the unhoused community.
This housing lottery comes as part of a new development at Weeksville Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, a project designed to provide accessible, affordable homes for residents in the area.
Weeksville Place: Affordable Housing in Crown Heights
Weeksville Place, located at 1559 Prospect Place, is a newly completed eight-story building offering 45 apartments, of which 36 are available through a lottery system. These units range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, ensuring a variety of living options for prospective tenants.
The development, built on a previously vacant city-owned lot, is designed to be affordable and income-restricted, with rent stabilization in place to protect tenants from unpredictable rent hikes.
Income Criteria and Application Process
To qualify for the housing lottery, applicants must meet two key criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must be New York residents.
- Income Level: Eligible households must earn between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Income limits range from $18,480 for a one-person household to $134,160 for a five-person household, ensuring a broad range of affordability.
The specific pricing and availability of units are as follows:
- Studios: 15 units are available, with rents starting at $454 and capping at $654.
- One-bedroom units: 7 units are available, with rents ranging from $577 to $1,676.
- Two-bedroom units: 14 units are available, with rents starting at $1,364 and reaching up to $1,999.
In addition to these units, nine apartments are set aside as supportive housing for families referred by New York City agencies. Seniors are given priority for the lowest-priced units.
The deadline for applications is October 28, and interested individuals can apply via the NYC Housing Connect website.
Amenities and Features
Weeksville Place offers several desirable amenities, including a welcoming lobby, a rear yard with grilling areas, a children’s playground, a community center, and bike storage. The apartments come equipped with energy-efficient appliances and air conditioning. On-site management ensures tenants have immediate access to assistance if needed.
Additionally, while heat and hot water are included in the rent, tenants will be responsible for their electricity costs. The building’s hallways feature warm wood paneling, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for residents.
A Long-Needed Development
The lot where Weeksville Place now stands had been vacant since the 1980s and was previously owned by the city. In 2022, it was transferred to affordable housing developers—Settlement Housing Fund and The Beechwood Organization—for the nominal cost of $3 as part of a city initiative to address the housing crisis. Settlement Housing Fund, which has a strong presence in Crown Heights, has been a key player in several other affordable housing projects in the area.
Conclusion
The launch of Weeksville Place is a significant development in Brooklyn’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing options. With its range of available units, income-based eligibility, and prime location in Crown Heights, the housing lottery offers a rare opportunity for low- to moderate-income residents to secure stable, affordable housing. Interested applicants should act quickly, as the lottery deadline is fast approaching.