Low-income housing complex unveiled in Ocean Hill

A new 64-unit low-income housing apartment building was officially unveiled Monday morning in the Ocean Hill neighborhood, much to the delight of local community leaders and the Catholic Charities Brooklyn Queens organization.

The Monsignor Anthony J. Barretta Apartments are located at 2354-2358 and 2372-2374 Atlantic Avenue, and 2353-2365 Pacific Street, and comprise eight separate four-story buildings, build on the site of the ed former school, rectory, and convent of Our Lady of Loreto Church.

“After much anticipation by families in need of low-income-housing in Ocean Hill Brooklyn, we are pleased to celebrate the grand opening of these much-needed affordable housing apartments for families,” said Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, Vicar for Human Services, Diocese of Brooklyn. “The need for affordable housing in New York City is overwhelming and with this newly constructed development, Catholic Charities upholds our commitment to providing low-income families with the highest quality housing and services in their own neighborhood.”

The 64 units are split evenly between one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and all are air-conditioned, with access to communal amenities such as a community room with a kitchen, and laundry facilities. Rents will range from $494 to $860 per month.

Eight of the units are reserved for tenants who qualify for project-based Section 8 rent subsidies, meaning that they earn no more than 60% Area Median Income (AMI), which is no more than an annual income of $36,120 for an individual. AMI levels are calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Affordable housing in Brooklyn is a rare find and Ocean Hill is a neighborhood increasingly in-demand within real estate development circles, as people continue to move east of Williamsburg and Bushwick.

Residents and building developers and sponsors cut the ribbon on the Monsignor Anthony J. Barretta Apartments in Ocean Hill. (Photo by Ronald L. Glassman)

The $18 million development is designed to be energy-efficient and feature architecture inspired by New York City’s brownstones. It was developed in partnership between Catholic Charities and The Community Preservation Corporation Resources (CPCR). Funding was provided through loans and equity from the CPCR, HYPD, Richman Housing Resources, and the New York State Housing Trust Fund.

“A safe, affordable home is essential to providing stability to the most vulnerable in our society.  For low-income families, individuals, older adults and the formerly homeless in New York City, we are pleased to be able to offer a fresh new start and hope for the future,” said Robert Siebel, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. “Providing and preserving affordable housing is one of the cornerstones of our mission and we are committed to do whatever we can do to provide for those in need.

Although the lottery process has closed, future applicants to city-sponsored housing lotteries should visit NYC Housing Connect at www.nyc.gov/housingconnect.

 

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