Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer today released The Brownsville Plan, a blueprint that calls for over a $1 billion in public and private investments to create 2,500 new affordable homes, new and improved cultural, recreational, and educational facilities, and business opportunities in Brownsville.
The plan was created with community input beginning last July and included dozens of advocacy organizations, some 500 residents, and an innovative collaboration with coUrbanize – an online community engagement platform.
“From public and affordable housing, to health care facilities, schools, and green space, the Brownsville Plan represents deep commitment and passion by and for family and neighbors, and a blue print to protect and strengthen this important Brooklyn community,” said de Blasio.
The highlights of the plan include:
New development on City-owned land to support the goals of improving health, safety, community economic development, and the arts in the form of a new cultural center in Brownsville, a new center for innovation and entrepreneurship, and new neighborhood retail and space for community organizations, all paired with affordable housing.
In the coming months, HPD plans to issue a Brownsville Request for Proposals seeking proposals for the development of vacant City-owned land at Christopher-Glenmore, Rockaway-Chester, and Livonia Avenue that align with established neighborhood priorities. The RFP will lead to the creation of approximately 750 affordable homes, representing over $300 million of investment in the neighborhood.
The plan prioritizes another 780 affordable homes that are already in various stages of development on public sites throughout the neighborhood. HPD also estimates that private sites will create another 1,000 affordable apartments in the community.
In addition, the plan coordinates more than $150 million in City investments, including improvements to Brownsville’s parks, NYCHA developments, streets and roadways. It includes plans for a new community center for teens at the Brownsville Houses; and a new Neighborhood Health Action Center. Much of this work will be complete or underway within the next five years.
A number of Brooklyn lawmakers representing the area hailed the plan.
“Advancing a community-driven revitalization of Brownsville is personal to me. I was born in the community, I have been proud to serve this community, and I believe in this community’s boundless potential. I appreciate the City’s focus on developing a neighborhood plan that promotes holistic growth and provides the foundation for a safer place to raise healthy children and families,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.
“The work to create The Brownsville Plan and the plan itself represent the inclusive, collaborative approach to advancing key goals we should pursue. The process of engaging neighborhood residents, truly listening to their perspectives, and incorporating that community input is critical to both developing and implementing change. Our approach to goals like increasing access to affordable housing, expanding opportunities to participate in arts and culture, and promoting economic development should continually take on board the real expertise neighborhood residents provide. I look forward to the City-community engagement continuing over the course of the investments The Brownsville Plan envisages and beyond,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.
“I am excited about HPD’s Brownsville Plan coming to fruition and helping the community. After months planning sessions with input from the stakeholders including clergy, community leaders, residents, and elected officials. We are cautiously optimistic that plan will be implemented in a way that respects the community,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker.
“The Brownsville Plan appears to incorporate many beneficial and exciting features for the community. My office looks forward to supporting these various features as we continuously support high-quality service and development initiatives for Brownsville. I am committed to ensuring that housing projects coming into my district are affordable for the residents who currently live here with median incomes at $32,000,” said Council Member Inez Barron.
“I applaud the City for working with the community and getting this plan together in a timely and collaborative manner,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. “It is time that we see this level of investment and resources come into our community to protect longtime residents and ensure our strong future. I look forward to seeing the details of the Brownsville Plan and working with all stakeholders to implement it effectively.”
To learn more about the comprehensive plan, review a project summary, and track status updates please visit nyc.gov/brownsville.
