East New York, long plagued by urban ills, is getting new housing and job opportunities

"Residents of East New York, which has long been buffeted by white flight, high poverty and high crime rates, say things could be looking up with the recent approval of land-use changes slated to help bring 1,000 affordable housing units and other amenities near the Broadway Junction transit hub. More than half the units, eyed for the Herkimer-Williams housing complex, will be reserved for area residents making 50% of the area median income or less, according to the office of City Councilmember Sandy Nurse."

"The developers also agreed to a series of commitments aimed at minimizing displacement and boosting opportunity for area residents. The project includes commercial and retail space for local businesses as well as for light manufacturing. It will also house a new Green Economy Institute, designed to facilitate career pathways for residents into the city's green industrial economy. The development "represents a new vision for East New York, one that builds for our community rather than to replace it," Nurse said in a statement."

East New York will receive a rezoning and development near Broadway Junction to bring roughly 1,000 affordable housing units and additional amenities. More than half the units at the Herkimer-Williams complex will be reserved for residents earning 50% of area median income or less, roughly $73,000 for a family of three. Developers committed to measures to minimize displacement and expand local opportunity, including commercial and light-manufacturing space and a Green Economy Institute to create career pathways into the city's green industrial economy. Commitments include a 50% local hiring goal and at least 30% of contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses, with half of those contracts going to local firms.

Read at Gothamist