June 30, 2021

Moving Forward on Exciting Projects

Celebrating the Opening of La Central A & B

On June 16th, we joined our development partners, elected officials, and community leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the latest phase of La Central. Located right off the Hub in the Melrose section of the Bronx, Buildings A & B contain nearly 500 affordable homes , plus a rooftop farm, retail, and a YMCA that residents like Sharmecka can’t wait to use. When complete, the entire development will deliver more than 1,000 new affordable homes to the South Bronx.

Financing The Eliza in Inwood

On June 10th, we announced financing for The Eliza, a landmark project that combines a new Inwood branch of The New York Public Library (NYPL) with 174 deeply affordable homes. The project is the result of a public-private partnership between HPD, HDC, NYPL and Robin Hood, the city’s largest poverty fighting philanthropy. It will also include a universal pre-K facility operated by NYC Department of Education.

Stepping Up to Keep Tenants Safe

Welcoming New Housing Inspectors

Last week, we held a graduation to welcome 15 new Housing Inspectors to HPD. They're now part of a team that performs more than 500,000 inspections a year, and worked fearlessly through the pandemic to ensure tenants have heat, hot water, and safe, quality homes. Inspectors perform technical work to ensure enforcement of the Multiple Dwellings Law, Housing Maintenance Code, and related regulations.

Hitting the Road in the HPD Outreach Van

After a COVID-19 pause, we kicked off our Outreach Van season with a full calendar of events across the five boroughs. Expertly staffed by the Office of Enforcement and Neighborhood Services Outreach Unit, the van advises New Yorkers on their concerns about building maintenance and code enforcement issues, and provides support and information about HPD’s many other housing services. This season, the Outreach Van will focus on neighborhoods disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Getting the Word Out

The NYC Housing Vacancy Survey

The NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey is happening now. The survey is crucial for understanding NYC's housing challenges and especially important to understand the challenges that New Yorkers have faced during the pandemic. If you or someone you know is asked to participate, please say yes! The future of our city depends on it.

IDNYC for Affordable Housing

With IDNYC, New Yorkers do not need a driver’s license, social security card, or birth certificate to be eligible for housing on Housing Connect. IDNYC can be used to apply for affordable housing and access a wide variety of other discounts and services across the five boroughs. All New Yorkers above the age of 18 can sign up for Housing Connect regardless of immigration status.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Applications are still being accepted for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). ERAP can provide eligible low- to moderate-income households with up to 12 months of their back rent paid, 3 months of future rent if applicable, and qualified utility arrears. Individuals do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify, and both tenants and landlords can apply – payments will be made to the landlord, and tenants will be notified of any payment made on their behalf.

Interested tenants and owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information about how to apply, and to find out if you or your tenants qualify, visit the New York State ERAP webpage. There are also community-based organizations helping New Yorkers apply across the five boroughs, listed on the NYC HRA/DSS website. We hope you continue to help us get the word out about this critical resource for New Yorkers.

Louise Carroll
HPD Commissioner

Louise Carroll HPD Commissioner