New York City’s housing scene is getting a major upgrade.
Governor Kathy Hochul just announced the kicked off construction on a staggering $278 million affordable housing development in Far Rockaway, Queens, and it is bound to completely reshape the local coastline.
Known as Arverne East, this transformative project is turning a vacant oceanfront lot into a highly resilient, net zero community packed with brand new homes and incredible amenities for New Yorkers.
What to expect from Arverne East
The newest phase of this project is called Building D, and it is bringing exactly 320 brand new units to the Rockaway peninsula.
What makes this development truly special is the focus on both renting and owning.
The building features 229 rental apartments available for households earning up to 90 percent of the Area Median Income.
On top of that, it includes 89 cooperative homeownership units for those earning up to 100 percent of the Area Median Income, offering a rare and incredible pathway to actually owning a home in the city.
There is also a strong community focus baked right into the blueprints.
Thirty five of the rental apartments will serve as supportive housing for young adults aging out of the foster care system, complete with on site support services.
The developers also designed multiple units specifically for residents with mobility and sensory impairments to ensure the space is accessible to everyone.
High end amenities and serious storm protection
This project is bringing way more than just new places to sleep.
Building D is fully loaded with perks that rival some of the city’s most expensive luxury towers.
Residents will have access to sprawling outdoor terraces, a cozy lounge, a dedicated playroom, a state of the art fitness center, and plenty of bike storage.
Because the development sits on a coastal site previously impacted by Superstorm Sandy, storm resiliency is a massive priority.
The entire first floor is elevated to the 500 year flood level, and zero residential units are located on the ground floor.
The building is also fully electric, fossil fuel free, and relies on rooftop solar panels alongside a massive geothermal heating and cooling loop.
It is quite literally designed to be New York City’s very first net zero community.
The bigger picture for the Rockaways
When the entire Arverne East master plan is eventually completed, the neighborhood will see a massive total of 1,650 new homes, with roughly 80 percent of them designated as affordable.
The sprawling complex will also boast massive stretches of retail and restaurant space, a lush nature preserve, an urban farm, and the highly anticipated Arverne East Aquatic Center.
This groundbreaking is a huge step forward for the Queens community and it provides much needed affordable housing to locals.
