With NYC rent recently hitting $4.3K for a one-bedroom, finding affordable housing opportunities in New York City is more valuable than ever–and we just hit the jackpot. A sprawling new development in Sunnyside has officially opened its affordable housing lottery, offering a rare opportunity for New Yorkers to secure high-quality homes at prices that almost feel too good to be true.
Known as The Barnett, this newly constructed 185-unit residential building is located at 50-25 Barnett Ave, Queens, NY 11104. The lottery offers New Yorkers a rare chance to secure rent-stabilized housing in the heart of Sunnyside–recently crowned the most affordable neighborhood on StreetEasy’s 2026 watch list.
🏙️ Luxury Meets Convenience
Of the 185 units in the 8-story mixed-use building, 146 have been set aside for the housing lottery.
The building consists of units ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts, all with dishwashers, air conditioning, and high-speed internet. Amenities include:
- Convenience: Elevator, Part time Concierge, On-site Resident Manager, Package Room, Card Operated Laundry Room
- Wellness & Recreation: Fitness Center, Community Room, Children’s Playroom, Landscaped Outdoor Courtyard, Recreation Room
- Interior Quality: In-Unit Dishwasher and Microwave, Air Conditioning
- Pet Policy: Pets allowed
Heat and hot water are included in the cost of rent. Tenants will be responsible for electricity, including the electric stove.
🚇 Convenient Access to Nearby Transportation
With ample outdoor areas nearby, including Sunnyside Gardens Park and the Lawrence Virgilio Playground, The Barnett has a pedestrian-friendly walk score.
Access to nearby mass transportation is just as convenient. The Barnett is located close to:
- Northern Boulevard subway station: E, F, M, & R trains
- 61st Street-Woodside subway station: 7 train
- Bus stops: Q18, Q63, Q66, & Q104 lines
- Woodside Long Island Rail Road
🏘️ Available Units & Income Requirements
The lottery includes units across three different levels of Area Median Income (AMI): 30% ($48,600 limit), 50% ($81,000 limit), and 80% ($129,600 limit).
Rent ranges from $545/month for a studio to $3,031/month for a three-bedroom.
✅ Eligibility & Preferences
To foster community stability and inclusivity, specific units are set aside for applicants with disabilities:
- Mobility: 5% of units
- Vision/Hearing: 2% of units
Additionally, preference for a percentage of the units will be given to:
- Community Board Resident (Queens CB 02): 20%
- Municipal Employee/ Military Veteran: 10%
🖥️ How to Apply
Eligible households must submit their application before the June 8, 2026 deadline. You can apply through one of two methods:
- Apply Online: Visit the NYC Housing Connect website to create a profile and submit your application electronically. This is the fastest way to ensure your application is received
- Apply by Mail: To request a paper application, send a self-addressed envelope to: The Barnett c/o Phipps Houses 257 Park Avenue South 12th Floor, New York, NY 10010
Note: As with all NYC housing lotteries, competition is expected to be high, and selection is based on a random drawing.
