Combining affordable housing with a library reduced the cost of the project and gives residents access to essential resources.
A new affordable housing development in Brooklyn is located above a public library branch, reports Kristin Toussaint in Fast Company. “This project, in the borough’s Sunset Park neighborhood, is the first of its kind in New York City—and also marks the first new affordable housing developed in Sunset Park in more than 20 years.” The project features 49 units of permanently affordable housing.
Combining the two projects allowed the city to save money on the library’s reconstruction and add to the city’s affordable housing stock. “Funding came in part from proceeds of another branch’s property sale, capital funding from the city, from offices of local elected officials including the borough president, a construction loan, and Low Income Housing Tax Credits that covered the residential portion.”
In addition to books and educational resources, libraries provide crucial free access to resources such as computers, job resources, homework assistance, and children’s programming. Linda Johnson, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, hopes that for the new residents, the branch will “be like their living room.”
FULL STORY: Brooklyn’s new affordable housing development is built on top of a public library
‘Passive House’ Development Brings 275 Affordable, Efficient Units to Brooklyn
A 14-story tower uses the ‘Passive House’ approach to drastically reduce energy use and improve quality of life for residents.
Gowanus Racial Impact Study Predicts Increased Diversity After Rezoning
The report outlines the potential impacts on the neighborhood's racial diversity and the availability of below-market housing units.
Brooklyn Waterfront Development Unveils Revised Design
The massive River Ring Waterfront Master Plan includes two towers containing 1,050 residential units, a three-acre beach, and 5,000 square feet of community kiosks.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
Nevada legislators are proposing laws that would mandate heat mitigation measures to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service