Affordable Housing

In this article and accompanying video, architecture critic Michael Kimmelman and Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden tour the Melrose section of the South Bronx. Along the way, affordability and density are apparent hallmarks of the undertaking.

October 5, 2011 - The New York Times

In April 2009, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan spoke to the ULI Spring Council Forum in Atlanta; he stated that his administration’s goal was “to put the UD back in HUD,” and explained that HUD’s over-reliance on housing solutions wasn’t helping cities address their complex revitalization needs. Just over two years later, this small new funding program caught my eye on a list of new HUD announcements: *** HUD HOPE VI – $0.5 million Application Due: August 22, 2011 Eligible Entities: Local governments

October 1, 2011 - Jess Zimbabwe

Via Verde is a subsidized housing development going up in a gentrifying part of the South Bronx, combining towers with townhouses and a contemporary design.

September 26, 2011 - The New York Times

As the real estate market begins to rebound, many affordable housing advocates and developers in NYC are calling for a modification of the 80/20 program.

September 9, 2011 - The New York Times

Neglected for decades, a group of tenement buildings in New York City are set to be renovated to provide a new source of affordable housing.

August 31, 2011 - The New York Observer

The lackluster performance of the Federal Home Loan Banks' economic development could be improved by following the model of their own Affordable Housing Program, writes Carol Wayman.

August 23, 2011 - Shelterforce

The Bridge Homeless Assistance Center in Dallas has saved the city an estimated $3 million in jail time and homeless management. Architecture gets some of the credit.

August 9, 2011 - Next American City

With great success, the city is on a fast track to transform six Great Depression-era public housing projects - totaling 4,000 units - into mixed-income housing. "People will be watching New Orleans closely," observes Linda Couch.

August 5, 2011 - USA Today

The Bronx is slowly shedding its negative image as it boasts a job growth that is outpacing the entire New York City, and the fastest wage increases than any other borough in the city, reports Daniel Massey for Crain's New York Business.

July 28, 2011 - Crain's New York Business

The city of Vancouver is planning to offer more than $42 million in land and capital grants aimed at developing affordable housing. Its part of a 10-year plan to end homelessness in the city.

July 26, 2011 - The Vancouver Sun

For a city of over 16,000 people per square mile, less than 7% of Hong Kong's land is designated for residential use. Subdivided apartments - aka "coffin units" - totaling 150 square feet aren't uncommon, reports The Wall Street Journal.

July 26, 2011 - The Wall Street Journal

Tom Angotti writes that Mayor Bloomberg has ambitious goals for solving NYC's affordable housing problems, but they may not be in step with today's real estate market.

July 22, 2011 - The Gotham Gazette

Castle Square Apartments in Boston is currently being retrofitted in what is said to be the largest energy savings project of its kind. The low-income housing towers are receiving $6.7 million from HUD's Recovery Act Green Retrofit Program.

May 31, 2011 - Metropolis Magazine

A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) says that the number of Americans spending more than 50% of their income on housing is at an all-time high.

May 11, 2011 - Builder

In Vancouver, where rents and housing prices are moving beyond the reach of ordinary citizens, the search for proven ways to provide modest market housing is on.

May 5, 2011 - The Dependent Magazine

In the housing crash of 2007, Atlanta's Pittsburgh community was a focal point for mortgage fraud, mortgage defaults, and foreclosure. By forming a nonprofit community land trust, Atlanta is working to turn the neighborhood around.

April 7, 2011 - Shelterforce

April 4, 2011 - Mark A. Rhoades AICP

A project now being considered by the City of Vancouver, B.C., would overhaul a handful of shipping containers to provide housing for the homeless.

March 31, 2011 - The Globe and Mail

Rebecca Cohen and Emily Salomon of the Center for Housing Policy examine existing policy tools to preserve and expand affordable housing near planned transit stations.

March 15, 2011 - Shelterforce

The Atlanta BeltLine brings much promise to the city of Atlanta, but will elevated housing costs be an unwelcome addition? Atlanta is looking to a community land trust to preserve affordability for the long-term near this new asset.

February 15, 2011 - Shelterforce Magazine