NEW YORK (PIX11) — The New York City Department of Planning may approve the construction of affordable housing in the Lower East Side.
The proposed project would restore St. Augustine’s Chapel and replace the two-story annex, located at 290 Henry Street, with a 21-story building that would facilitate 130 affordable housing apartments.
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All resident units will be income-restricted for families at 50%, 80% and 110% of the area median income.
Fifteen percent of the units will be set aside for people who were formerly homeless.
In addition to the affordable apartments, space will be available for retail on the first floor, and community facility space will be set aside for St. Augustine’s Church.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal is supporting the proposal.
“Developing creative ways to introduce new housing across Manhattan is imperative in the current housing crisis, and this application highlights the potential of historic sites to contribute to this effort,” said Hoylman-Sigal.
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In addition to the development of affordable housing, the chapel will undergo restoration of the stained-glass windows, a stone archway, and the rooftop railing.
Andrew Cruz is a digital content producer. A native New Yorker, he joined PIX11 in 2009 as a weather producer. More of his work can be found here.
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