Essex Crossing Affordable Housing, Marketing and Former Site Tenant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Essex Crossing is an unprecedented development project comprised of 1.9 million square feet of
residential, commercial, and community space. The nine sites are located on six acres of land and have
remained mostly vacant since 1967, representing one of the most significant urban renewal
developments in the history of New York City. Phased construction is expected to begin in the Summer
of 2015 and to be completed by 2024. Please go to http://essexcrossingnyc.com/ for more information.
This document addresses many inquiries about the marketing process and how an individual qualifies
as a Former Site Tenant (FST).
Former Site Tenant and Marketing Preferences
1. Who is a qualified former site tenant (FST)?
An individual who lived in the Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area (SPEURA),
bounded by Delancey Street to the North, Grand Street to the South, Essex Street to the West and
Willet Street to the East, between the years of 1965-1973 (please refer to the map below).
2. What documents are needed to prove that I am a qualified FST?
If you believe that you meet the definition of a FST, you will need to provide
government-issued documentation that includes your name and former address within the
SPEURA boundaries, between the years of 1965-1973. Acceptable forms of documentation may
include, but are not limited to: Department of Education records, Department of Health records,
passports, and voter registration cards.
3. I was a child when my parents were relocated, do I qualify?
Yes, you quality as a FST if you resided in the SPEURA boundaries, between the years of
1965-1973, and can provide the documentation to prove residency.
4. If I qualify as a FST, will I get an apartment?
The FST preference category does not a guarantee an apartment. During the lottery process, if
your application log number is reached, you must still meet family income, family size and
additional selection criteria, which will be outlined in the approved HPD or HDC advertisement.
Qualified FST applicants will receive a preference for the affordable housing units within the
Community Board (CB) 3 preference. Residents of CB3 will receive a preference for 50% for the
affordable housing units across the entire project. Qualifying for the preference affects only the
order in which you will be processed - all applicants will be required to meet the same income
and other eligibility criteria, which will be detailed on the advertisement and application once the
project marketing commences.
Housing Application Process
5. How do I apply?
The application process for the apartments will conform to the HPD/HDC lottery process, using
NYC Housing Connect or paper applications. You will be able to apply once the advertisement
dates are established (anticipated to start in late 2017).
Housing Application Process Below
In the meantime, get started by completing a profile on NYC Housing Connect
www.nyc.gov/housingconnect. Once an advertisement is placed on NYC Housing Connect, you
can apply for an apartment.
6. What if I don’t have access to a computer, how can I apply for an apartment?
Once the advertisement dates are established, you have the option of submitting a paper
application which you can obtain from the developer. Refer to the individual property
advertisement which will detail how you can request an application by mail.
7. What size apartment would I qualify for?
The apartment size that you may qualify for depends on your family size and income at the time
of application.
8. Are the apartments for sale or for rent?
A total of 1000 housing units will be developed and 50% of the total housing units are affordable
rental apartments. 16% of the total housing units are homeownership condo units and 11 condo
units will be affordable.
Affordable Housing Development Chart - PHASE 1
SITE
1
2
5
6
ESSEX
CROSSING
AFFORDAB
LE
HOUSING
Condo
Rental
Rental
Rental
# OF
AFFORDABLE
UNITS
AFFORDABILIT
Y (AMI)
SAMPLE
2015 INCOME EQUIVALENT RANGE*
FAMILY OF 1
11
98
104
100
FAMILY OF 4
110%
$66,550
$94,930
40%
$24,200
$34,520
60%
$36,300
$51,780
110%
$66,550
$94,930
155%
$93,775
$133,765
40%
$24,200
$34,520
60%
$36,300
$51,780
110%
$66,550
$94,930
155%
$93,775
$133,765
40%
$24,200
$34,520
80%
$48,350
$69,050
*Income guidelines are based on how the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
calculates the Area Median Income (AMI) of the New York City region. Income guidelines are calculated
annually and therefore subject to change on a yearly basis. The AMI for 2015 is $86,300 for a family of
four.*
9. How much will the condo units cost?
There are several tiers or levels of affordability. The exact rents and income guidelines will be
published as part of the marketing plan.
10. When will the apartments be available?
Phase 1 of the development project is expected to be completed in 2018, with a total of 406 total
housing units; 50% will be affordable.