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Staff of New York State writes:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced plans for Clarkson Estates, the latest winning proposal under the Vital Brooklyn initiative, which will construct 291 affordable and supportive apartments in the Flatbush neighborhood. The $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative targets and invests in eight integrated areas, from health care to housing, establishing a new standard for addressing chronic economic and racial disparities in Brooklyn's high-need communities.
Development is Part of Governor’s Commitment to Create 4,000 Units of Affordable Housing in Central Brooklyn
“As the pandemic creates significant hardships for New Yorkers, it’s more important than ever that we expand access to safe, affordable housing during these difficult times,” Governor Cuomo said. “This project is going to result in nearly 300 new affordable and supportive housing units that will help hundreds of our friends and neighbors in Central Brooklyn, and the State will continue to find ways to support the New Yorkers who need it most as we address the unprecedented challenges of today.”
“As the pandemic creates significant hardships for New Yorkers, it’s more important than ever that we expand access to safe, affordable housing during these difficult times”
Governor Cuomo
Clarkson Estates, which is being developed by CAMBA Housing Ventures, will have 291 affordable apartments for families and individuals and half of the apartments – 146 units – will be set aside for youth aging out of foster care, formerly incarcerated individuals, and formerly homeless young adults. The on-site supportive services offered by CAMBA will be supplemented by an extensive network of benefits available to the larger community in the development’s 30,000-square-foot “HUB”. Many of the Community HUB’s facilities will be open to the public and help encourage community engagement.
In addition, Clarkson Estates qualifies for Enterprise Green Communities Certification, and meets the standards of the ENERGY STAR multifamily high-rise program to satisfy Climate Bond Initiative requirements. The development’s green roofs and solar panels contribute to community and individual health. Residents and visitors will also be provided free Wi-Fi, which is a hallmark of the Vital Brooklyn initiative’s commitment to increasing internet access across Central Brooklyn.
The complex’s active design elements include outdoor spaces for gardening, children’s play area, and passive recreation as well as outdoor fitness programming. Full-length windows and glazing throughout the building will bring light into the common areas, and art and color will enhance the stair wells encouraging residents to exercise. The outdoor space on the ground floor in the rear of the building will include a landscaped courtyard with a serenity garden, a wooded walk, a turf field, communal seating, and a children’s play area.
The rooftop terrace and community garden will have space for communal gathering and gardening. The building has staggered three-foot recesses to provide planting and seating along the street, and to activate the pedestrian walkway. Trees will be planted throughout.
