NEW YORK—The new co-op building unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference in the Bronx on Wednesday displays all signs of luxury: spacious rooms, a gym, balconies and terraces, kitchen islands, and shiny wooden floors. From the balcony, however, the South Bronx, one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation, comes into view.
Sixty-three low- and moderate-income families will move into the new affordable-housing co-op, located at 853 Macy Place in Longwood, the Bronx. Fourteen of the apartments are reserved for low-income families, who will achieve ownership with help from Habitat for Humanity-New York City.
The eight-story building includes six one-bedroom units, 47 two-bedroom units, and 10 three-bedroom units, as well as parking for 16 vehicles and a fully equipped fitness center.
As the lucky residents walked through the halls of their future home, excitement and expectation filled the air.
“I am extremely excited,” said Nazlin Warner, one of the residents moving to the new building with the assistance of the Habitat for Humanity. “Now I am in a situation where I need housing desperately. This has offered me the opportunity to own my own co-op apartment, as opposed to paying exorbitant prices for rent.”
To qualify, Warner had to prove that she had a need for housing, a stable income, and a good credit score, as well as to put in 200 hours of work on the building as part of the Habitat program.
“Home ownership is very important for neighborhoods like this,” said Josh Lockwood, executive director for Habitat for Humanity-New York City, before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Home buyers care about local schools and public safety and care about the look and feel of the neighborhood in a way that renters often don’t. Having ownership here helps to transform the whole nature of the neighborhood—not just this building, but the streets around it.”
The Building is named The Melody to honor the long musical tradition of the Bronx. The musical theme is apparent in the design of the building, which features music piped into the staircases, music-themed paintings on the walls, and music score-shaped hand rails.
Sixty-three low- and moderate-income families will move into the new affordable-housing co-op, located at 853 Macy Place in Longwood, the Bronx. Fourteen of the apartments are reserved for low-income families, who will achieve ownership with help from Habitat for Humanity-New York City.
The eight-story building includes six one-bedroom units, 47 two-bedroom units, and 10 three-bedroom units, as well as parking for 16 vehicles and a fully equipped fitness center.
As the lucky residents walked through the halls of their future home, excitement and expectation filled the air.
“I am extremely excited,” said Nazlin Warner, one of the residents moving to the new building with the assistance of the Habitat for Humanity. “Now I am in a situation where I need housing desperately. This has offered me the opportunity to own my own co-op apartment, as opposed to paying exorbitant prices for rent.”
To qualify, Warner had to prove that she had a need for housing, a stable income, and a good credit score, as well as to put in 200 hours of work on the building as part of the Habitat program.
“Home ownership is very important for neighborhoods like this,” said Josh Lockwood, executive director for Habitat for Humanity-New York City, before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Home buyers care about local schools and public safety and care about the look and feel of the neighborhood in a way that renters often don’t. Having ownership here helps to transform the whole nature of the neighborhood—not just this building, but the streets around it.”
The Building is named The Melody to honor the long musical tradition of the Bronx. The musical theme is apparent in the design of the building, which features music piped into the staircases, music-themed paintings on the walls, and music score-shaped hand rails.
