A vacant lot at 153 Nevins Street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, is set to become 70 affordable apartments for seniors, addressing the neighborhood’s housing crisis amid rising rents and rezoning efforts.
This development highlights New York City’s push for affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods like Boerum Hill, where median rents exceed $4,000 monthly for one-bedrooms.
Project Overview
The Boerum Hill affordable housing development at 153 Nevins Street, between Wyckoff and Bergen Streets, will deliver 70 units exclusively for seniors aged 62 and older. Led by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in partnership with developers like Wyckoff Gardens LLC, the project transforms a city-owned parking lot into a six-story building with ground-floor retail space.
Rents will range from $800 to $1,800 for studios and one-bedrooms, targeting households earning 30–60% of Area Median Income (AMI)—about $25,000–$65,000 annually for one person. Construction began in late 2025, with occupancy expected by mid-2027, pending approvals.
This initiative stems from a 2023 rezoning that unlocked 450 affordable units across the area, making Boerum Hill affordable senior housing development a reality.
Senior-Focused Amenities
Amenities prioritize accessibility and community for Boerum Hill affordable senior housing development residents. The building features elevators, wide hallways, and fully accessible units compliant with ADA standards, plus on-site laundry and communal lounges.
A standout is the rooftop terrace with gardens, offering green space in a dense urban setting near Barclays Center. In-building services include social programming, health check-ins via partnerships with local clinics, and proximity to the A/C/G trains at Hoyt-Schermerhorn station—just two blocks away.
These elements address isolation common among Brooklyn seniors, fostering a supportive environment amid the neighborhood’s vibrant mix of brownstones and lofts.
Community Impact
Affordable housing Boerum Hill Brooklyn alleviates pressure on a neighborhood where 40% of seniors spend over 50% of income on rent, per recent HPD data. This project preserves Boerum Hill’s family-friendly vibe while adding public benefits like improved streetscaping and workforce hiring from local residents.
Critics note construction disruptions, but community input sessions in 2024 shaped the design, including noise mitigation and traffic calming. Long-term, it boosts local economy via ground-floor shops and reduces shelter reliance by reserving 30% of units for at-risk families transitioning to stability.
Compared to older efforts like the 2015 Wyckoff Gardens proposal, this iteration emphasizes seniors amid NYC’s aging population boom.
| Feature | Boerum Hill Senior Project | Nearby Competitor (e.g., Pacific Park) |
|---|---|---|
| Units | 70 senior-only | 200+ mixed-income |
| Income Target | 30–60% AMI | 30–130% AMI |
| Amenities | Rooftop garden, health services | Pools, gyms |
| Timeline | 2027 occupancy | Completed 2023 |
| Transit Access | 2-minute walk to subway | 5-min walk |
How to Apply
Applications open via NYC Housing Connect lottery in early 2026—check eligibility if your income fits 30–60% AMI and you’re 62+. Preferences go to mobility-impaired seniors and those living in Brooklyn Community Board.
Submit online at housingconnect.nyc.gov; lotteries fill fast, so prepare documents like tax returns and ID. Attend HPD virtual info sessions for tips.
Future Outlook
Boerum Hill affordable housing development signals more to come, with HPD eyeing adjacent sites for mixed-use projects. As President Trump’s administration eyes federal housing incentives post-2025 reelection, local efforts like this remain vital. Stay engaged via BKReader or Brooklyn Paper updates.
Share your thoughts: Will this ease Boerum Hill’s housing crunch? Comment below.
