Newsroom Blog

Spring 2013 Tree Giveaway!

Michelle Etwaroo — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

We are scheduled to host a tree giveaway on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Join our event on Facebook or sign up on our contact page to be updated when pre-registration has opened up. Link to event - www.facebook.com/events/467909036605203/

Before and After :: The Hawthorne Condominium at 420 Classon Avenue in Clinton Hill

Michelle Etwaroo — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

“I remember when the former owner took the stairs off of the front of the building…In order for the residents to get in and out of their apartments, they had to climb up a ladder just to get to the first floor.”
– Deb Howard, Executive Director of PACC.

In 2008, PACC completed the renovation of a historic brownstone residence on Classon Avenue between Quincy and Gates to create twelve affordable condo units for moderate income residents. The renovation entailed the painstaking preservation and replication of the façade and restoration of the limestone and brownstone.

This renovation was part of PACC’s larger effort to create affordable homeownership opportunities in the Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhoods. In marketing the condos, PACC targeted long-time neighborhood residents of Community Board 2 who, at the time, were being priced out of the area due to the rising real estate market.

The project entailed the re-uniting of three separate town-homes. PACC was awarded two of the three properties through the 203K-Neighborhood Homes program, a joint federal-city program that results in the turnaround of blighted homes that are then sold at affordable prices. The third property was purchased by PACC from a private seller. PACC wanted to ensure that the apartments would be suitable to families, so eight units are 2-bedrooms, and the remaining four are 1-bedroom units.

Donate to PACC to help us build more affordable housing and transform blighted communities!

Housing Tips Tuesday:: Income Guidelines

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

I don’t fit the income guidelines, should I still apply?

Yes! But before you jump to fill out EVERY application that comes your way, here's some more info on the topic:

The main reason why you should still apply for housing if your income does not match the income bracket is because simply put, THINGS CHANGE.

First thing, housing lotteries can be a long drawn out process. It could take months or in some cases years, to find out if you have been chosen for housing. Let's say you are a few hundred dollars out of the income range at the time you put in your application. A few months go by, and by the time you are contacted, your income has either increased or decreased, and as a result, puts you right in the middle of the income bracket. Whether you got a raise, or changed jobs, your income is subject to change and could very well make you eligible for an apt, that you might not have been when you first applied.

Secondly, have you ever seen these five words : "Income guidelines subject to change"? This disclaimer at the bottom of a housing ad means something! It could potentially allow you to qualify for housing. There are a lot of requirements that an affordable housing development is responsible for. Whether it is the local resident, mobility impaired or income quota, if a building is facing difficulty being rented up, the management company may decide to widen the income band. And therefore widen the possibility of your application being picked.

Lastly, here's a tip for those thinking of applying for a home-ownership opportunity; If you are slightly under income, it is quite possible that you might be eligible for subsidies that could bring your income up. Of course, this is all subject to the management's discretion. Do you have a housing question? email us and we might feature your question! [CLICK TO EMAIL US].

PACC Needs You Now More Than Ever

Michelle Etwaroo — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

While some people think of December as a month of winding things down, PACC is ramping up new undertakings that continue to meet the affordable housing, social justice and economic needs of our Brooklyn communities. We strive to keep this spirited pace year-round, as we are deeply committed to community empowerment, diverse neighborhoods, and social equity--beliefs we know you care about and strive for in your life. Will you join us in this crucial effort? Please partner with us by making a generous tax deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 - even $500 - or whatever you can afford.

Only One Remaining Apartment Up For Grabs At Gates Ave Co-ops

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMT

This new construction ground floor one- bedroom one bath is the last of 34 apartments available at incredible price through our affordable housing program. Located near Tompkins Avenue, this Bedford-Stuyvesant co-op is close to transportation (A, C, G trains and B52 bus), as well as wonderful neighborhood eateries including Peaches Hot House, Saraghina, and Tin City General Store. There is a supermarket on the corner, but if you don't want to leave the apartment Fresh Direct will deliver right to your door! Its a short walk to Bed-Vyne where you'll find a global selection of wines or Common Ground to get your daily caffeine fix. The apartment features solid wood cabinetry, new appliances, and parquet wood floors. The buildings amenities include a garden, roof deck, community storage, off-street parking (limited), and laundry facility.

Certain income restrictions apply (total annual household income must not exceed $90,698). Other restrictions apply for resale, assets, and household size. Visit www.thegatescoop.org or call 718-522-2613 x 015 for more info!

Brooklyn Speaks Film Screening

Michelle Etwaroo — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Brooklyn Speaks: Atlantic Yards must work for Brooklyn

Fifth Avenue Committee
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Families United for Racial & Economic Equality
The Park Slope Methodist Church
Brown Community Development Corporation
and BrooklynSpeaks

invite you to a special screening of
My Brooklyn: The Battle for the Soul of a City
Tuesday, July 31
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Park Slope United Methodist Church
410 6th Avenue at 8th Street

My Brooklyn documents the dramatic transformation of Downtown Brooklyn and the Fulton Street Mall, where government policies and corporate development joined forces to displace small businesses and longtime neighborhood residents. Filmed over the course of several years, the film explores the forces reshaping the Fulton Mall - one of the most popular and successful shopping destinations in New York City - and nearby neighborhoods like Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bed-Stuy. The documentary also follows the filmmaker's personal journey, as a Brooklyn gentrifier, to understand the forces reshaping her neighborhood along lines of race and class. My Brooklyn re-frames the gentrification debate to expose the corporate actors and government agents behind neighborhood change.

The evening will include a screening of the film followed by an open discussion moderated by Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of Fifth Avenue Committee and panelists Kelly Anderson, director of My Brooklyn; Lucas Shapiro of FUREE; Gib Veconi of BrooklynSpeaks, and New York City Council Members Letitia James and Steve Levin (invited).

flyer can be downloaded here

Independent Foreclosure Review

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Were you in foreclosure in 2009 or 2010?

You may be eligible for compensation or other remedy.

If your primary residence was involved in a foreclosure process between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you may qualify for a free Independent Foreclosure Review.

The Independent Foreclosure Review will determine whether individual borrowers suffered financial injury and should receive compensation or other remedy because of errors or other problems during their home foreclosure process.

You must have been a customer of one of the mortgage servicers on the attached document.

If you believe you are eligible to participate in the program, you may complete and submit a Request for Review Form. It is important that you complete the form to the best of your ability; all information you provide can be useful. Click here to download the form.

All Requests for Review Forms must be submitted online or postmarked no later than July 31, 2012.

To see if you are eligible:
Download full info HERE
Call 1-877-465-3138 or
Visit the Independent Foreclosure Review site to get started.

Help PACC Assist Small Business Owners Throughout Central Brooklyn

Michelle Etwaroo — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Dear Friend of PACC,

My name is Adam Frank, owner of Tacos Cochinita, a new restaurant in Clinton Hill and my

l-r: Trevor Adler, Stroock; Dale Charles, PACC; Adam Frank, Cochinita.

first business. Living in Brooklyn for the past ten years, I noticed a lack of good quality, inexpensive Mexican food in New York, which was a large part of the food culture in California where I'm from. When I decided to open a restaurant that would fill that gap in this neighborhood, a business counselor at Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation recommended that I go to PACC's Rolling Up the Gates Storefront Stroll (RUG).

The businesses they were bringing in were all very appealing, but I still had no idea of the extent of PACC's services. I met my banker at the event. I was put in touch with SEEDCO where I attempted to get a loan, and CAMBA was there, which later helped me get funding. During the event I compared spaces in the area and decided to lease the space I had been eyeing for a while, which is the current location of Cochinita. It was all very helpful.

Dale Charles (PACC's Economic Development Director) was incredible. She helped me get a pro-bono attorney from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan to assist me with my lease. She acted as a go-between with the landlord, and even held the lease negotiations at her office. She also introduced me to my contractor. We officially opened June 3, 2011, just six months after the RUG event I attended.

Cochinita was doing extremely well, but unfortunately at the end of July I was forced to close the restaurant due to severe damage from a fire in the apartment directly above us. When the fire happened, Dale and her intern were the first people there to help out. She contacted the Department of Small Business Services Emergency Response Unit (ERU) to help me and was able to get the landlord and contractors back on board to get Cochinita re-opened ASAP.

As of December 3, everyone is welcome (once again) to experience the flavors, colors and tradition of Mexican market stall-style food - right here in Brooklyn.

"I went from market to market for years, because Mexico is in its markets" - Pablo Neruda

Donate now, so that PACC can continue to help
Adam and many other small business owners like him.

Championing Small Business Owners on Fulton Street

Tacos Cochinita is one of dozens of small enterprises that have opened their doors and received the support they needed to keep doing business in central Brooklyn. Since 2008, our innovative Rolling Up the Gates Storefront Strolls have nurtured the opening of over 50 businesses. Annually, over 250 local merchants benefit from PACC's one-on-one small business services obtaining business tools, services and referrals to a broad range of no- and low-cost business specialists, such as pro bono legal advice from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan. And, our popular Small Business and Marketing Workshop Series develops local merchants into savvy small business owners through expertly led classes focusing on obtaining and managing a thriving business.

Please donate to help us continue to provide local small businesses with the access to capital and the expertise they need in order to compete in today's challenging economic environment -- as we did for Tacos Cochinita and many others like it.

Protecting Affordable Housing in Brooklyn

PACC has always believed that the problems that affect our neighborhoods are best solved by the people who are directly impacted. Our monthly free legal clinics and tenants rights workshops teach people to stand up against displacement and rectify long-standing maintenance grievances. Last year we developed over 30 new tenant associations, giving tenants the skills they need to advocate for themselves and their communities. And through PACC Leadership Group, we are developing leaders who take major roles in statewide campaigns such as the Living Wage Campaign.

Defending People's Homes Against Foreclosure

PACC's Home Services department first became involved with mortgage foreclosures in 1993 when a homeowner lost his Clinton Hill home due to a shady $75,000 predatory mortgage. While the profile of the home owners seeking PACC's assistance has changed from predatory lending victims to people facing economic hardship, we remain at the forefront of the fight against foreclosures. Since July 2010, we have individually counseled over 260 people facing default or foreclosure, kept 32 families in their homes by modifying their mortgages to affordable rates, and persistently advocated on behalf of our community for legislation and other initiatives to save people's homes.

Preserving and Creating Homes

Over the past 20 years, PACC has developed 88 buildings, or 813 low- and moderate income apartments, of which we manage 697. Current projects, totaling 187 apartments, include a new 98-unit supportive housing building, Navy Green, in the Fort Greene/Wallabout neighborhood of Brooklyn; a 71-unit renovation project at 265 Hawthorne; and the historic preservation of an 18-unit affordable housing development that is also an exceptional landmark building-the former Headquarters of the Fire Department of the City of Brooklyn. By the end of this year, PACC will reach a milestone of 1000 affordable rental and home ownership apartments!

For 47 years PACC has been working to keep community residents safe in their homes. Please donate now. As a not for profit, 501(c)3, organization, your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Help build a diverse, engaged, equitable
community with a donation to PACC.

Happy Holidays!

Seble T. Williams Deb Howard
Board Chair Executive Director

ADVISORY: PACC Foreclosure Breakfast and Panel Discussion

Michelle Etwaroo — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

MEDIA ADVISORY

Pratt Area Community Council [www.prattarea.org]

Event: Breakfast and panel discussion on the continuing crisis in single and multifamily foreclosures in Brooklyn and Citywide

Date/Time: Friday, December 2, 2011; Breakfast at 8:30 am, Panel begins at 9 am

Location: Gibb Mansion; 218 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Directions: G to Classon or C/S to Franklin; B52, B48 or B26 bus

Contact: Elana Shneyer, 347-853-1553; Elana_Shneyer@prattarea.org

Michelle Etwaroo; 718.522.2613 x 22; Michelle_Etwaroo@prattarea.org

On Friday, December 2, 2011 Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) will bring together community residents, housing advocates, policymakers, elected officials and other stakeholders for a lively panel discussion on the changing face of foreclosures in Brooklyn.

Though news headlines report that the devastating foreclosure crisis is largely over, homeowners and tenants are still at risk of losing their homes. In the aftermath of the housing bubble, foreclosure counselors at PACC have seen more and more homeowners lose their incomes and become unable to make their mortgage payments. And it’s not just homeowners who are affected by foreclosure: PACC’s community organizing department works with tenants in central Brooklyn who are struggling to maintain decent living conditions as multifamily buildings are foreclosed on. As winter approaches, many Brooklyn tenants will go without heat and hot water while the ownership of their building is fought out in court and their building is essentially abandoned.

At 9 a.m. at Gibb Mansion in Bedford-Stuyvesant, PACC will host a discussion that explores this new phase of the foreclosure crisis. PACC foreclosure counselor Stephan Dookeeram will moderate a discussion between panelists Sarah Ludwig of the Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project (NEDAP), Dina Levy of the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB), homeowner Terry Winston, and tenants Gregorio Belega and Samantha Barnes.

The discussion will explore the impact of single and multifamily foreclosure on the neighborhoods of central Brooklyn as well as the rest of New York City. Panelists will also discuss the strategies that PACC and other community based organizations use to stabilize neighborhoods in the face of the foreclosure crisis.

About PACC
Founded in 1964, Pratt Area Community Council is a non-profit community development corporation committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. PACC’s Home Services and Community Organizing departments help to stabilize and strengthen communities in central Brooklyn by working with tenants and homeowners to keep individuals and families in their homes.
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Small Business Workshop on Bookkeeping and Cash Flow

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

PRATT AREA COMMUNITY COUNCIL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
SEEDCO FINANCIAL and BROWN & WATSON CONSULTANT SERVICES, INC. PRESENT

Keep Your Business in Business: A Bookkeeping and Cash Flow Workshop

This interactive workshop will cover:
• the various accounting recording systems, accounting methods and how to set up a general ledger.
• the resources available to assist you in balancing your books.

What's next?
• Free one-on-one counseling
• Determine how to apply the principals learned in the workshop
• Other counseling and assistance with financing, leasing, legal issues, and referrals to government programs and resources.

This event is sponsored by Capital One.

Wednesday November 30, 2011
6:00 pm to 8:00pm
PACC's Fulton Street Office
896-900 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Between Waverly and Washington Aves

Limited Space - Registration is required
Please RSVP by Phone: 347-823-5700 ext .25 or by email: dale_charles@prattarea.org

www.prattarea.org

Help PACC Keep Families in Thier Homes This Holiday

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

2011AppealLetter

Dear Friend of PACC,

My name is Jose Velez and last year, when I was threatened with being evicted from the home I have lived in with my elderly mother for the past 27 years, I knew I had to take a stand. I had already lost my building maintenance job, unemployment benefits had run out, and there was little chance of me finding a new job in this weak economy. But I couldn't just give in - my 82-year-old, disabled mother depended on me.

And I knew exactly what to do - I came to PACC. PACC helped me years ago when we had 107 violations in our 8 unit building. If it wasn't for PACC, we wouldn't have gotten the apartments repaired.

PACC directed me to the right organizations and charities and told me the right steps to take. They advocated alongside me in housing court; connected me with free legal help; assisted my mother with her Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption application; and were there for me every step of the way.

Last month, financial assistance from NYC and CAMBA came through and I was able to pay off the rent arrears and save my apartment. I am currently enrolled in HRA's Work Experience Program (WEP) and Back to Work Program (BTW) and in a much better financial situation.

Supporting Our Neighbors

Like Jose Velez, many working class families struggle to eke out a living in NYC. Daily, people on the verge of eviction or foreclosure, or who are living in unhealthy, often dangerous conditions, come to us for help. With your support, we will continue to advocate for tenants and homeowners, build affordable housing and create local economic opportunities.

Please donate so that PACC can continue to
help Jose and many others like him.

Protecting Affordable Housing in Brooklyn

Defending People's Homes Against Foreclosure

Championing Small Business Owners on Fulton Street

PACC is spearheading Fulton Street revitalization, ensuring that small businesses have the capital and expertise to compete. Since 2008, our innovative Rolling Up the Gates storefront strolls have nurtured the opening of over 50 businesses. Annually, dozens of local merchants benefit from PACC's one-on-one small business services, obtaining business tools, services and referrals to a broad range of no- and low-cost business specialists, such as pro bono legal advice from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan. And, our popular Small Business and Marketing Workshop Series develops local merchants into savvy small business owners through expert led classes focusing on acquiring and managing a thriving business.

Preserving and Creating Homes

Keep families in their homes this holiday season
with a donation to PACC.

Happy Holidays!

Seble T. Williams    Deb Howard
Board Chair                                                                                                                            Executive Director

Statewide Campaign To Save The Foreclosure Prevention Services Program

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION SERVICES PROGRAM

For Immediate Release:
November 7, 2011

For More Information Contact:
NYC/Legal Services: Meghan Faux, South Brooklyn Legal Services: (718) 755‐0701
UPSTATE/Housing Counseling: Hilary Lamishaw, NeighborWorks Alliance of NYS: (518) 527-1474
Additional regional contacts listed below

New York State’s Continuing Foreclosure Crisis and Looming Loss of Homeowner Assistance for New Yorkers at Risk of Foreclosure Highlighted at Assembly Hearing

New York, NY, November 7, 2011 — Today the New York State Assembly held a hearing to examine New York’s ongoing foreclosure crisis and its impact on communities, and to address the need for continued funding for foreclosure‐prevention housing counseling and legal services. The incredibly cost‐ effective state program that provides those services will run out of funding at the end of this year. The State, like much of the rest of the country, remains embroiled in a foreclosure crisis that began as a result of predatory lending practices but has now ballooned with the economic crisis and massive loss of jobs in the State since 2009. As of March 2011, nearly 250,000 homeowners of owner‐occupied 1‐4 family homes were in foreclosure or serious delinquency. This foreclosure crisis has devastating effects on communities across the State‐‐ abandoned homes and neighborhood blight create magnets for crime and severely depress nearby home values – affecting not just the homeowners and their tenants whose homes are lost to foreclosure, but communities as a whole, as local tax bases are degraded and municipalities are left with reduced revenues available to keep local government functioning.

In response to the crisis, New York funded a vital foreclosure prevention program in 2008, at the same time that it established a mandatory settlement conference process so that all homeowners in foreclosure would have an opportunity to negotiate a resolution with their lenders. The NYS Foreclosure Prevention Services Program forged a remarkably effective collaboration between legal services providers and housing counselors across the State providing direct foreclosure prevention assistance to distressed homeowners. As a result, New York has one of the best success rates in the country for achieving loan modifications that prevent foreclosure and preserving affordable housing.

Over four years, $50 million was appropriated for housing counseling and legal services providers across the State to provide these crucial foreclosure prevention services. With this modest investment, to date, over 80,000 homeowners have been assisted and at least 14,000 homes have been saved from foreclosure. This translates to over $3.4 billion in property value and tax bases preserved, and a return of $68 for every dollar invested in the program—a dramatic savings in this time of austerity budgets. This funding expires on December 31, 2011, while best estimates suggest that we are, at most, about 1/3 through the foreclosure crisis. Without continued funding, many programs around the state will be forced to shut their doors, leaving homeowners to fend for themselves in a complicated and often overwhelming process. Without advocates, homeowners won’t be able to preserve their rights in court or to obtain loan modifications from the banks that are foreclosing on them, home loss will increase dramatically, and the state’s economy will decline further.

Albert Areizaga and his family have lived in his Brooklyn home for more than 15 years. Due to his wife’s serious illness and his loss of employment, he fell behind in his mortgage payments. For years, Mr. Areizaga tried to obtain a loan modification but was repeatedly denied. On the eve of a foreclosure auction, he contacted South Brooklyn Legal Services for assistance. South Brooklyn advised him about how to stop the foreclosure sale, and ultimately helped him obtain a loan modification that saved his home from foreclosure. Said Albery Ariezaga at the conclusion of his testimony, “For years we lived in fear of losing our family home. Now we feel secure, and we love being part of our neighborhood and part of our community. We are so grateful for the help that South Brooklyn provided; I don’t know where we would be without it.”

"Without the legal representation and homeowner counseling made possible by NYS Foreclosure Prevention Services, thousands of homeowners in foreclosure will lose their homes," said Jennifer Ching, Project Director of Queens Legal Services. "Our programs work closely together to ensure homeowners aren't lost in the maze of complicated financial and legal issues and to protect our communities from the destabilizing effects of the foreclosure crisis."

“Navigating one’s way through the complexities to obtain a mortgage modification or other resolution is impossible for many homeowners and requires the skills, tools, knowledge and doggedness of trained housing counselors,” said Hilary Lamishaw, coordinator of the NeighborWorks Alliance of NYS, representing twenty‐two NeighborWorks‐affiliated housing counseling agencies across the state. “Many homeowners seek the assistance of housing counselors only after months of unsuccessfully trying to deal with their lenders or servicers directly. Additionally, by working with homeowners to determine their financial situation, housing counselors are able to help them find the best available option, which is key to resolving foreclosures.”

Regional Contacts:

Bronx: Justin Haines, Bronx Legal Services ‐ 646‐496‐3803

Capital Region: Hilary Lamishaw, NeighborWorks Alliance of NYS (based in Troy): (518) 527‐1474

Long Island: Eileen Anderson, CDC of Long Island ‐ 631‐471‐1215 x145

Manhattan: Elise Brown, MFY Legal Services, Inc. ‐ (212) 417‐3753

Rochester: Rebecca Case‐Grammatico, Empire Justice Center: (585)295‐5725

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Join PACC's team!

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Celebrating 47 Years
of Building Community Together!

Jump To Descriptions

Activities Coordinator

HR Manager

Kitchen Assistant

Office Manager

Part Time RN

CASAC Specialist

........................................

Follow PACC on the Web!

........................................

Career Opportunities at PACC

To apply for one our positions listed, email your resume and cover letter to resumes@prattarea.org

Activities Coordinator

PACC seeks to hire an Activities Coordinator to work with the residents at Gibb Mansion. Responsibilities include initiating and organizing recreational activities for the residents of Gibb Mansion. These activities should be a mix of creative activities, in house events and trips to outside locations; Additonally, the Activities Coordinator will work with the social service staff to improve attendance at already existing events and move toward staffing some of those regular events; Research and publicize free and low cost activities in the neighborhood and throughout NYC that mansion residents can participate in; Obtain and coordinate donations of materials and supplies from free and low cost vendors... see more

Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources Administrator will play an integral role in the day-to-day functions of the agency, working collaboratively with program and fiscal staff and be directly responsible for the smooth running of three office locations. He/she will implement human resource policies that reflect the values and culture of PACC and will include recruiting, employee orientation and relations, benefits, training and staff support. The Human Resources Manager will report to the Chief Administrative Officer. Responsibilities include... see more

Kitchen Assistant

PACC's department of Social Services is seeking a part time kitchen assistant to assist the chef at a residential facility in Brooklyn, New York. Since many of the residents are living with chronic conditions, the Kitchen Assistant must be experienced in healthy cooking and knowledgeable of nutritional values. The Kitchen Assistant must be able to work in a multi-disciplinary team approach. He/She will participate in team meetings and work closely with the Chef... see more

Office Manager

PACC is now seeking an energetic and organized individual to assume the position of Office Manager/Receptionist at 900 Fulton Street, home to our Property Management and Economic Development departments. Responsibilities include, welcoming visitors/clients, answering phones, screening calls; Directing and referring clients to appropriate staff members and outside sources; General clerical duties including computer data entry, filing, organizing office records, and operating office equipment... see more

Part Time Registered Nurse

PACC seeks to hire a Registered Nurse (RN) who will be responsible for the delivery of nursing care to tenants, the development of interdisciplinary care plans, and who will assess their nutritional needs, dietary restrictions and current health. The Nurse will ensure the provision and coordination of client education regarding prevention, transmission, and risk reduction/risk elimination strategies for people living with chronic conditions or with compromised immune systems. Additionally, the RN will function as part of a team of social service professionals and provide medical care for 50 residents; Maintain client medical records and files in accordance with state and agency policies... see more

Substance Abuse Specialist

PACC's Department of Social Services is seeking a Substance Abuse Specialist, both with CASAC and CASAC-T certifications, to join our team at Gibb Mansion. This position will provide harm reduction and education to residents. The Substance Abuse Specialist ensures the quality of care for participants who have a history of substance abuse. Principal responsibilities include developing, facilitating and maintaining a substance abuse program; Providing individual and group substance abuse counseling, 12-step groups, peer support groups, relapse prevention programs, harm reduction, educational training and seminars... see more

To find out more about PACC or to become a member, email us at pacc@prattarea.org and visit us on the web at www.prattarea.org

Sincerely,

Deb Howard
Pratt Area Community Council

Last Opportunity to Attend an Info Session for our Apts in Navy Green!

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Hello!

Tomorrow is our last info session on our affordable studios for rent in the Navy Green development. This is the last opportunity before the lottery deadline to learn more about the building and the application process. Please note- It is not mandatory to attend to be considered for an apartment, this event is open to anyone that has questions or is looking for general information. Furthermore, applications will be given out at the event, but can also be downloaded from www.40vanderbilt.org:

Tuesday October 18th (6pm-8pm)

Sacred Heart's School Cafeteria

39 Adelphi Street (between Park and Flushing Avenues)

Brooklyn, New York, 11205

RSVP by email- rsvp@prattarea.org

Representatives from Churches United for Fair Housing is partnering with us on this event. They will be on hand to assist people that speak Spanish.

More info on the building and how to obtain an application:

PACC is currently marketing 38 studio apartments at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue-a new development in Wallabout-Fort Greene that was designed by award-winning architects, who have incorporated many green design features into the building. The apartments are for single adults with incomes ranging from $21,774 to $28,650, and monthly rents between $492 and $664.

This is a great opportunity to live in a newly-constructed building that is part of the larger Navy Green master plan, which will include over 458 units of mixed-income housing, a beautifully landscaped common green, retail stores, and community facility spaces.

The 38 apartments of 40 Vanderbilt Avenue are within a larger permanent supportive housing residence building that will have an additional 59 units reserved for individuals who had been chronically homeless and meet the criteria for the NY/NY III City-State partnership. On-site social services will be available to all residents and provided by Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, a local non-profit.

In marketing the 38 studio apartments, there will be a priority given to residents living within Brooklyn Community Board #2. Please see below for application details. Lottery deadline is November 2nd !!

The application and cover page for 40 Vanderbilt are available:

BY DOWNLOAD:
www.40vanderbilt.org

IN PERSON:
by coming to our offices from 9am-5pm
-896-900 Fulton Street (bet Washington and Waverly) in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn or-
-201 Dekalb Avenue (bet Adelphi and Carlton) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

BY MAIL:
Send a self addressed stamped envelope to NAVY GREEN c/o 201 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn New York, 11205.

Please note; All completed applications must be sent to the address on the application and postmarked by November 2, 2011.

visit us on the web:
www.40vanderbilt.org or www.prattarea.org

Apartments for rent at Navy Green- Come to an Info Session!

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Hello!

Come to one of our info sessions to learn more about the application process for our building in the Navy Green development:

Wednesday October 5th (6pm-8pm)

Tuesday October 18th (6pm-8pm)

Sacred Heart's School Cafeteria

39 Adelphi Street (between Park and Flushing Avenues)

Brooklyn, New York, 11205

RSVP by letting us know which date you will attend by email- rsvp@prattarea.org

Representatives from Churches United for Fair Housing is partnering with us on this event. They will be on hand to assist people that speak Spanish.

More info on the building and how to obtain an application:

Please note; All completed applications must be sent to the address on the application and postmarked by November 2, 2011.

visit us on the web:
www.40vanderbilt.org or www.prattarea.org

Application Info for 40 Vanderbilt Avenue

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

09 12 11 40V NGSH Eblast

Apartments for Rent at
40 Vanderbilt Avenue

Newly Constructed Affordable Apartments in the Fort Greene-Wallabout Area.

.........................................................................

Please note; All completed applications must be sent to the address on the application and postmarked by November 2, 2011.

visit us on the web:
www.40vanderbilt.org or www.prattarea.org

PACC is now accepting applications for 38 affordable rental apartments!

Michelle Etwaroo — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

40 Vanderbilt Avenue in Wallabout, Brooklyn is located in one of NYC’s most exciting new development sites. This 8-story permanent supportive housing residence developed by the local community development organization, Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is part of the master planning efforts at the former Navy Brig site coined “Navy Green” which will include over 455 units of mixed income housing, a beautifully landscaped common green and retail and community facility spaces.

PACC is currently marketing 38 of the studio apartments with a priority given to Brooklyn Community Board 2 residents. The entire building consists of 98 units with one live-in superintendent. Sixty percent of the units are reserved for individuals who have been chronically homeless and meet the criteria for the historic NY/NY III City-State partnership. On-site social services will be available to all residents and provided by Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, a local non-profit.

The project was designed by Matthew Bremer of Architecture In Formation with Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP as executive architects, both award winning architectural firms, that were committed to creating a unique and vibrant building which thoughtfully pays homage to the industrial nature of the neighborhood.

40 Vanderbilt Avenue incorporates green building materials and is engineered to meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) guidelines. Some of the features include masonry derived from post-consumer recycled glass, exterior insulation on foundation and cavity walls, HVAC, windows, lighting and appliances to meet Energy Star performance thresholds, Low-VOC paints, recycled content laminated and Forest Stewardship Council certified wood.

Each studio apartment has a private kitchen and bath with large oversized windows. There are many amenities including on-site laundry, fitness room, computer room, a large open lobby with seating, a residents’ lounge that offers visual connection to a beautiful outdoor common green space and 24-hour staffed security.

Please visit our website www.40vanderbilt.org to download an application and view images of the building.

Related Blog Post: Application Info for 40 Vanderbilt
Related Blog Post: 40 Vanderbilt Info Sessions in October

Navy Green Supportive Housing Construction Reaches Milestone

Michelle Etwaroo — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

PACC broke ground last September on a new 8-story supportive housing building for formerly homeless and low income community residents. The project is part of a mixed-use, mixed income development called "Navy Green" which is under construction at the former Navy Brig site in Wallabout, Brooklyn. The general contractor, Mega Contracting, Inc. is now two thirds of the way complete on the building!

Designed by Matthew Bremer of Architecture In Formation with Curtis + Ginsberg as executive architect, the building incorporates many environmentally conscientious strategies. It has been engineered according to the NYSERDA Multi-family Performance Program and will receive an Energy Star rating. The entire development site also plans to achieve LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certification. Some "green" practices include exterior insulation on the foundation and cavity walls with an air barrier to enhance energy efficiency, manage moisture and reduce the building's carbon footprint. The masonry block is a recycled post-consumer Supplementary Cementatious Material (SCM) derived from post-consumer recycled glass. In addition, a high efficiency boiler is located on the roof and the building incorporates Energy Star appliances and light fixtures with occupancy sensors. PACC was also dedicated to utilizing interior finishes derived from natural products, such as linoleum flooring, emission free medium density fiberboard (MDF) for molding and wheat board for shelving.

The Navy Greene Supportive Housing building will provide 98 studio apartments, plus a two bedroom superintendent's unit, with social services for the 59 special needs individuals funded through the historic New York/New York III City-State partnership and 24/7 security. The project is being developed and managed by PACC with on-site social services provided by Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, Inc., a local non-profit service provider with a long history in the neighborhood.

PACC plans to begin marketing the 38 low income studio units with a preference for Community Board 2 in Fall 2011. Please look for further information on the application process to be posted later this Summer.

Update: Our "neighbors" at 45 Clermont in the Navy Green development site have already begun marketing their affordable rental building visit their website for more info.

- More photos of the 40 Vanderbilt work site- here.

Deb Howard to be honored at the 2011 Building Brooklyn Awards!

Michelle Etwaroo — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Please join PACC's Board of Directors as we celebrate Executive Director Deborah Howard's accomplishments at the 2011 Building Brooklyn Awards presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce! Ms. Howard will be honored for her efforts in building an equitable, diverse, engaged, and flourishing community in central Brooklyn.

Under Ms. Howard's leadership, PACC has spearheaded the revitalization of Fulton Street, leading to the creation of the Fulton Area Business BID; assisted hundreds of low-income tenants; developed over 800 units of affordable rental and homeowner opportunities, even as PACC responsibly manages over 1000 affordable units; and assisted hundreds of residents become first time homeowners, while leading the fight against foreclosure.

We thank the Chamber for recognizing Ms. Howard's commitment to maintaining sustainable communities and hope that you will join us in the festivities!

The event will consist of cocktails and a light buffet from 6-7 PM and will then move into the theatre for the awards ceremony. To purchase tickets please email Ms. Lori Raphael, Brooklyn Chamber's Director of Real Estate and Development or call 718-875-1000 x 140.

PACC's 47th Annual Meeting!

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

PACC's Board, Staff and Members, cordially invite you to PACC's 47th Annual Meeting!

PACC's 47th Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 29th at 6:00pm
South Oxford Art Space
138 South Oxford Street
Brooklyn, New York, 11217
(Business Attire)

Please join us as we celebrate this year's successes, elect a new board of directors, discuss our goals for the coming year and present awards to community leaders. PACC's 2011 Key Honoree is Mariadele Priest, PACC Board Chair, VP of Capital One Bank's Community Development and Fort Greene Resident.

Admission is free for PACC members and $30 suggested donation for non members. Admission includes a live performance, music, wine, beer and dinner. Émigré Gourmet- a co-operative of multi-cultural chefs, is our designated caterer.

PACC has partnered with ConEd and JP Morgan Chase on this event.

Please RSVP by June 26th to rsvp@prattarea.org or 718-522-2613 x 22

Travel Info:
C train to Lafayette | G to Fulton
or Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street Station trains
B25/B26/B38/B52 run near the venue
or use www.hopstop.com for door to door directions

For more info and flyer, please visit the event page.

Magnolia Plaza: Affordable Housing Development of 2011

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

PRESS ADVISORY
Contact: Sujatha Raman, pacc@prattarea.org, 718-522-2613 ext 28 or 347-881-6463

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) was honored with the “Affordable Housing Development of the Year” Award in recognition for the Magnolia Plaza project at the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development’s 1st Community Development and Organizing Conference on March 16.

Held at the Kimmel Center at New York University, the event attracted over 300 members, elected officials, policy makers, bank representatives, senior staff from philanthropic foundations, and advocates who participated in a day of discussion and celebration of the nonprofit affordable housing movement.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered the Keynote address in the morning while Commissioner Brian Lawlor, NYS Housing and Community Renewal addressed the conference after lunch. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn was honored at the reception following the conference.

Magnolia Plaza is a product of many years of PACC’s efforts and increasing expertise in preserving distressed properties, and it shows exemplary work by a CDC on the frontlines of the fight to preserve affordable housing in New York City,” stated Benjamin Dulchin, Executive Director, ANHD when presenting the award.

St. Ambrose Apartments/Magnolia Plaza in Bedford –Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, houses 102 families. It was in physical distress and facing foreclosure when PACC, NYC Housing agencies and several financial institutions collaborated to save it from financial distress and mismanagement. PACC then began an extensive rehabilitation of the properties.

The most noteworthy achievement, however, is that through PACC’s intervention, the tenants’ rent subsidies were preserved and extended for an additional 20 years. Both PACC and ANHD have made long-term affordability of publicly subsidized projects a major goal, and the 20-year term was one of the most significant results of preserving Magnolia Plaza.

A panel of judges including Irene Baldwin, former Executive Director of ANHD, Andy Ditton of Citigroup, William Menking of Pratt Institute, Denise Scott of LISC, and Abby Jo Sigal of Enterprise Community Partners chose PACC’s Magnolia Plaza to be the recipient of ANHD’s inaugural housing development of the year award.

“We are honored to have our work at Magnolia recognized by ANHD and the distinguished panelists who represent institutions that have long been our partners in the battle to preserve and build affordable housing,” said Deborah Howard, PACC Executive Director. “Magnolia Plaza represents the best of what collaboration between public agencies, financial institutions and nonprofit organizations can achieve in the interest of the public good.”

For 47 years, PACC has played a role in neighborhood recovery and stabilization in the Central Brooklyn communities of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, and, more recently, Prospect Heights and Crown Heights. PACC was founded in 1964 by a small group of concerned residents and block associations determined to protect their rights and improve their neighborhood. By 1980, with housing abandonment nearly epidemic in the area, PACC’s grassroots membership established a full-time professionally staffed office and concentrated on keeping people in their homes, developing and preserving affordable housing, protecting tenant rights, helping homeowners and multi-family building owners improve their properties or assisting residents in becoming first time homebuyers. In response to small business needs on economically struggling Fulton Street, our economic development department was established in 1997.

Property Owners are “Rolling Up the Gates” on February 26th!

Michelle Etwaroo — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Property Owners are “Rolling Up the Gates” on February 26th for Fulton Street and Washington Avenue Storefront Stroll
Contact: Dale Charles, Pratt Area Community Council, 347-823-5700 ext. 11

On Saturday, February 26, 2011, prospective business owners will tour available storefronts on Fulton Street and Washington Avenue in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford Stuyvesant and Prospect Heights Brooklyn as part of the 2nd round of the 2011 “Rolling Up the Gates” (RUG) Storefront Stroll. This storefront open house event is organized by Pratt Area Community Council (PACC)’s Economic Development Department in partnership with Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) and Heart of Brooklyn. The goal of this event is to simplify entrepreneurs’ search for retail space while providing property owners with a means of cooperatively advertising their available commercial spaces.

Just as finding an apartment in New York City can be tricky, so too is locating the perfect retail space. PACC’s Director of Economic Development Dale Charles said, “We hope that with the success of the previous RUG storefront stroll we will continuously attract new businesses to Central Fulton Street and Washington Avenue that complement an already diverse retail mix and keep down the vacancies on both corridors. In combining our efforts with other organizations, we continue to assist local entrepreneurs by showcasing primary commercial corridors.” PACC’S vision of the RUG Storefront Stroll is to create a local and thriving retail area that continuously reminds neighborhood residents to shop local. “We are very excited to enhance business development along Washington Avenue,” states Dana Ottey, Vice President of the Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) and owner of AweDacity boutique.

The second round of the 2011 RUG storefront stroll will showcase vacant spaces along two thriving growing corridors along Fulton Street, between Vanderbilt and Bedford Avenues and Washington Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Eastern Parkway. These corridors are home to the Bed-Stuy Gateway and FAB Alliance business improvement districts and the WAPHA merchant association. Dale Charles, PACC’s Director of Economic Development said “with each successful RUG Storefront Stroll we continuously help not only the Central Fulton Street corridor but we are also able to help participating organizations in reducing their vacancy rates.”

The quarterly held RUG Storefront Stroll is a free event held PACC’s Economic Development office located at 896-900 Fulton Street between Waverly and Washington Avenues from 9:00am to 2:00pm. It consists of a welcome breakfast reception with a host of organizations that will assist entrepreneurs with direct technical assistance, and then a guided tour of the available commercial spaces. Each gate will be “Rolled Up” by a Landlord/Manager or PACC Staff and will be able to answer the questions of perspective tenants. Tour packets with a list of available commercial spaces and information on the advantages of owning a local business will be available only at the event.

For more information, please contact (347) 823-5700 x25 or visit www.prattarea.org.

Founded in 1964, Pratt Area Community Council is a non-profit community development corporation committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The 2010 Storefront Strolls are funded in part by the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ Avenue NYC Program, The Bank of New York Mellon, the Brooklyn Community Foundation, M & T Charitable Foundation and Heart of Brooklyn. Established in August 2007, the Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) promotes and supports community initiatives in the Prospect Heights neighborhood. WAPHA collaborates with local businesses and the Heart of Brooklyn to continually strengthen the future of this Brooklyn neighborhood.

Property Owners are “Rolling Up the Gates” on Fulton St and Washington Ave

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:16:56 GMT

Pratt Area Community Council
896-900 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238 * Ph 347-823-5700 * Fax 347-823-5709

Contact: Dale Charles, Pratt Area Community Council, 347-823-5700 ext. 11

Property Owners are “Rolling Up the Gates” for Fulton Street and Washington Avenue
Storefront Stroll

On Saturday, November 20, 2010, prospective business owners will tour available storefronts on Fulton Street and Washington Avenue in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford Stuyvesant and Prospect Heights Brooklyn as part of another “Rolling Up the Gates” (RUG) Storefront Stroll. This storefront open house event is organized by Pratt Area Community Council (PACC)’s Economic Development Department in partnership with Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) and Heart of Brooklyn. The goal of this event is to simplify entrepreneurs’ search for retail space while providing property owners with a means of cooperatively advertising their available commercial spaces.

Just as finding an apartment in New York City can be tricky, so too is locating the perfect retail space. PACC’s Director of Economic Development Dale Charles said, “We hope continuing this event will attract new businesses to Central Fulton Street and Washington Avenue that complement an already diverse retail mix and keep down the vacancies on both corridors. It is also an exciting opportunity to combine our efforts with other organizations in assisting local entrepreneurs by showcasing other primary commercial corridors.” In the current financial climate, the RUG Storefront Stroll will also remind neighborhood residents how important it is to support local businesses and “Shop Brooklyn.” “We are very excited to enhance business development along Washington Avenue,” states Dana Ottey, Vice President of the Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) and owner of AweDacity boutique. “In keeping with the Shop Local campaign, we support local entrepreneurs and help attract prospective tenants to the emerging corridor.”

An exciting addition to this event is “Molly the Trolley,” which will help 26 entrepreneurs get around with ease. The vacant spaces along Fulton Street, between Flatbush and Bedford Avenues, are disbursed along a one-mile stretch covering the length of the newly formed BID, FAB Alliance. Washington Avenue properties fall between Atlantic Avenue and Eastern Parkway, a ten block corridor that features the majority of WAPHA members. “Molly the Trolley” is a great way to see our community’s assets quickly and with ease” said Dale Charles, PACC’s Director of Economic Development. “We hope the guided tour will show prospective commercial tenants the strong creative potential that exists in our area.”

This free event will be from 9:00am to 1:00pm and will consist of a welcome breakfast reception with a host of financial institutions and organizations that will assist entrepreneurs with direct technical assistance, and then a guided tour of the available commercial spaces. The landlords and/or managers will be available in each available commercial space to answer perspective tenants’ questions. The event will be held at one of the vacant spaces located at 900 Fulton Street, and will feature a presentation on market conditions, financing options, and networking between potential businesses and other business resources. Tour packets with a list of available commercial spaces and information on the advantages of owning a local business will be available only at the event. For more information, please contact (347) 823-5700 x25 or visit www.prattarea.org.

Founded in 1964, Pratt Area Community Council is a non-profit community development corporation committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The 2010 Storefront Strolls are funded in part by the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ Avenue NYC Program, The Bank of New York Mellon, the Brooklyn Community Foundation, M & T Charitable Foundation and Heart of Brooklyn.

Established in August 2007, the Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Association (WAPHA) promotes and supports community initiatives in the Prospect Heights neighborhood. WAPHA collaborates with local businesses and the Heart of Brooklyn to continually strengthen the future of this Brooklyn neighborhood.

Vote for Mariadele Priest, PACC's Favorite Do-Gooder!

Michelle Etwaroo — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:18:30 GMT

MPriest1

Vote today and EVERYDAY until the 15th for Mariadele Priest, PACC's Board Chair and favorite Do-Gooder!

For over 20 years Mariadele has worked tirelessly on behalf of Brooklyn's families and individuals for access to safe, affordable housing; building coalitions; and directing much-needed resources.

Why you should vote for Mariadele Priest:

Mariadele Priest and her husband moved to Fort Greene in 1990. She was looking for a home that they could afford, and was impressed by the quality of the housing stock, the accessibility, the park and the diversity of the neighborhood, both racially and economically.

When they first moved to Fort Greene, there were few amenities like banks and restaurants. Moreover, there was crime and the park wasn't as safe as it is now. Her three children grew up in Fort Greene and she is glad that they stayed because the neighborhood has flourished: "the beautiful aesthetics, the access to cultural institutions (like BAM) and transportation - the quality of life has improved due to the goods and services that are more readily available in the neighborhood..."

Mariadele with PACC Staff Mariadele's Family

When asked about her 15 years of volunteer work, Mariadele said "After being involved in educational advocacy, I decided to become connected with the work of PACC, because professionally my background is affordable housing and I wanted to dedicate "volunteer time" were I felt I had real strength. I sought PACC out and I was quickly impressed with the quality of work and eventually joined the board of directors."

She also added, "I support PACC, because this is my neighborhood and my community, I know the quality of the work that PACC does from affordable housing to economic development, these are the values that really speak to me. And I know that when I make a contribution to PACC it translates into tangible benefits in a place that my family and I call home."

We appreciate Mariadele Priest's presence, her energy and donation of her time and resources to communities throughout the Borough of Brooklyn. Vote for Mariadele!!

See more about Mariadele's work in the community

Vote now for Mariadele
Up to five times a day until Oct 15th!

1. Go to Mariadele's voting page on the Do-Good website by clicking the button above.

2. Vote for Mariadele right on her page! You can sign in with your Facebook account or create a log-in.

3. Share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or by Email!

Yep, It's that simple!

How it works
The Do Good Brooklyn Timeline

Help PACC celebrate Mariadele and her achievements in preserving Affordable Housing and creating equitable and sustainable communities in Central Brooklyn!

1. Vote from now until Oct. 15th 11:59PM EST

2. Winners will be acknowledged at the Brooklyn Does Good event on Nov. 3rd

3. Help spread the word! If you vote spread the word on FB and Twitter by using these hash tag phrases #Brooklyn #DoGooder

Navy Green Coverage on NY1

Michelle Etwaroo — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:29:18 GMT

Our Navy Green development was covered on NY1 this week! Click the link to see Deb Howard, ED of PACC; Martin Dunn, Dunn Development and Ron Moelis, L+M Development talk about the plan and how Navy Green will build a new community in the Wallabout Section of Brooklyn.

Navy Green" Development Hopes To Make Brooklyn Neighborhood Blossom on NY1

Navy Green Groundbreaking Press Release

Michelle Etwaroo — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:38:49 GMT

HPD Commissioner Cestero, HDC President Jahr, L+M Development Partners Inc., Dunn Development Corp., and Pratt Area Community Council Break Ground On Navy Green Development

Three-Quarters of the 458 Residential Units Will Be Affordable at Former “Brig” Site in Wallabout, Brooklyn

Partnership with Developers, City Organizations and Investors Transforms Underutilized Land to Address Affordable Housing Needs and Offer Supportive Services

New York, September 22, 2010 – NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Rafael E. Cestero, NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Marc Jahr, L+M Development Partners Inc., Dunn Development Corp. and Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) broke ground today on the Navy Green development in Brooklyn, NY. A former Naval prison known as the “Brig,” Navy Green represents a successful collaborative effort, guided by the local community’s vision for the site, by developers, city agencies and investors such as Enterprise Community Partners and JP Morgan Chase to transform a formerly underutilized, industrial block into a thriving, mixed-income, mixed-use development that helps meet the demand for affordable housing in Brooklyn and offer supportive housing that brings critical services to the community.

Navy Green is being developed under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s New Housing Marketplace Plan (NHMP), an $8.4 billion initiative to finance 165,000 units of affordable housing for half a million New Yorkers by 2014. Since the Plan’s launch in 2003, New York City has already invested more than $4.5 billion and HDC has issued more than $5 billion in bonds to finance more than 108,000 homes. To date, the Plan has funded the creation or preservation of nearly 108,600 units of affordable housing across the five boroughs. Under the NHMP 2,707 affordable homes have been financed in Brooklyn Community Board 2.

The redevelopment of the former Brig site—nearly the full square block bounded by Flushing, Vanderbilt, Park and Clermont Avenues—offers an exciting opportunity to create a dynamic new urban environment. The programming of the site builds off of neighborhood assets—a thriving mixed income population—while responding to the community’s need for affordable housing, open space, retail services, and homeownership opportunities.

When completed, the project will consist of approximately 458 residential units in 4 multifamily buildings and 23 townhomes. In addition, Navy Green features over 8,000 square feet of commercial and/or community facility space. Navy Green also has approximately 32,000 square feet of common green space running north to south in the center of the development including a play area located on the southern portion of the site. By combining supportive housing and affordable rental and homeownership units with market rate coops/condos and townhouses, the redevelopment will result in an unprecedented mixed-income community. Approximately 77 percent of the residential units will be affordable to families earning between 30 percent and 130 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is equivalent to a salary range of $23,760 to $102,960 for a household of four or $16,650 to $72,150 for single-person households.

“Today we break ground on the site of a former naval prison to begin its transformation from a dormant, underutilized swath of land, into a vibrant, mixed-use and mixed-income community,” said HPD Commissioner Cestero. “Navy Green embodies the overarching mission of the Mayor’s housing plan to create strong and stable neighborhoods through combining smart investments in affordable and supportive housing, infrastructure, retail and public space. Working in concert with L+M Development Partners, Dunn Development and Pratt Area Community Council we are casting off the shackles of the past, and charting a bright new future for the tenants who will call Navy Green home and the entire Wallabout community.”

“There are few other investments that HDC could make that bring more to a community than this project," said Marc Jahr, President of HDC. “In all of New York City, Brooklyn has the highest percentage of overcrowded households and thus has a demonstrable need for more affordable housing. Transforming this large, vacant tract of land into a neighborhood for families to put down roots is the best outcome imaginable for this site. The redemptive reuse, as opposed to one that is merely adaptive, is a panacea given this block's history as a Navy Brig and later as a post-9/11 holding facility for people of interest to the U.S. Government. This is truly a new day -- working alongside our partners – the vision of Navy Green Apartments will soon become a reality, not only for those involved in the project’s development, but for the community and future tenants.”

“Our role in developing Navy Green speaks to the kind of work L+M does to positively impact neighborhoods and address the needs of residents whose lives benefit immensely from inclusive environments,” said Ron Moelis, co-founder of L+M Development Partners Inc. “We are excited to see the different ways our work will bring new life to the neighborhood.”

Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of construction on the first two phases of Navy Green—an 8-story, 101-unit affordable rental building on Clermont Avenue near Park Avenue and an 8-story, 98-unit supportive housing building on Vanderbilt Avenue near Park Avenue. The Supportive Housing building will provide housing and social services, such as access to medical care, recreation and vocational training, to chronically homeless single adults and low-income single adults through a partnership with Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, Inc. as part of the City and State's New York/New York III initiative - an agreement signed by City and State officials in 2005 to create 9,000 units of supportive housing for the neediest New Yorkers.

"Navy Green is a culmination of many community-driven planning sessions with local stakeholders and government agencies to arrive at a plan that incorporates best practices of urban planning and housing development," said Deb Howard, Executive Director of Pratt Area Community Council. "We are particularly proud to be the developer of the Supportive Housing facility as we, along with other nonprofits around the city, strive to reduce the homeless population by providing safe and affordable housing."

Navy Green will serve as an example of high-quality, sustainable design and construction. The entire Navy Green project is participating in the LEED for Neighborhood Development Program, with the first building that is currently under construction also participating in the LEED for New Construction Program. In addition, both buildings in the first two phases are participating in NYSERDA's Multifamily Building Performance Program.

“The name of the project - Navy Green - integrates the ‘Navy blue’ associated with the history of the site with the sustainable green future of the project,” said Martin Dunn, president of Dunn Development Corp. “We’re excited to convert this property from an obsolete use into a vibrant new community using the best practices of sustainable design and green construction.”

“As someone who has advocated for affordable housing since my earliest days in public life, and who believed this was a perfect location to build housing for working Brooklynites, I was proud to support Navy Green, which will provide hundreds of affordable units and eventually commercial, retail and outdoor space,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “So, bravo to Dunn Development Corporation, L+M Development Partners and the Pratt Area Community Council for working toward a Brooklyn future that is affordable for everyone.”

"Over the past several years we have all seen a lot of development occur across the borough of Brooklyn and all too often it is done in a way that is irresponsible, greedy and that completely disregards the surrounding neighborhood,” said Assemblyman Joe Lentol (D-North Brooklyn). “So when an area is developed in a way that respects the community, works with the community, environment and people to fulfill their needs, be they housing, economic or open space it is really something special. My heartfelt congratulations and thanks go out to everyone involved."

“Looking back on the planning and development stages of the Navy Green development, I now feel a sense of pride and fulfillment in having been involved with the project as we announce that construction will begin on two buildings located at the former Navy Brig site,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I have high expectations for this transformation; and most importantly, I know this project will provide services and housing to a part of Fort Greene that is in need of it. The timing is right, the project is right, and the joint developers - Dunn Development Corp., L+M Development Partners, Inc. and Pratt Area Community Council are right on time.”

The total cost of the supportive housing development is $21,940,424. Funding sources include $12,222,000 of HPD HOME funds, $718,000 of City Capital, $200,000 of Reso A from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office, $132,190 from NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, and $8,668,234 of tax credit equity provided by Enterprise Community Investment.

The total cost of Navy Green R3, the building currently under construction on Clermont Avenue, is $27 million. Funding sources include approximately $1.9 million of HPD HOME funds, $2.1 million of City Capital, $200,000 of Reso A from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office, tax exempt bond financing from HDC ($13.7 million during construction and $2.5 million during permanent period) backed by letter of credit provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, $6.5 million in HDC subsidy, and $13.4 million in equity provided by JPMorgan Capital Corporation generated through federal low income housing tax credits awarded by HPD and State low income housing tax credits awarded by DHCR.

“JPMorgan Chase is honored and thrilled to be part of the development of the Navy Green site. The larger project offers the best of what affordable housing development can incorporate, including for-profit and not-for-profit developers committed to a top-quality product, substantial investment of resources and vision from the public sector and private investment equity,” said Mark McCann, Executive Director Direct Housing Investments, JPMorgan Capital Corporation. “We are proud to contribute over $13.4 million in equity to purchase low income housing tax credits and provide a $13.8 million letter of credit to support the sale of tax exempt bonds for this transaction.”

“Navy Green is a great example of what is possible when public and private sectors collaborate,” said Abby Jo Sigal, Vice President and New York Director, Enterprise Community Partners. “Enterprise is committed to making homes affordable for all New Yorkers through public-private partnerships that share our vision, and we are proud to partner with Pratt Area Community Council and invest over $8.6 million in tax credit equity in Navy Green to help bring new life to the community."

The development team for Navy Green is L+M Development Partners Inc. and Dunn Development Corp., who are co-developers. In addition, Pratt Area Community Council is the sole developer of the 98-unit Supportive Housing building, as well as the community consultant on the overall Navy Green development. The design team includes FX Fowle Architects who is master planner and architect, Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP who is architect, Architecture in Formation who is design architect of supportive housing building and Todd Rader and Amy Crews Landscape Architecture LLC who is the landscape architect.

HPD hosted an International Design Workshop in December 2003 to create a vision for the redevelopment of the site. Community residents, local business and community-based organization leaders, elected officials, and staff from HPD and other City agencies participated. The three-day workshop resulted in a set of planning principles, a tentative development program, and a conceptual site plan. Following the workshop, HPD established a 14-member community task force to help the City refine the site plan, and its members approved the Request for Proposals (RFP). The task force played a critical role in the selection of the development team.

The 103,000 square foot site formerly known as the Brig was built in the early 1940s and served as a naval prison. After the closing of the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1966, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service used the Brig as a detention center until 1984 when, faced with severe overcrowding in its prisons, New York City sought ownership of the prison for its lower risk prisoners. The Brig served as a minimum-security prison until it was closed in December 1994. The last occupants of the Brig were volunteer workers involved in the post-September 11th cleanup effort.

The development is promoting alternative modes of transportation by including bike storage in all of the multifamily buildings and receiving a Mayoral zoning override to eliminate off-street car parking requirements. The elimination of off-street car parking, which was deemed appropriate given low parking demand generated by the project which can be absorbed by existing parking options in the neighborhood, allowed for more land to be used for affordable housing and a common green.

The common green, which serves as a central organizing element for the development’s design, will be extensively landscaped and include children's play areas, seating areas, and an open lawn. Because the space will be directly accessible to all residents of the market rate and affordable housing apartments, as well as the supportive housing units and townhouses, it will serve as a unifying element for the development.

About L+M Development Partners
Since 1984, L+M Development Partners has been an innovator in developing quality affordable, mixed-income and market rate housing, while improving the neighborhoods in which we work. A full-service firm, L+M works from conception to completion, handling development, construction and management with creativity that leads our industry. We are responsible for more than $2 billion in development and construction and have created more than 10,000 high-quality units in the tri-state area alone. Community leaders, government officials and investment organizations turn to L+M because of our consistent track record of excellence.

L+M is a double bottom line company, where our success is measured not only in financial returns but also by the positive impact we make. We take pride in our long-standing dedication to the communities we serve, demonstrated through an annual scholarship fund, job training programs and substantial support for local nonprofits. L+M brings a superior level of commitment to our investments in developments, and equally important, to our investment in people. Please visit www.lmdevpartners.com for additional information.

About Dunn Development Corp.
Dunn Development Corp. is a socially-conscious, award-winning real estate developer with expertise in affordable and supportive housing. The company's mission is to build the highest quality housing for low and middle-income New Yorkers. Using only the most experienced architects and general contractors, the firm has set new standards of excellence in affordable housing design and construction. To learn more about Dunn Development Corp. and all of our projects, please visit our website at www.dunndev.com.

About Pratt Area Community Council
Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is one of NYC’s leading community development corporations, with 46 years of experience in affordable housing advocacy and promoting economic and cultural diversity throughout central Brooklyn. Over the years, PACC has developed over 800 units of housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, and has an area of expertise in providing housing for the formerly homeless. The Navy Green Supportive Housing project is part of PACC’s larger effort to create affordable housing in the neighborhoods we serve, where rents have escalated beyond the average people’s reach. We are proud to be a part of the team to develop the Navy Green site which will benefit so many in our community. For more information on PACC, visit http://www.prattarea.org.

About Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s New Housing Marketplace Plan
New York City’s affordable housing program to build or preserve 165,000 units of housing is the most ambitious and productive in the nation—creating housing as well as jobs for New Yorkers. To date, City financed more than 108,000 units —representing an investment that tops $4.5 billion, not including roughly $5 billion in bonds issued by HDC. In order to fulfill the NHMP goal of 165,000 units, HPD and HDC are responding to market realities and focusing on three primary goals: strengthening neighborhoods, expanding the supply of affordable and sustainable housing and stabilizing families by keeping them in their homes. To read more about the NHMP, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/about/plan.shtml

About the NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) provides a variety of financing programs for the creation and preservation of multi-family affordable housing throughout the five boroughs of New York City. HDC’s programs are designed to meet the wide range of affordable housing needs of the City's economically diverse population. In partnership with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, HDC works to implement Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s New Housing Marketplace Plan to create of preserve 165,000 affordable housing units by 2014. Since the plan launched in 2004, HDC financed more than 45,000 homes for low- , moderate- and middle-income New Yorkers. HDC is rated AA by S&P and Aa2 by Moody’s.

About JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to supporting affordable housing projects that have a positive, sustainable impact on the communities where we do business. Through Chase Community Development Banking and JPMorgan Capital Corporation, we provide extensive lending and investing expertise in tax credit projects. By partnering with both public and private stakeholders, we can help make the dream of affordable housing a reality for many lower-income families.

About Enterprise Community Partners
Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For more than 25 years, Enterprise has introduced neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and others that share our vision. Enterprise has raised and invested more than $10 billion in equity, grants and loans to help build or preserve more than 250,000 affordable rental and for-sale homes to create vital communities. Enterprise is currently investing in communities at a rate of $1 billion a year. Visit www.enterprisecommunity.org and www.enterprisecommunity.com to learn more about Enterprise's efforts to build communities and opportunity.

Brooklyn Do Gooder Awards

Michelle Etwaroo — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:31:03 GMT

Do Good Right Here! Hey Brooklyn, do you know a "Do-Gooder"? Brooklyn Community Foundation wants to celebrate local heros. The Brooklyn Do Gooder Awards celebrate the altruism and commitment of five individuals working toward a stronger Brooklyn. Nominate someone you know, now until September 30th by going to www.dogoodrighthere.org

Volunteer or Attend the RiseUp and StayPut Event!

Michelle Etwaroo — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:23:11 GMT

Pratt Area Community Council invites you to attend the
Rise Up and Stay Put Home Rescue Fair!

Hosted by KISS FM's Bob Slade
Saturday, June 26, 2010
10 am to 3 pm
Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus
1 University Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11201-5372

To preregister, please visit www.cnycn.org
or call 646.786.0888 or 311

Take advantage of these FREE services:
-One-on-one sessions with HUD-certified housing counselors and attorneys
-One-on-one sessions with loan specialists from major lenders, including:
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citi, HSBC, One West/Indy Mac, GMAC, Litton, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
-Foreclosure prevention workshops

Please bring copies of the following documents so we can better assist you:
• Current pay stubs (within the last 30 days)
• 2008 and 2009 income tax returns
• 3 months of bank statements
• Household expense budget
• Most recent property insurance and mortgage statements
• Copy of closing documents
• Most recent correspondence from your mortgage company
• A letter explaining reasons for your current financial difficulty

To volunteer at this event, email pacc@prattarea.org
and RSVP your attendance on our Facebook Event Page!

Travel Info:
B/M/Q/R trains to Dekalb Avenue
2/3/4/5 trains to Nevins Street
B25/B26/B38/B41/B52/B54 run near the venue
or use www.hopstop.com for door to door directions

Join PACC's Team at this Sunday's AIDS Walk

Michelle Etwaroo — Thu, 13 May 2010 21:08:46 GMT

This Sunday, May 16, PACC staff, residents and friends are coming out in force for AIDS Walk New York, benefiting the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Center and other tri-state AIDS service organizations. We’d love to have you join our team!

PACC provides supportive housing for special needs populations in Bed-Stuy. Residents play an important role in their treatment planning and caring for themselves. Our team of experienced social workers provides tools and skills to clients, assisting them in remaining healthy with complementary services such as hot meals, pain-management, acupuncture, nutrition, and physical fitness programs.

Please show support for our team by either making a donation or by joining our team.

Then enter your information. You can choose to donate, solicit donations or just walk with us to show your solidarity.

The morning of the AIDS Walk, we’ll meet at Gibb Mansion at 7:30 am for a light breakfast before heading to Central Park. You can also meet us at Central Park South and 59th Street at 9:15 am.

Drop us a line at paccprattarea.org to let us know you’ll be there - We’ll reserve a PACC T-shirt for you and share a staff member’s mobile number so you’ll be sure to find us at the walk.

Please feel free to call or email with any questions. Look forward to seeing you there!

Storefront Stroll Video Footage

Michelle Etwaroo — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:14:11 GMT

Have you been to, or heard the buzz about PACC's Storefront Strolls? Brooklyn Independent Television, a community media program of BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn has some great footage on their blog that showcases the benefits of an event of this nature. Check it out and let us know if you are interested in attending the next Stroll on Fulton Street.