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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.

Many of the families that live at the building are long-term, including some that have been there for over 25 years. One tenant, Mr. Pagan (52-years-old) has been a resident for 14 years. In the early stages, Mr. Pagan did his own repairs because the former landlord would not. Money was tight and he couldn't get everything done. After PACC's renovation to his apartment, Mr. Pagan recently said, "I know I can't do better than this at this price nowhere...and [I have] a porch too!"

 

Renovation at the building includes new electrical system, new plumbing, new heating system, new windows and roof. There will also be new bathrooms and kitchens with energy efficient appliances in every apartment. During construction tenants are relocated to vacant apartments within the building and sometimes in buildings nearby. After a four-month period, they return to their newly-renovated apartment. The construction is being completed in six phases and everything is expected be completed in the fall of 2012.

PACC is undergoing the renovations with help from New York City's Third Party Transfer Program and Preservation Participatory Loan Program (PLP). The City's PLP loan is significant, as it is a blended loan through The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)-a private lender. The building will eventually become a 'limited- equity' cooperative. In order to prepare for that, HPD will provide cooperative training courses to the tenants.

 

As a result of these tremendous efforts, the state legislature acted to renew the rent laws, and for the first time since 1993, also took small steps to address two of the loop holes that have resulted in the loss of thousands of rent regulated units in NYC.

This marks a partial victory. The pendulum has swung back in the direction of protecting our communities, but more work remains to be done. Thank you to all of the tenants who supported the Real Rent Reform campaign this session, by becoming members of PACC and the PACC Leadership Group, making financial contributions to the campaign, and/or by participating in our campaign activities. We are deeply grateful to you for your involvement and quite literally could not have accomplished this important victory without you. We hope you will continue to be involved in the next phase of this campaign as we continue to fight to keep New York diverse and affordable, and to defend and expand tenants' rights.

 

Drawing approximately 150 attendees, people were able to speak to the dozens of representatives from local businesses, nonprofits and city agencies. PACC also facilitated break out sessions where instructors spoke to groups of 25 on common purchasing and ownership issues. PACC's Credit Counselor, Charrisse Smith, spoke on Credit and Finance and Steven Cozier from Chase Home Finance conducted The Home Buying Process while PACC's Homeowner Counselor Bonita Dowling and Foreclosure Counselor Stephan Dookeeram gave information on Repair Grants and Loans and How to Avoid Foreclosure. As the evening came to a close Pat Julien, our Director of Home Services encouraged the attendees to attend the First Time Home Buyer and Financial Literacy courses that PACC offers throughout the year.