1. Studio
The general purpose of the Sustainable Communities
Studio is to expose PSPD Students to the issues of
sustainable development and the interdependence
and interrelationship of sustainable development to
global, national, regional and local programs, policies
and practices. The students enrolled in the class will
be responsible for the development of a sustainable,
resilient and responsive community neighborhood-based
plan, where economic, social, political and educational
opportunities for area residents are maximized.
PRESERVE NEIGHBORHOOD
AFFORDABILITY AND CHARACTER
If landlord wants to do major renovation
or demolition on a multiple family
building they must apply for a permit
from the Dept. of Buildings (DOB).
Bushwick is protected with an Anti-Harassment,
Anti-Demolition Zone; No demolition is allowed, and
landlords must also show a “Certificate of No Harassment”
to proceed for any major alterations on rent stabilized units.
Landlord must apply for a
Certificate or exemption through
the Dept of Housing Preservation
and Development (HPD).
HPD conducts inqury on
harassment history, up to 15
years from the designated date
in the zoning code and landlord
is called for a hearing.
Community organizations like MRNY
help provide HPD with information
from their record keeping.
If found that the landlord has had a
history of harassment or unlawful
eviction, the permit can be denied.
OR a “cure” can be granted and
landlords must dedicate at least
20% of the square footage of
their lot to affordable housing
for the neighborhood.
Basics of an Anti-Harassment, Anti-Demolition Zone
Infographic by Pratt Sustainable Development Bushwick Studio Fall 2014
What would this provision in zoning mean for Bushwick?
PRESERVATION OVER CREATION
ADVOCATE FOR AFFORDABILITY LEVELS THAT
REFLECT BUSHWICK MEDIAN INCOME
KEEPIN’ BUSHWICK, BUSHWICK calls for an affordable housing
financing plan.This plan will identify a particular area in need of
improvement.All property tax revenue captured after TIF bonds are
reimbursed will be placed into an affordable housing trust fund.
Using a tool such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will provide a
financing mechanism that will target the area
using Median Family Income (MFI) as opposed to Area Median
Income (AMI).
Selected TIF programing allow for plans of action such as the
Neighborhood Investment Program:
Through this program TIF revenue is made more accessible to
existing homeowners. Enabling the preservation of affordable
housing within the district and provides funding for housing
rehabilitation. Grants can be made to people earning 100% AMI or
below.
A CITY ORATOWN FINANCESAN IMPROVEMENT ORA
DEVELOPMENT. PROPERTYTAX REVENUE GENERATED
WILL THEN BE UTILIZED TO PAYBACK THE CITY FOR
THOSE IMPROVEMENTS OF DEVELOPMENT
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
Team
Yasmeen Abu Al Saud
Hanna Atlas
Victor Coachman
Paola Duran
Asher Freeman
Jason Hernández
Kethia Joseph
Lise Lamatia
Marcel Negret
Stephen Miller
Bryan Ross
Thom Stead
Giovania Tiarachristie
Melanie Truhn
Stuart Pertz
Eddie Bautista