StudioThe 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 areausing 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 OR A TOWN FINANCES AN IMPROVEMENT OR A DEVELOPMENT. PROPERTY TAX REVENUE GENERATED WILL THEN BE UTILIZED TO PAYBACK THE CITY FOR THOSE IMPROVEMENTS OF DEVELOPMENT

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

TeamYasmeen Abu Al SaudHanna AtlasVictor CoachmanPaola DuranAsher FreemanJason HernándezKethia JosephLise Lamatia

Marcel NegretStephen MillerBryan RossThom SteadGiovania TiarachristieMelanie Truhn

Stuart PertzEddie Bautista