Brooklyn residents may soon have access to hundreds of new housing units as New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a request for proposals to redevelop a currently underutilized Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) property in Crown Heights. The project, envisioned to deliver approximately 300 new homes, aims to address the city’s ongoing housing crisis and improve access to public transportation in the area. This initiative builds on the 2025 rezoning of the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use District (AAMUP), which paved the way for increased density and development opportunities.
Governor Hochul emphasized the urgency of increasing housing supply throughout New York State. “Since I took office, I’ve maintained that the only way to solve the housing crisis is to build more housing,” she stated. “By leveraging state-owned underutilized land and making critical infrastructure improvements, we will deliver the housing New Yorkers need and deserve.” The governor’s office framed the announcement as part of a broader commitment to making New York more affordable and livable for current and future generations.
The site in question, located at 1119 Pacific Street, offers a unique development opportunity due to its inclusion of air rights above the adjacent Franklin Avenue Shuttle line. This allows for a larger-scale project than the land alone would permit. Currently, the property previously housed part of the Atlantic Avenue Cable Shop, a facility of New York City Transit, which is in the process of being relocated to a modernized facility at 2016 Pitkin Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn. As part of the AAMUP rezoning agreement, the Cable Shop itself will be transferred to the City of New York for development as affordable housing.
A Boost for Transit-Oriented Development
The project aligns with a growing emphasis on transit-oriented development, a strategy that aims to concentrate housing and commercial development near public transportation hubs. Janno Lieber, President and CEO of the MTA, highlighted the benefits of this approach. “It’s a proven fact that transit-oriented development drives job and housing growth throughout the region,” Lieber said. “The Pacific Street project checks all the boxes: it offers unparalleled proximity to public transit in one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic and sought-after neighborhoods.”
The MTA is encouraging developers to incorporate improvements to public transit accessibility into their proposals, offering density bonuses through the “Zoning for Accessibility” program. The agency is seeking proposals that include the installation of new MTA artwork and design along the wall of the Franklin Avenue Shuttle, on the south side of Lefferts Place. This commitment to public art reflects a broader effort to enhance the public realm alongside new development.
Expanding Affordable Housing Options
A key component of the project is a commitment to affordability. At least 75 of the approximately 300 new units will be permanently affordable, integrated within the framework of New York City’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program. RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, underscored the importance of this aspect. “The redevelopment of the MTA land in Brooklyn into 300 housing units – including at least 75 permanently affordable homes – is a clear example of Governor Hochul’s ongoing perform to address the housing crisis,” Visnauskas stated. “We’re building affordable housing near public transit on underutilized state land.”
The financial benefits extend beyond providing housing. Proceeds from the sale of the property will be reinvested into the MTA’s Capital Program, supporting critical infrastructure improvements throughout the system. Jamie Torres-Springer, President of Construction & Development at the MTA, explained that “every dollar from this sale will be directly reinvested into the system, meaning all transit riders will benefit.”
Part of a Larger Statewide Housing Initiative
This project is one piece of a larger, ambitious housing agenda spearheaded by Governor Hochul. In 2023, the governor launched a five-year, $25 billion comprehensive housing plan to increase the housing supply and improve affordability across the state. The Pro-Housing Communities Program, which prioritizes $650 million in state funding for municipalities that embrace pro-housing policies, is a central element of this strategy. More than 400 communities statewide, including New York City, have achieved “Pro-Housing Community” certification.
Governor Hochul’s “Let Them Build” agenda, proposed as part of her 2026 State of the State address, aims to further accelerate housing and infrastructure development by reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and streamlining project approvals. The state budget for fiscal year 2027 builds on this momentum, aiming to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with supportive services for vulnerable populations, and electrify an additional 50,000 homes. To date, over 78,000 affordable homes have been created or preserved under the governor’s leadership. An additional $250 million in capital funding is allocated in the budget to expedite the construction of new affordable housing.
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal echoed the need for proactive land use strategies. “We cannot stop examining every underutilized or vacant lot as we navigate our current affordability crisis,” she said. “Transforming this MTA lot into 300 new housing units—while also facilitating necessary transportation and public works improvements—represents a win-win situation for the Brooklyn community and all New Yorkers struggling to put down roots in the Large Apple.”
Key Project Details
- Approximately 300 new housing units, with at least 75 permanently affordable.
- Funding for the MTA Capital Program to support infrastructure improvements.
- Potential for density bonuses through the “Zoning for Accessibility” program.
- Integration of new MTA artwork and design along the Franklin Avenue Shuttle wall.
The deadline for proposal submissions is May 2024. The MTA will then evaluate the proposals and select a developer to move forward with the project. This redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and a concrete step towards addressing New York’s pressing housing needs. Further updates on the project, including the selection of a developer and the timeline for construction, will be available on the MTA’s website.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about real estate and development projects. It is not intended to provide financial or investment advice. Consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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