Controversial Arrow Linen development in Windsor Terrace moves forward with fewer stories, more affordable units
The new plan will have two buildings at 10 stories each.
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The controversial Arrow Linen redevelopment project in Windsor Terrace is moving forward to a vote in City Council, with major changes that project proponent Council member Shahana Hanif is crediting local opposition with helping to solidify.
The new plan will have two buildings at 10 stories each. It is down from an initial 13 stories, with 40% of the units set to be affordable units in perpetuity.
"It was not originally set for 40%," said Hanif. "Working classm lower income people will be able to apply through the housing lottery."
The developer will have a mix of between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income units, a statewide measure that Hanif says is needs to be scaled down to better reflect the affordability of the community.
The deal, one of the first to move forward under City Of Yes, has the developer fronting the cost of the affordable units with no city dollars being used to offset the costs.
Residents tell News 12 they support the compromise of the smaller, more affordable unit.
"We have a small neighborhood, lots of smaller buildings so we did not want it to look like Manhattan," said Bianca Guerriera, of Regina Bakery, located next to the proposed project. " I'm glad they got a compromise, and it's better than what we had seen earlier."
The changes to the project would also up-zone homes around the property in a bid to help protect property values, including the multi-color rowhouses that would be at the center of the project.
By moving the R6B zoning, the units would need to also have affordable units and commitments in place before being sold - a move Hanif says will keep the homes locally owned.
"The idea really is to protect against speculation, and make sure no one is threatened who has made their home here for generations," she said.
The measure now moves to a vote before City Council next week.
