Residents are starting to move into The Doe Fund’s newest affordable and supportive housing development in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhood. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit has had to implement strict protocols during the move-in process.
The property management team is limiting the number of residents moving into Crystal Tower on a daily and weekly basis. The project is expected to be fully leased by July. According to the developer, the team has been vigilant about taking protective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and residents have been encouraged to use the newly ordered kits that provide masks, gloves, disinfectant, and wipes.
Designed by DeLaCour, Ferrara and Church Architects, the 123-unit building includes 70 studio, 22 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, and eight three-bedroom units as well as a two-bedroom unit for the superintendent that is not income restricted. The development received Section 8 vouchers from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for 115 units, with 41 of these units referred from NYCHA’s wait list and 74 units set aside for formerly homeless households referred through the New York City Human Resources Administration. The remaining units are eligible for community residents through a lottery.
The building features an on-site laundry area, private offices for program staff and resident meetings, a multipurpose community room, a bike room, and landscaped outdoor recreational space. The building is staffed with 24/7 front desk security, and a range of on-site supportive services with be provided.
“There could be no better time to extend a safe, state-of-the-art home with comprehensive social services to Brooklyn residents as we confront the COVID-19 crisis,” said George McDonald, founder and president of The Doe Fund, in a statement. “The Doe Fund’s portfolio of permanent housing represents a continuum of care that ensures that the most vulnerable New Yorkers leave homelessness or insecurity behind forever and become part of the fabric of a thriving community.”
Financing partners for the $57.5 million development include the New York City Housing Development Corp., the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Brooklyn borough president’s office,the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corp., the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, JPMorgan Chase Community Development Banking, Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, and the New York City Human Resources Administration.
