Affordable Housing

Get yourself on the list for affordable rentals in this historic Harlem apartment complex

By Virginia K. Smith  | May 17, 2016 - 9:59AM

If you're on the hunt for affordable housing options in Harlem, this one's for you: Applications have now opened for spots on the waitlist at the Riverton Houses, a historic Harlem housing complex built by the same developers behind Stuy-Town.

The complex consists of seven buildings and 1,229 apartments located in a gated community between 135th and 138th streets on the East Side. Riverton—historically a haven for middle-class renters, particularly African-Americans—has had a tumultuous history in recent years, having been snapped up by speculators pre-recession, only to have the owners default to lenders, as the New York Times reports. When it was purchased by a new owner late last year, Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration struck a deal to guarantee the preservation of 975 units of affordable housing in the complex, in exchange for heavy tax breaks. 

The complex has been home to notable New Yorkers including former mayor David Dinkins, and includes 24-hour security, a playground, and an on-site basketball court.

Unfortunately, space seems tight. Unlike typical affordable housing listings, which involve applications for soon-to-be-open apartments, in this case, you'll be applying for a spot on the waiting list. Per the listing, "7,500 randomly selected applications will be placed on a waiting list for future vacancies."

Frustratingly slim chances, yes, but still worth tossing your hat in the ring if you qualify—a full list of apartment sizes, prices, and income requirements is below:

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If your'e interested and think you may qualify, brush up on our tips for the application process here, and then either submit your application online via NYC Housing Connect, or request a paper application by sending a self-addressed envelope to Riverton Apts, 243 5th Avenue, Box 425, New York, NY 10016. (Pick one or the other—if you apply more than once, you may be disqualified.) The deadline is June 13th, so get your applications in while the getting is good.

Note: Brick Underground is in no way affiliated with New York City public housing. If you are interested in applying to this or other affordable housing developments, please go to the NYC Housing Connect website for information and instructions.

 

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