'Affordable' Harlem Apartments Require $63K Income

HARLEM, NY — A lottery for 18 apartments at a new Harlem development offered at below-market rents is now accepting applications, but the units can hardly be described as "affordable."

The below-market units at 152 W. 140th St. are reserved for tenants earning 130% of the area median income, which the city classified as "middle income." Applicants for the units must earn an annual salary of at least $63,429 to be eligible for one of the building's one-bedroom units and an$85,714 to be eligible for one of the building's two-bedroom units, according to the city's Housing Connect website.

The development is offering 16 one-bedrooms at discounted rates of $1,850 per month and two two-bedroom units at rates of $2,500 per month.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the units and eligibility requirements:

Prospective tenants may apply for the lottery through the city's Housing Connect website. A mail-in application can be requested by sending a self-addressed envelope to: MGNY Consulting, c/o 152 West 140th Street Apartments, 18 Bridge St, Suite 2D, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Applications must be sent or postmarked by Aug. 1.

No preference will be given for current Harlem residents, but a small percentage of the units will be set aside for people with vision, hearing and mobility disabilities.

Amenities for residents at 152 W. 140th St. include a gym, bike room and in-unit washers, dryers and dishwashers, according to the city.