'Affordable' Harlem Apartments Require $73k, $95k Incomes

HARLEM, NY — A lottery for six Harlem apartments the city considers "affordable" is now accepting applications, but the "below-market" units carry rents that are pricier than the typical apartment in the neighborhood.

The available units at the newly-developed 3 W. 128th St., located near Fifth Avenue, rent for $2,149 per month for a one-bedroom and $2,799 per month for a two-bedroom, according to the city's housing connect website. Renters must earn at least $73,680 per year to qualify for the five one-bedroom units and at least $95,966 per year to qualify for the sole two-bedroom unit.

New Yorkers earning well above six figures are even eligible for the units. The combined maximum income for one-bedroom units in the lottery is $124,930 for a family of three and the combined maximum income for two-bedroom units is $172,120 for a family of seven.

The median one-bedroom rental in Harlem goes for about $2,010 per month, according to a January report by the real estate listings site Zumper. Zumper's report included market-rate housing.

Developers are required to offer the apartments at below-market rates because they are receiving a tax exemption through the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development's 421a program. The West 128th Street development will contain 20 total apartments, which means a little less than one-third are being offered at below-market rates.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the available 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: 3 West 128th Street C/O Reside New York, 381 South 5th St, #1, Brooklyn, NY 11211. Applications must be sent or postmarked no later than Sept. 27.

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.