'Affordable' Harlem Homes Require $61K, $82K Incomes

HARLEM, NY — Three apartments in a new Harlem development that the city has declared "affordable" require tenants to earn at least $61,000 or $82,000 annually.

The below-market units at 173 Morningside Ave., located near West 127th Street, are reserved for tenants earning 130% of the area median income, which the city classifies as "middle income." Rents for the building's two one-bedroom units are $1,800 per month and rents for the single two-bedroom unit are $2,400 per month. The rents may be lower than non-regulated units in the new building, but they may not be "affordable" for many neighborhood residents in need of inexpensive housing.

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 $149,890 for a family of five.

Developers are required to offer the three apartments at below-market rates because they are receiving a tax exemption through the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development's 421a program.

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 173 Morningside Avenue Apts, 18 Bridge St, Suite 2D, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Applications must be sent or postmarked no later than Sept. 23.

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.