Lottery Opens For 59 Below-Market Apartments In Harlem

HARLEM, NY — A lottery for 59 apartments offered at a wide range of rents in a new Central Harlem development is now accepting applications. The homes are located in a building called The Frederick, a 15-story development on Frederick Douglass Boulevard near West 129th Street.

The majority of the apartments offered in the lottery are restricted for tenants the city considers "low" or "very low" income. These units will be reserved for individuals and families earning 40%, 50% or 60% of the area median income.

The cheapest unit, a studio with a rent of $562 per month, is available for people earning between $21,223 and $29,880 per year. The most expensive unit that still counts as "low income" requires a yearly household income of $48,549 and charges $1,339 for rent.

Six of the apartments offered in the lottery are at an income band that the city labels "moderate income." These units required annual earnings of $55,303 for a one-bedroom apartment, $66,309 for a two-bedroom apartment and $76,629 for a three-bedroom apartment.

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: The Frederick c/o Wavecrest Consulting LLC, 87-14 116th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Applications must be sent or postmarked by Sept. 6.

Preference for half of the new apartments will be given to residents of Manhattan Community Board 10, which spans most of Central Harlem. Municipal employees and people with vision, hearing and mobility disabilities will also receive preference for a small percentage of the units.

Amenities for residents at The Frederick include a community room, outdoor recreation area, computer room, laundry room, after school study and bicycle storage, according to the city. The Frederick will also be home to a new supermarket when the development is complete, according to the developer JCAL Development Group's website.