In a notable push for affordable housing availability, New York City has introduced two housing lotteries, specifically targeting senior residents in the Bronx and Queens. According to PIX11, the Bronx is offering apartments at the Fischer Senior Apartments with rents starting at $0 for eligible residents. This initiative is an attempt to alleviate the financial burden on seniors, focusing on one-bedroom units designed for one to three-person households.
The income requirements for these units range from $0 to $72,900, depending on the household size, with at minimum, one individual aged 62 or older. NYC Housing Connect's listing details clarify that in order to qualify for the $0 rent, applicants must meet Section 8 housing criteria and have no income. Otherwise, the rent will be calculated at 30% of the household's yearly income. In addition to the affordable housing offer, the amenities at Fischer Senior Apartments include on-site caregivers and building staff that can assist with health care and financial management, albeit, electricity costs are not covered in the rent agreement.
Moving from the Bronx to Queens, another lottery has been launched for Astoria Towers II in Corona, catering as well to senior residents at discounted rates. As reported by New York YIMBY, this development consists of 168 residences, with 73 units available at 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). This offer spans from studios to one-bedrooms, aligning with income brackets that top out at $69,900.
The prospective applicants for Astoria Towers II must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older, and, meet requisite income and household size requirements. Like the Bronx scheme, tenants in Queens are responsible for their own electricity costs, which include electric stove usage. Additional amenities are common area Wi-Fi, a recreation room, package lockers, and bicycle storage to complement on-site laundry facilities and social services. The application deadline is stipulated to be no later than May 5, for those interested in the Astoria Towers II lottery.
