NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul announced major progress on the state’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative with the completion of Utica Crescent and the start of construction at Sparrow Square, which together will deliver 583 new affordable residential units in East Flatbush.
The $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn Initiative is a comprehensive community development program to address social, economic, and health disparities in Central Brooklyn neighborhoods, some of the most chronically underserved areas of the State.
Utica Crescent and Sparrow Square build on the completion of other Vital Brooklyn milestones the Governor has announced including The Rise in Brownsville, Alafia Phase One in East New York, and Herkimer Gardens in Bedford Stuyvesant.
With the completion of Utica Crescent and the groundbreaking of Sparrow Square, more than 2,500 homes are completed or under construction under the Vital Brooklyn Initiative.
“These two transformative developments in East Flatbush bring the promise of the Vital Brooklyn Initiative to life – creating affordable apartments and expanding access to health and community services in an area of the city that has been underserved for decades,” Governor Hochul said.
“These investments put the health and well-being of the developments’ residents and the surrounding neighborhood at the forefront and bring us closer to creating a more equitable Brooklyn where everyone has a fair shot at a brighter future.”
“As someone who has called Brooklyn home for decades, I know firsthand the challenges that communities like East Flatbush have faced because of years of disinvestment, a shortage of affordable housing, and longstanding health disparities. That is why the completion of Utica Crescent and the groundbreaking of Sparrow Square are such important milestones for our community. Projects such as these are creating opportunities for families, seniors, and vulnerable residents to live in safe, affordable homes with access to the health care and support services they need to thrive. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for addressing New York’s housing crisis, our state partners, and the development teams for helping move the vision of Vital Brooklyn forward and investing in a future where every Brooklynite has the chance to thrive and succeed,” said Representative Yvette D. Clarke.
“With more than 580 new modern, sustainable homes – as well as access to healthy food, wellness opportunities, and on-site support services – Utica Crescent and Sparrow Square add to the more than 6,000 affordable apartments that HCR has financed in New York City just in this past year. These necessities have been out of reach for too long, but the $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn Initiative is changing this community’s trajectory one development at a time and enhancing the quality of life in East Flatbush. Thank you to Governor Hochul and to our development teams for making these life-changing projects a reality, and to our state and local lawmakers whose critical support is helping to break down barriers and create a more affordable and healthier Brooklyn for everyone,” said Representative Yvette D. Clarke.
