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Renovation Projects
The LaGree Baptist Church in the Bronx converted an old warehouse into a church, community center, and commercial space. Led by BDB Construction Enterprise and Body Lawson Associates Architects, the project overhauled the structure, addressing structural deficiencies, reinforcing columns and foundations, and added new elements like steel beams and elevators.
The church's relocation from Harlem to the new space involved a temporary sanctuary, now replaced by a permanent 31,000-square-foot facility with a sanctuary, offices, fellowship hall, rooftop deck, and retail/commercial spaces.
Affordable Housing Policy and Projects
Mayor Adams’ newly announced initiative as part of the "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" plans to create tens of thousands of affordable homes in New York City. The initiative focuses on areas previously limited by an outdated floor-to-area-ratio (FAR) cap, particularly in high-demand zones like Midtown, Manhattan. This plan requires state approval to lift the FAR cap, allowing for larger residential projects and mandating affordable housing through the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program.
Governor Hochul recently announced new funding for affordable housing in New York State. The plans include $412 million in bonds and subsidies to create and preserve nearly 1,100 affordable homes across New York State. This initiative is part of a larger five-year, $25 billion housing plan aimed at developing 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 supportive homes.
Greenpoint Landing Associates recently opened a 22-story brick tower in Greenpoint that offers 374 affordable apartments, including 57 units for formerly homeless individuals, with support from Breaking Ground for furnishing and ongoing social services. This project is part of Greenpoint Landing's transformation of a 22-acre waterfront site in Brooklyn, featuring new streets, parks, and amenities. Amenities include bicycle parking, a fitness room, children's play area, storage, and retail spaces.
A new affordable housing project is coming to Hell’s Kitchen. The Hudson Companies and nonprofit Housing Works have secured $104.5 million to build The Lirio, a 112-unit mixed-use multifamily project that will house people with HIV/AIDS and low-income New Yorkers in need of affordable housing.
Historic Houses of Worship
Mark Hui, pastor of Brooklyn Chinese Baptist Church, and the congregation are celebrating 50 years since starting the church for Chinese speakers. The church's first service in 1974 had only three attendees. However, perseverance led to the recent 50th-anniversary celebration, where over 150 gathered to commemorate Mark's tenure and his son Augustine's inauguration as senior pastor.
B'nei Adath Kol Beth Yisrael, historic synagogue in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn is facing demolition after a major fire in 2017 rendered it unusable. The congregation, led by Rabbi Baruch Yehudah, had to rotate locations for services until settling in a rented space. The Department of Buildings issued an emergency declaration for demolition after a wall collapse, prompting the congregation to plan for a new synagogue with housing and community components. They aim to avoid contributing to gentrification and are exploring options with architects and developers.
Bayside, Queens has a rich history of religious institutions. Churches like All Saints Episcopal Church have been part of Bayside since the late 19th century. Over time, the community diversified, becoming a hub for Irish, Italian, German, and later Asian immigrants. Today, approximately 44% of Bayside's population is Asian, leading to the establishment of Korean Christian churches in the 1980s. Read more about these historic churches.
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