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Affordable Housing in Clifton: LIHTC's Impact on Staten Island Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Clifton, a neighborhood in Staten Island, New York, has a substantial Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory. The area contains 633 total units in LIHTC-funded projects, with 603 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 10,475 and using the national average household size, the estimated housing units in the neighborhood are approximately 4,013. The LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises about 15.8% of the estimated housing inventory, which aligns with the target percentage for a well-balanced community.
The LIHTC program has made a significant investment in Clifton, with project tax credits totaling $4,794,457. This equates to an average federal funding of approximately $7,574 per unit in LIHTC-funded projects. The neighborhood has experienced consistent development of affordable housing over time, with projects spanning from 1999 to 2012. The earliest project, Tompkins Court, was completed in 1999, while the most recent developments, Fairway & Richmond and Morris Avenue Apts, were both completed in 2012. This 13-year span demonstrates a sustained commitment to affordable housing in the area.
The 2010s saw the most affordable housing activity, with three out of four projects completed during this decade. The housing inventory includes a diverse mix of unit types, with 3 efficiencies, 197 one-bedroom units, 258 two-bedroom units, and 45 three-bedroom units. This distribution indicates a focus on accommodating various household sizes, with a particular emphasis on smaller families or individuals.
Over the past decade, Clifton's population has fluctuated, with a notable increase from 8,971 in 2019 to 10,475 in 2022. The median income has shown some volatility, decreasing from $49,973 in 2013 to $39,133 in 2022, suggesting a potential increase in the need for affordable housing.
The racial composition of Clifton has remained diverse but relatively stable. The Black population has been the largest demographic group, ranging from 34% to 48% over the past decade. The Hispanic population has consistently been the second-largest group, fluctuating between 31% and 40%. The Asian population has remained relatively stable at 6-12%, while the White population has ranged from 11% to 17%.
This demographic stability, combined with the decrease in median income, may have contributed to the continued need for affordable housing in the area, as reflected in the LIHTC projects completed up to 2012.
Clifton's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory covers a significant portion of the estimated housing stock, aligning with recommended targets for a balanced community. The neighborhood has seen consistent development of affordable housing from 1999 to 2012, with a focus on the 2010s. The diverse unit mix caters to various household sizes, while the substantial federal investment underscores the importance of affordable housing in this area. The demographic trends, particularly the decrease in median income and stable racial diversity, suggest an ongoing need for affordable housing options in Clifton.
