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South Jamaica's Affordable Housing: LIHTC-Funded Developments Amidst Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
South Jamaica, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, contains a significant number of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing units. The area's LIHTC inventory consists of 1,313 total units, with 673 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 86,548 and an estimated 33,160 housing units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents approximately 3.96% of the neighborhood's estimated housing inventory.
The LIHTC program has invested $6,212,207 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in South Jamaica. This equates to an average federal funding of about $4,731 per unit across all LIHTC-funded projects in the neighborhood.
The earliest recorded LIHTC project in South Jamaica was Allen Senior Residences, completed in 2002, while the most recent projects, including Archer Avenue Apartments and Alvista Towers, were finished in 2018. This 16-year span indicates a sustained commitment to affordable housing development in the area.
The 2010s experienced the most significant affordable housing development activity, with multiple projects completed in 2018 alone. Notable projects from this period include Calvary Grandparent Residences (2015) and Archer Merrick Limited Partnership (2018).
The LIHTC-funded housing stock in South Jamaica is diverse, consisting of 272 efficiencies, 792 one-bedroom units, 221 two-bedroom units, and 10 three-bedroom units. This distribution indicates a focus on accommodating smaller households and individuals.
A unique project worth noting is the Calvary Grandparent Residences, completed in 2015, which specifically targets frail elderly individuals with grandchildren. This specialized housing addresses the needs of a specific population segment, potentially providing support for multigenerational families.
Over the past decade, South Jamaica has experienced population growth, increasing from 75,025 in 2013 to 86,548 in 2022. The median income has also risen, from $61,538 in 2013 to $72,130 in 2022. These trends suggest a growing demand for housing, including affordable options.
Racial demographics have shifted slightly, with the Black population decreasing from 69% in 2013 to 58% in 2022, while the Asian population increased from 6% to 11% during the same period. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable at around 15-16%. These changes in racial composition may influence the diverse housing needs of the community.
South Jamaica's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory plays a role in addressing the neighborhood's housing needs, representing nearly 4% of the estimated housing stock. The area has seen consistent development of affordable housing over the past two decades, with significant activity in recent years. The diverse unit types and targeted projects like Calvary Grandparent Residences demonstrate efforts to meet varied housing needs. As the neighborhood continues to grow and evolve demographically, ongoing assessment and development of affordable housing options may be necessary to support the community's changing needs.
