The POKO 839 Broadway Development Project involves the redevelopment of a property in Bushwick, Brooklyn. This property will be demolished and we will construct a new development that includes approximately 23,000 square feet of retail space, community space and 48 residential rental apartments affordable to people at the 30-55% AMI level. The project will incorporate many sustainable design elements.

We are acquiring a site that is currently zoned C8 and M1 The property is located in a mixed-use area that includes predominately ground floor retail and residential upstairs. We believe that the current zoning does not allow for feasible use and that the only viable use for this property is a mixed use development. We are presently making an application to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for a use variance to change the zoning to a mixed-use residential zone.

We have had preliminary conversations with the BSA and with NYC Planning. We have received support on both the local and state level for this project. POKO has previously been successful in its applications for variances for affordable housing/mixed use developments that were later financed using 9% tax credits and we anticipate a similar result with 839 Broadway.

This property is located in an area of Brooklyn that is currently undergoing a renaissance with an influx of development of market rate properties. The result has been a lack of new affordable housing projects. Nevertheless, there remains a critical need for affordable housing according to both the local political and community organizations. Many current residents are being priced out of the market and POKO’s development at 839 Broadway will go towards offering a solution.