1,200 affordable apartments coming to 5 World Trade Center development, Gov. Kathy Hochul says
NEW YORK -- Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced one third of the units at the planned 5 World Trade Center development will be dedicated to affordable housing and New Yorkers impacted by 9/11.
"The Public Authorities Control Board - a major step in the process - approved a major development here at 5 World Trade Center that will bring residential housing to the site for the first time ever," said Hochul, addressing the city's housing crisis from the 79th floor of 3 World Trade.
"1,200 new apartments, more than six times the number of residential units created in Lower Manhattan in any given year. One third will be permanently affordable to low and moderate-income New Yorkers," said Hochul.
New Yorkers impacted by 9/11 will also be able to live in one of the 80-story building's 400 affordable units, marking an emotional victory for some.
"Tom Goodkind died of 9/11-related cancer in 2019. Before that, he advocated for well over a decade to make 5 World Trade Center a hundred percent affordable. I think Tom is very happy right now," said Jill Goodkind, his wife.
"I lost both of my parents to 9/11 cancer. My mother actually worked at Deutsche Bank, which is the site of Tower 5, and so for me this is very personal," said Mariama James, a lifelong Lower Manhattan resident.
Opponents said more schools will be needed, along with more affordable shopping and dining options.
"We have seen a decline in enrollment in the school age population in the city. So, now we have more vacant seats," said Hochul.
Advocates said essential workers, teachers and union workers, like janitors and security guards, will also benefit.
"People who take care of our children, who take care of our elderly, nurses, teachers, our first responders, they can't afford to live here," said Vittoria Fariello, of Coalition for 100% Affordable 5WTC.
Construction of 5 World Trade Center is expected to start in 2024.