MOD X’s Post

The development project in East Tremont by Mega Development is a vivid example of how strategic urban planning and investment can breathe new life into areas long marred by economic stagnation and social challenges. This 213-unit, all-affordable housing complex not only aims to provide much-needed affordable living spaces in a city grappling with a housing supply crisis but also serves as a beacon of hope for the revitalization of a neighborhood with a rich but troubled history. East Tremont, with its proximity to the Cross Bronx Expressway, has struggled with the adverse effects of urban planning decisions made decades ago, notably since the 1930s when the borough's municipal offices relocated. These decisions contributed to a prolonged period of decline, characterized by poverty, drugs, and crime. However, the area has started to show signs of a slow transformation, driven in part by investments from developers like Mega Development. The project at 521 E. Tremont Ave., which includes ground-floor retail space and a community facility, is particularly noteworthy not just for its scale but for its potential to act as a catalyst for further economic development and community enhancement. The design by SLCE Architects promises a modern and possibly transformative architectural addition to the neighborhood, signaling a new phase in East Tremont's long journey toward renewal. Moreover, this development is part of a larger trend of investments in the Bronx, including the stylish all-affordable Wilfrid complex and the conversion of a prewar building into offices by Pistilli Management. These projects, along with Mega Development's other affordable housing initiatives, underscore a broader commitment to tackling New York City's housing crisis through the creation of affordable units. This wave of development, albeit gradual, represents a significant shift in the narrative of East Tremont and similar neighborhoods. It reflects a growing recognition of their potential for resurgence and the critical role of affordable housing in urban revitalization. As the city aims to produce more housing units to meet demand, projects like the one in East Tremont offer a blueprint for how development can be both economically beneficial and socially responsible. The unfolding story of East Tremont's development is a testament to the power of strategic investment in transforming urban landscapes. It highlights the importance of affordable housing in revitalizing neighborhoods and emphasizes the potential for such projects to act as catalysts for broader economic and social regeneration. #UrbanRenewal #HousingCrisisSolutions #BronxTransformation #StrategicDevelopment #SocialResponsibilityInConstruction https://lnkd.in/e7CQi_6R

European medium-density housing offers several advantages over the development of new towns. Firstly, it promotes sustainable land use by utilizing existing urban areas more efficiently. Instead of sprawling developments that consume large tracts of land, medium-density housing focuses on infill development, maximizing the use of available space within established communities. This approach helps preserve green spaces and agricultural land on the outskirts of cities, reducing urban sprawl and its associated environmental impacts. Secondly, medium-density housing encourages social connectivity and community integration. Unlike the often isolated nature of new towns, where residents may feel disconnected from neighboring areas, medium-density developments are typically integrated into existing urban fabric. This proximity facilitates interactions among residents and fosters a sense of belonging to the wider community. Shared amenities, such as parks, schools, and public transportation, are more accessible in medium-density neighborhoods, promoting social cohesion and inclusivity. Thirdly, medium-density housing supports sustainable transportation options. By locating housing closer to urban centers and amenities, residents have greater access to public transportation networks, cycling infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods. This reduces reliance on private cars, lowers carbon emissions, and alleviates traffic congestion. Additionally, the compact nature of medium-density developments makes them more conducive to pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, further encouraging active transportation and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, medium-density housing promotes cultural vibrancy and architectural diversity. In contrast to the uniformity often associated with new town developments, medium-density neighborhoods tend to exhibit greater architectural variety and historical character. This diversity reflects the evolution of cities over time and contributes to a more visually appealing and culturally rich urban environment. Additionally, mixed-use developments, combining residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, add vitality to urban areas and support local economies. Overall, European medium-density housing offers a more sustainable, socially inclusive, and culturally vibrant alternative to the creation of new towns. By leveraging existing urban infrastructure and fostering community integration, medium-density developments address the housing needs of growing populations while preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of cities. https://lnkd.in/e_KPHnbe

Momentum is building for major middle housing reform in Asheville, NC. Cascadia Partners, in partnership with missing middle housing experts Opticos Design, Inc., helped the City of Asheville understand how enabling more duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings could boost housing production at lower price points. This critical strategy will help address rapidly rising prices in Asheville and could help growing southern cities address accelerating population growth. We are excited to see what Asheville does next! https://lnkd.in/gjTa4p5Z. #missingmiddlehousing #housingforall #urbanplanning

Happy New Year from River Point District, La Crosse, Wisconsin. River Point District, La Crosse’s largest current urban redevelopment effort, continues to offer a remarkable story of public private partnerships to implement a compelling community vision while addressing today’s municipal opportunities and challenges. 2023 saw the development of infrastructure including the first three blocks of River Bend Drive, utilities, tree cells and curb and gutter installed, setting the stage for the groundbreaking of the City’s partner; MSP’s Driftless Apartment’s project, which will offer striking architecture with 68 1-bedroom units, 32 2-Bedroom Units and 20 3-bedroom townhouse units for a total of 120 new housing units. Several developers are anticipating construction starts in the spring of 2024 including F Street and War Eagle on parcels 2 and 1 respectively. The total anticipated housing units currently planned under current option agreements throughout the development exceeds 900, with an anticipated construction value of nearly $300M. The City’s Economic and Community Development Commission has also been a great partner, executing several Tax Incremental Financing agreements with developers. Additionally, the City’s Parks Department is looking at park planning in 2025 to address the linear parkway features along the Black River and southern borders of the site after holding public engagement sessions throughout 2023. Currently, all but three parcels are under option agreements between the RDA and various developers, representing nearly 80% of River Point District. Two of these three parcels still available represent exciting waterfront sites designated for civic, entertainment, commercial and potential mixed-use concepts. For information, please contact Jason Gilman, AICP, JBG Planning LLC at jbgplanning@outlook.com.

🔔 Introducing The Ledger: June 2024 Edition 📢 As we move through 2024, the momentum behind affordable housing initiatives in Florida continues to grow, driven by the transformative Live Local Act (LLA). Leverage Live Local is excited to share the first edition of The Ledger- sharing with you the latest stories and insights we’ve put together on how LLA is reshaping the housing landscape for Florida’s workforce. 🌟 Featured Highlights This Month 🌟: 🏢 Laguna Gardens in Miami: Discover how this groundbreaking 37-story project is set to offer over 3,200 affordable residences, powered by LLA’s funding and strategic planning. 🏗️ Allora in Largo: Learn about Largo’s first workforce housing project, a collaborative effort by Belleair Development Group and Trammell Crow Residential. This initiative aims to address local housing challenges with a significant portion of units dedicated to workforce housing. 📜 Miami’s Updated LLA Guidelines: Miami leads the way with new local guidelines for LLA, providing clarity and incentives for developers. These guidelines could be a model for other Florida municipalities. 🏙️ Wynwood’s LLA Tower Challenges: Explore the community dynamics and opposition faced by the proposed 48-story LLA tower in Wynwood. The debate highlights the complexities of integrating new developments into existing neighborhoods. ⚖️ Legislative Updates: Recent enhancements to the LLA through SB 328 introduce new provisions to support mixed-income housing and offer flexibility for transit-oriented projects. 🌐 Read the Full June Edition of The Ledger on our website: https://lnkd.in/d_w_s-VT #AffordableHousing #LiveLocalAct #FloridaHousing #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #HousingInitiatives #TheLedger #LeverageLiveLocal

🏗️ Boston's Solution to Housing Crisis: City Invests in ‘Housing-Over-Library’ Projects! 🌆 The City of Boston is tackling its housing crisis by transforming libraries into affordable housing, correcting decades of poor public policy and promoting social inclusion 🇺🇸 🪵 Its latest project, an 11-storey conversion in the West End, will be the first in Boston to use #masstimberconstruction 🔍 Key Developments: 1️⃣ Integrating Public Spaces with Housing: Following the example of cities like Canada, Boston seeks to utilise its public libraries to address housing shortages. The city plans to add housing units above libraries, including an 11-story mass timber building in the West End - Boston's first of its kind… 2️⃣ Addressing Social and Environmental Needs: This approach addresses Boston's chronic housing shortage and social segregation. By ensuring these new units are permanently affordable, the city also commits to long-term inclusivity and sustainability. 3️⃣ Mass Timber Construction: The West End project, developed by Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Caste Capital, is notable for its use of mass timber. This eco-friendly construction method aligns with modern sustainability goals and represents a significant step in urban architectural innovation. 🏠 The Bigger Picture: Boston's strategy to convert libraries into mixed-use buildings with affordable housing is an example of creative urban planning. It addresses the dual challenges of housing shortages and social segregation, offering a model for other cities facing similar issues. 🤔 #questionforgroup: How can other cities replicate Boston's approach to integrating public services with affordable housing? What are the potential challenges and benefits of using mass timber in urban construction? 🔗 Learn more about Boston's groundbreaking project and its implications for city planning and affordable housing: https://lnkd.in/g4sAemi3 #urbandevelopment #affordablehousing #boston #publiclibraries #masstimber #sustainableconstruction #socialinclusion #housingcrisis #cityplanning #usa #madeintheusa #architecturalinnovation #environmentalsustainability #construction #architecture #architectureanddesign #community #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #inclusivecities #realestatedevelopment

There's a lot for developers to unpack in the City's newly released 'City of Yes for Housing Opportunity' proposals. Some of the more notable changes would include allowing developers to build 20% larger buildings as long as the extra density remains affordable and reducing parking requirements for newer developments, among others. City releases detailed 'City of Yes' zoning changes, including taller buildings, less parking and affordable housing | https://lnkd.in/eb52Dy7Y #NYC #Development #RealEstate #CityOfYes

Dear Property Owners, Developers, and Community Members, I'm pleased to inform you that after six years of meticulous planning and collaboration, the Boston Zoning Commission has officially approved the Boston Planning and Development Agency's recommendation to overhaul Article 53 of the Boston Zoning Code, specifically tailored to East Boston. This monumental decision marks a significant milestone in the evolution of East Boston's urban landscape, ushering in a new era of growth, sustainability, and community development. The approved amendments to Article 53 introduce a comprehensive array of map and text revisions, effectively modernizing zoning regulations that have governed the East Boston neighborhood for over three decades. These changes are poised to deliver tangible benefits to property owners, developers, and the community at large, fostering predictability and facilitating strategic planning for sustainable neighborhood growth. Key highlights of the approved amendments include: - Establishment of new zoning districts to accommodate an increased number of residential units per lot, promoting densification and addressing housing needs. - Adjustment or elimination of maximum floor/area ratios (FAR) across various neighborhoods, allowing for more efficient utilization of space and fostering vibrant mixed-use developments. - Removal of minimum lot size and lot frontage requirements, offering greater flexibility for property development and adaptive reuse projects. - Elevation of allowable building heights in designated squares and corridors, unlocking opportunities for iconic skyline developments while preserving neighborhood character. - Mandates for enhanced site permeability and restrictions on building lot coverage, promoting sustainable design practices and mitigating environmental impact. - Reductions, and in certain instances, elimination of minimum off-street parking requirements, aligning with contemporary urban mobility trends and reducing reliance on automobile infrastructure. These changes herald a new chapter in East Boston's development narrative, empowering stakeholders to embrace innovative approaches to urban living, while safeguarding the unique identity and resilience of our community. If you seek guidance on navigating these amendments or wish to explore how these changes may impact your property or future projects, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can seize the opportunities presented by this transformative zoning overhaul and shape a more vibrant and inclusive East Boston. #Development #EastBoston

Imagine a vibrant public library seamlessly integrated with affordable senior housing, or bustling community kitchens integrated into mixed-use buildings. This innovative fusion of amenities and housing is transforming neighbourhoods and lives — and it's happening in Chicago and many other American cities. Do you know of other interesting creative mixed-use developments? We'd love to hear about them! #communitybuilding #housing #affordablehousing #mixeduse #multifunctional #urbanplanning #urbanliving #urbanism #realestate

HUD is spending nearly $4M to research U.S. housing supply and office-to-residential conversions. They're bankrolling several key research groups to help crack this significant challenge, focusing on prefab construction, economic forecasting, local regulations, and and other methods to transform aging city buildings into livable spaces. Marcia Fudge at HUD is stirring the pot to alleviate the tight housing market. She's on the right path—transforming outdated business districts into dynamic, mixed-use neighborhoods. HUD is allocating funds to some sharp minds like the National Institute of Building Sciences, initiating projects for faster, more cost-effective housing solutions. Meanwhile, the University of California team has been awarded $458,340 to investigate how ADU regulations are impacting rents and property prices across California, and how these changes affect land values, even when new housing options remain untapped. Plus they've allocated a significant $900K to Gensler to probe how swapping offices for apartments could play out across different urban settings. This is huge – it's not just a facelift for old buildings; it's about the government really stepping in with funds to tackle the big issues. Turning empty offices into living spaces is a game-changer, making cities more livable and vibrant. This funding isn't just cash; it's a blueprint for the future, turning today's challenges into tomorrow's solutions, making our cities better for everyone. #HousingInnovation #HUDGrants #OfficeConversion #UrbanRevitalization