Marquisha Griffin MPA, CPM’s Post

The 29th post in my "32 days of Case Studies in Retrofitting Suburbia" project. Only 3 more to go! Case Study II.29: Wyandanch Rising, Town of Babylon, NY How does a retrofitting project get started in an economically distressed community? The story of #WyandanchRising, a multifaceted suburban renewal project in a small, long-overlooked, underinvested hamlet in Suffolk County on Long Island, provides an instructive case study. The revitalization of the hamlet, whose residents are predominately Black and Hispanic, demonstrates the important role of new "chiefs" to champion on behalf of local voices. The effort began in 2000, when Wyandanch was identified by the Suffolk County Planning Commission as the most economically distressed place in the county. Two decades later, the hamlet can boast a rebuilt boulevard and extension to the nearest sanitary sewer district two miles away, an impressive new rail station and new commuter parking structure, and, most significantly, new apartment buildings with hundreds of deeply affordable units framing a public one-acre green plaza, in place of surface parking lots, all within a short walk of the station. By 2016, the project was reported to have leveraged $1.74 million in state #brownfields planning grants to over $131 million in public and private financing, an astonishing rate of return on investment of 75 to 1, with the potential for millions more. A significant part of the story is the ongoing effort to gain, and keep, the trust of local residents, who harbored entirely reasonable fears of displacement. At the beginning, proponents met with local clergy from 25 churches and other school and civic leaders over many months of regular meetings to help bring over 600 residents out for a five-day visioning #charrette in June 2003. Without this initial investment in people, it’s unlikely the rest would have followed. Contributors: Town of Babylon - Government; The Albanese Organization; AKRF, OLIN Studio; Jeff Speck; Sustainable Long Island; Torti Gallas + Partners; VHB; BHC Architects; Keller Sandgren Architects; Merrill, Pastor and Colgan Architects; and others. Image: Town of Babylon’s Wyandanch Rising webpage. #RetrofittingSuburbia #urbandesign #urbandevelopment #regreening #reinhabitation #LeverageSocialCapitalforEquity #ImprovePublicHealth #AddWaterandEnergyResilience ULI Australia Suburban Futures Ellen Dunham-Jones Mike Day of Hatch

Did you hear about how #YIMBYTown 2024 brought together an unprecedented politically diverse group of advocates for housing reform? Cascadia Partners was there! Senior Associate Lydia Ness led a panel presentation on middle housing zoning reform 'Finding Middle Housing: Middle Housing Reform Success Stories and Considerations for Austin'. The session highlighted middle housing reform successes and challenges in states and cities across the country, particularly highlighting the City of Portland's Residential Infill Project's https://lnkd.in/gCU-g-s3 first year of implementation, as well as efforts in Austin and San Antonio. While there continue to be barriers to middle housing reform, stories like these highlight the potential for strategic solutions to address local communities’ housing needs. #YIMBYTown 2024 #CascadiaPartners #MiddleHousing #UrbanPlanning https://lnkd.in/db654uBS

🏙️ In the District: Housing in Focus with Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. Join host Javier E. Gomez for an insightful conversation with Adolfo Carrion Jr., Commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). 🌟 Tune in as Commissioner Carrion shares: 🏘️ His vision and priorities for housing preservation and development. 💰 Thoughts on the state of housing affordability in NYC. 🔍 Insights into the challenges and opportunities in the city’s housing landscape. 📺 Watch Now: Catch the full episode on YouTube Stay informed on the key issues shaping housing in New York City! 🏠✨ #InTheDistrict #NYCHousing #CommunityInsights

Excited to see the progress of our master planned community NorthShore, located along the St. Mary’s River in Camden County, Coastal Georgia. This 629-home community at build out includes a market-leading, resort-style amenity package including a 3,400 sqft clubhouse, boat launch, floating dock, observation deck, playground, and passive recreational/sports fields.   NorthShore is a classic Drapac investment play: we identified a prime asset in an undervalued growth market, acquired it for a fraction of the infrastructure value, and added significant value during the hold period by undertaking thoughtful and strategic initiatives to restore and improve the community.   A critical piece of our investment strategy has been to bring in multiple homebuilding partners including 1) Century Communities (NYSE: CCS), 2) Maronda Homes, and 3) Smith Family Homes. This approach has resulted in tremendous success for both the builders and overall community; builders are seeing strong absorption and price growth, and the community is appealing to a wider audience with a range of products and price points.   Camden County is experiencing significant growth due to shifting demographic factors (+8% population and +26% household income growth over the last 5 years) and the expansion of regional economic drivers, which has translated directly to increased demand and home sale prices (+64% over the last 5 years). https://lnkd.in/dKTubEn9

A new chapter in affordable senior living may soon unfold in Downtown Mesa! A parcel of land is being considered for senior housing, signaling a crucial step in addressing the growing need for affordable, safe, and accessible housing for older adults in our community. With rising housing costs and limited availability, many seniors face challenges finding a home that fits their needs and budget. Projects like these not only provide a roof over their heads but also foster a sense of belonging and community. Accessible senior housing ensures dignity and security for those who have contributed so much to our society. At A New Leaf, we recognize how essential it is to create housing opportunities for seniors, helping them maintain their independence and enjoy a stable, fulfilling lifestyle. Collaborating on initiatives like these is how we strengthen the foundation of support for our neighbors in need. Together, we can champion efforts that prioritize affordable housing and advocate for solutions that serve our most vulnerable populations. Let’s keep building a community where everyone has a place to call home. https://lnkd.in/g2eTKNfB

Carol Follett, guest writer of Northwest Citizen, published a vision-inducing article illustrating her concerns about what will become of Bellingham with HB 1110 and the removal of zoning restrictions in single-family neighborhoods. The vision she paints isn’t a future that anyone wants. But, she gets at an important point when she says: “As in so many situations today, there is very little discussion of alternatives: we are told we must build up and fill in. If we do not want to do these things, we are accused of taking away farmland, of being selfish and willing to abuse the environment. We are trapped between polarizing arguments. Yet real housing solutions must begin with the idea of healthy, happy homes for communities and children, which is not merely a nice idea to be wedged between the extremes of infill or sprawl.” We can take a balanced approach to growth that doesn’t encroach on farmland and contribute to sprawl nor should it result in the high-rises we see in Vancouver, BC. A primary reason people move to Bellingham is for its natural beauty. Using green building practices and integrating greenway preservation into our plan for growth over the next 20 years is critical for maintaining Bellingham’s identity. There’s no arguing with the fact that we need housing for future social and economic sustainability– and that housing needs to be affordable to all income brackets. To achieve this goal, and maintain Bellingham’s natural beauty, we need to form a collaborative environment where the City, builders, nonprofits and neighborhood associations can work together to develop a future that meets the needs of all stakeholders. Read Carol’s article by following the link: https://lnkd.in/gWDVBB3J . . . #housingforbellingham #comprehensiveplan #bellinghamwa #cityofbellingham

Can #AffordableHousing truly knit a community back together? How often do we witness transformative developments that genuinely improve lives? Recently, the James Lewis Jr. Apartments were featured in The Post and Courier (written by Ali Rockett), highlighting the significant impact the community has on the lives of residents and the community on Charleston's East Side. Esther Davis, a resident of the complex, shared her journey from a challenging past to finding peace (and a fresh start) in her new home in Charleston. Her story bears witness to the development’s #CommunityImpact, which provides a sense of ownership and pride. The building, which houses 64 affordable units for those earning 60 percent or below of the Area Median Income, filled up within 30 days of opening — a clear indicator of the critical need for such housing. The city's contribution of $7 million through Affordable Housing and the strategic lease of land at $1 per year underscore a commitment to affordable housing that ensures long-term community benefits. The property's design to revert ownership back to the city after 60 years guarantees that it will remain an affordable haven perpetually. This development, which took nearly 14 years from planning to completion, is not just about building homes but about restoring a fragmented community. The vision of leaders like Councilman James Lewis, Jr., who championed affordable housing to "knit back together" the East Side, is now a living reality. Let's celebrate these milestones in affordable housing and continue to support initiatives that offer more than just a roof but a pathway to a better life. See the link to the article in the comments below.

Vermont's toolkit takes a comprehensive approach from permitting to financing. It will look at zoning as a foundation and visualize missing middle housing types, so people can wrap their heads around what it looks like. https://lnkd.in/ebp7yWpR #AffordableHousing #missingmiddle

🌟 Empowering Tenants and Transforming Communities in Seattle 🌟 In the heart of downtown Seattle, a story of resilience and change is unfolding. For over a decade, tenants at properties managed by Metropolitan Management Co. have faced numerous challenges due to neglect and mismanagement. Persistent issues like leaks, pests, and poor maintenance have plagued affordable housing units, exacerbating the housing crisis. But change is on the horizon. Through collective action, advocacy, and a commitment to justice, tenants are fighting back, demanding better living conditions, and holding landlords accountable. This fight is about more than just bricks and mortar; it's about ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. 🏡 A Brighter Future: Reformed Housing Management: Imagine a future where every apartment building is well-maintained, surrounded by green spaces, and managed by professionals who prioritize tenant welfare. Empowered Communities: Tenants actively participating in community events, attending meetings with local officials, and accessing vital resources and support systems. Safe and Healthy Living Environments: Families enjoying clean and safe living spaces, children playing in secure playgrounds, and a community thriving together. This vision is within our reach, but it requires our collective effort. Let's continue to advocate for tenant rights, push for stricter enforcement of housing laws, and support initiatives that prioritize people over profits. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to call home. 🏠💪 #AffordableHousing #TenantRights #CommunityEmpowerment #SeattleHousing #Advocacy #ChangeMakers

🏙️ Zoning Out: Zoning and Its Impact on Housing 🏡 Curious about how zoning policies shape the housing crisis and impact urban development? Join us for a timely virtual forum hosted by Narvarte Development and 1000 Friends of Wisconsin that will explore the history of zoning and its far-reaching effects on housing affordability and equity. 📅 Date: September 18, 2024 🕒 Time: Doors & light breakfast 8:30am, program 9-11am 💻 Location: ThriveOn King building, 2153 N. Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Drive Featuring a presentation from UWM's School of Architecture & Urban Planning's Dr. Kirk Harris on the origins and evolution of zoning, followed by a community conversation with a diverse panel of stakeholders. We will also discuss Growing MKE, a citywide planning effort that is setting a framework for housing growth and choice in Milwaukee. 🔑 Key Topics: The role of zoning in housing inequities. How current zoning impacts development and affordability. Solutions like Growing MKE to foster inclusive growth. Whether you’re a developer, urban planner, policymaker, or community advocate, this event will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to engage in the conversation about building more livable, equitable communities. 🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/gbSYWUrz Let’s come together to rethink zoning and pave the way for a more inclusive future! #UrbanDevelopment #ZoningReform #HousingEquity #CommunityPlanning #GrowingMKE #NarvarteDevelopment