Construction has topped out on 19–19 Cornaga Avenue, a nine-story affordable housing project in Far Rockaway, Queens. Designed by Paul Castrucci Architects and developed by PMG Affordable and Brisa Builders Development LLC, the as-of-right project will yield 60 supportive housing units for young adults aging out of foster care and families in need. The project will also include 30 Federal Housing Trust units. The property is located in the Downtown Far Rockaway Special Purpose District between Beach 19th and 20th Streets.
Renderings depict the front and rear elevations clad in a high-performance building envelope consisting of light gray paneling surrounding a grid of recessed windows with black frames. Sustainability elements will include all-electric mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, energy recovery ventilation, and a rooftop solar array. A new site plan also calls for a street enlargement with landscaping to enhance the pedestrian experience.
19-19 Cornaga Avenue. Rendering courtesy of PMG Afforable.
Not On My Watch Inc. (NOMW) will serve the building’s non-profit social service provider, and Spring Leasing and Management (SLM) will be responsible for the marketing, leasing, maintenance, and management at the property.
Homes will be available in studio- to two-bedroom units ranging from 331 to 652 square feet. Apartments will come equipped with EnergyStar appliances, high-efficiency LED lights, and environmentally friendly finishes. Amenities will include an attended lobby with mail and security services, a fitness center, computer room, shared laundry facilities, bike storage, and a multipurpose space for community programs, classes, and recreational activities. There were also be a residential lounge and on-site NOMW-staffed social services office. The outdoor recreational courtyard will include a landscaped yard, seating areas, and an 800-square-foot children’s play area.
“We’re proud to reach this construction milestone and to see our first PMG Affordable venture in New York City taking shape,” said Dan Coakley, principal of PMG Affordable. “We firmly believe in the positive impact this property will have on revitalizing this resilient downtown community and generating long-term opportunities for those who call it home.”
NOMW will collaborate with other Far Rockaway organizations to support residents. Work will include transitioning young individuals, such as the 18–25 years old and aging out of foster care, and their families into their first independent apartments. 19–19 Cornaga Avenue will also feature an additional 2,300 square feet of ground-floor space to be leased at a discount to organizations who provide educational, medical, or professional services to the community.
The project is currently on track to meet or exceed its MWBE goals for both New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The nearest subway from the ground-up development is the A train at the elevated Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue station to the west.
19–19 Cornaga Avenue’s anticipated completion date is slated for the end of 2026.
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Will there be parking lot