By Madina Toure
By late February, residents are expected to move into about 53 remaining affordable housing apartments in Macedonia Plaza.
Construction of Macedonia Plaza, a new mixed-use development proposed by Macedonia AME Church on 37-08 Union St., was completed in the fall. As of Dec. 31, more than 90 households had signed leases.
The complex includes 143 newly constructed affordable housing units, a community facility space and a new retail space.
“It’s a project that’s a long time coming and it’s finally here and I think that the families that are moving in will be pleased,” said Rev. Richard McEachern, senior pastor for Macedonia AME Church and a member of Queens Community Board 7. “It’s a wonderful building, state of the art and we’re very proud that we could be a part of it.”
The financing deal for the project closed in 2012. The housing lottery for Macedonia Plaza opened on July 31, 2013 and concluded Sept. 30, 2013. HPD received 39,957 applications for the lottery.
The affordable housing complex includes 27 studio units, 58 one-bedroom units, 55 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. There is also an additional two-bedroom unit for an onsite superintendent.
McEachern praised the decision to have families move in gradually in order to make the experience as smooth as possible.
“People are moving into vacant apartments and because they’re moving their whole household from one apartment to another, it needs to be spread out in such a way so that moving into one’s new home is an easy process,” he said.
The city Department of Housing and Preservation Development is currently reviewing affordable housing proposals that were submitted in October.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtoure@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.
