Atlantic Yards plan adds 2,382 apartments, 366 affordable

New Atlantic Yards proposal adds 2,382 apartments, just 366 affordable units

Atlantic Yards’ third development team, Cirrus Workforce Housing and LCOR, is seeking state approval to add 2,382 apartments, of which only 366 would be new affordable units, while requesting at least $700 million in subsidies and permission for 1.6 million more square feet of construction, equal to Manhattan’s One Vanderbilt. The new plan promises to prioritize lower-income units up front. Governor Hochul supports the push, and the formal state review has started, but the precise public costs and terms remain undisclosed.

This reboot follows years of delays, legal battles and unmet housing promises: the previous agreement required 2,250 affordable units, but half remain unbuilt and recent penalties were set at just $12 million instead of the $143 million maximum. State officials have openly cited fears of litigation from Greenland USA, the former developer, as a reason for their leniency and collaboration with the new team. Cirrus and LCOR, backed in part by construction unions, argue their supersized design is the only feasible way to finish all 8,812 apartments, with taller towers and a new “signature” open space over a railyard.

The project, first announced over 20 years ago, still needs Empire State Development’s sign-off. State review hearings begin in early October and will be followed by a final approval vote by the ESD board. Watch for the public comment period launch and Governor Hochul’s decision after hearings conclude.

→ Public comments and state review begin in early October; hearings expected this fall.

(City Limits)

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