City Planning Commission Pushes for Affordable Housing in St. George Development

The City Planning Commission (CPC) reviewed the allocation and qualification criteria for affordable units in the proposed St. George development during its recent meeting on November 3, 2025. This session highlighted the integration of mandatory inclusionary housing provisions, which will designate a significant portion of the new residential units as income-restricted.

The proposed mixed-use building at 3759 Hamilton Avenue will comprise 369 housing units, with 111 units designated as affordable. The majority of these affordable units will be set aside for families earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), averaging around $68,000 for a one-person household (Source: https://youtu.be/4Y-gjU0Us2M&t=711). The project’s provisions align with a larger city initiative aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing in high-demand neighborhoods.

Through the use of mandatory inclusionary housing, developers are encouraged to include a minimum of 30% of units as income-restricted. In this case, 30% of those affordable units will specifically aim for families earning around 80% of AMI, which helps ensure that lower-income families can access housing opportunities within the area (Source: https://youtu.be/4Y-gjU0Us2M&t=892).

During the meeting, commission members voiced concerns about maintaining affordability amidst rising costs. They discussed the need for adequate infrastructure, community facilities, and local amenities to support the influx of new residents (Source: https://youtu.be/4Y-gjU0Us2M&t=1066). Questions arose about the specific allocation of unit types, as some commissioners requested more comprehensive information regarding the breakdown of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, aiming to ensure that family-sized units are included in the development (Source: https://youtu.be/4Y-gjU0Us2M&t=1160).

As the project advances, city officials aim to adhere to guidelines that facilitate housing for various income levels while minimizing the potential for displacement of long-standing community members. The meeting underscored the importance of balancing new developments with the needs of existing residents, particularly in maintaining a diverse mix of housing types (Source: https://youtu.be/4Y-gjU0Us2M&t=1847).

In earlier coverage, experts highlighted that low availability of affordable housing has led to increased gentrification risks. With a median household income in the Staten Island Community District slightly lower than the broader NYC average, the commission’s commitment to creating affordable units remains a critical factor in shaping a more inclusive urban landscape (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2024/12/17/city-planning-commission-tackles-housing-crisis-amid-gentrification-concerns/).

As the commission continues its discussions, the emphasis will be on ensuring that new developments adequately serve a diverse population while also addressing the pressing urban needs of the community.