City Planning Commission review session on July 27, 2026, included questions about a proposed developer plan to use Transfer of Assistance (TOA) for NICHA residents, how TOA would affect Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) affordability levels, what protections and portability TOA provides, and whether NICHA residents have been meaningfully consulted. Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=1263
# What’s happening
– City Planning Commission reviewed a rezoning and development proposal on July 27, 2026.
– Applicants have opened early discussions with NICHA about implementing Transfer of Assistance.
– MIH affordability options remain in flux; TOA could shift 5% of required affordable units.
# Why it matters
– NICHA residents near the project could move into non‑NICHA units under TOA.
– The program affects rent rules, voucher type, and which affordable units are counted.
# Key details
– Review session date: July 27, 2026.
– Project scenarios: 20% MIH baseline or 15% MIH plus 5% via TOA.
– Total permanently affordable units proposed: 302.
– Proposed split under TOA scenario: 207 MIH units and 95 senior TOA units.
– TOA transfers eligible residents from Section 9 to project‑based Section 8.
– Applicants are in early discussions with NICHA; resident outreach on TOA not confirmed.
At the July 27, 2026 City Planning Commission review session, Department of City Planning staff said the applicants have initiated early discussions with NICHA about a Transfer of Assistance (TOA) program and an allocation of project‑based vouchers to create senior housing opportunities for existing NICHA residents. Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=1263
**Transfer of Assistance (TOA)**
– Role or jurisdiction: A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) tool available through the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.
– Action taken or responsibility: Lets eligible NICHA residents move from Section 9 public housing to project‑based Section 8 while retaining basic rights and protections.
– Relevant numbers or dates: Applicants proposed using TOA to supply 95 senior units under a 15% MIH plus 5% TOA scenario.
Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=1263
**NICHA**
– Role or jurisdiction: The public housing authority referenced in the meeting (NICHA).
– Action taken or responsibility: Engaged in early discussions with the project applicants about TOA implementation.
– Relevant numbers or dates: Staff said discussions were ongoing as of the July 27, 2026 review session.
Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=1263
Commissioners pressed staff on whether NICHA residents have been informed about TOA, whether the residents understand its implications, and whether they have consented. Staff replied that a community advisory group exists for the larger project but that it is unclear if TOA has been explained to NICHA residents through that forum; staff said they would follow up with the applicant team and report back. Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=2338
Commissioners also asked operational questions about TOA protections and portability, including whether TOA would issue project‑based vouchers (building‑based) rather than tenant‑based or “walking” vouchers, whether TOA participants could later apply to MIH lotteries, and whether a resident who transfers could later move within the development or return to NICHA housing. Staff said they would consult NICHA and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for detailed responses and relay answers at a later date or at public hearing. Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=2714
Staff explained how TOA interacts with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) options in the proposal: MIH option one normally requires 25% of units at an average of 60% Area Median Income (AMI). The applicants proposed a baseline of 20% MIH or an alternative of 15% MIH plus 5% TOA, keeping the total permanently affordable units at 302. Under the 15% MIH plus 5% TOA scenario, staff said the TOA portion would deliver 95 senior units while 207 units would meet MIH; staff also said income and unit‑mix details remain in flux and can be expanded at public hearing. Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=1436 ; Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=3241
Staff and commissioners noted mitigation strategies and outreach on TOA were not yet finalized. Staff said specific mitigation measures are still in early development, that mitigation strategies will be firmed up in coming months, and that the applicant can address these issues at the public hearing. Source: https://youtu.be/WPar0uHySyA&t=2563
The review session was held in person at the Department of City Planning hearing room, 120 Broadway, Lower Concourse, and remotely via Zoom webinar; the meeting agenda is posted by the Department of City Planning. Source: https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/dcp/assets/files/pdf/about/commission/review-sessions/2026-07-27rs.pdf
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