Velazquez Announces Affordable Housing Units Retained Sunset Park

Washington, DC –Forty Sunset Park apartment buildings, constituting 360 units of affordable housing have opted to stay in a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, maintaining affordable housing options for current and future tenants in the neighborhood, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced today. The decision comes as the buildings' five-year contract in HUD's Section 8 program was set to expire, which could have eliminated housing subsidies tied to the buildings and caused a significant loss of affordable housing in the neighborhood.

"The decision by the owners of E&M Management to renew their contracts with HUD and keep these buildings affordable is a win-win for tenants, our community and the building owners," Velázquez noted. "For years these buildings and their residents have been a vital part of Sunset Park's community fabric and it is heartening to hear the owner intends to keep it that way.

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HUD's project-based Section 8 initiative pays private buildings the remainder of low-income tenants' rents after tenants have contributed 30% of their monthly income. While tenants would have theoretically received vouchers if the buildings in question left the program, housing advocates pointed out that many tenants could easily have fallen through the cracks. In addition, keeping the buildings in the project-based Section 8 program ensures that should current residents leave, the units will be affordable for future tenants, providing greater availability of affordable housing in the neighborhood for years to come.

"This decision means that these buildings and units will remain affordable for working families," Velázquez noted. "With rents throughout the city escalating, we must fight to preserve the affordable housing options that exist."

As the owners of the building considered their options for leaving or staying in the Section 8 program, Velázquez worked closely with area tenant groups and HUD in seeking a solution to the problem.

"This is an excellent example of how the community can work together to ensure quality, affordable housing for all our neighbors," Velázquez noted. "I look forward to continuing to work with these groups to ensure capital investments are made to strengthen and improve these facilities."

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