In an attempt to ease budget shortfalls, the New York City Housing Authority is quietly selling off parking lots, green space and playgrounds to developers.
Starting in 2011, NYCHA began to ramp up efforts to sell small parcels, the New York Daily News found. Since 2013, the agency has sold off 54 plots totaling 441,000 square feet of public land to private developers.
NYCHA has used funds raised from the vacant or what it deems “underutilized” land to build affordable or senior housing.
According to the Daily News, more sales are coming this year, although officials wouldn’t comment as to NYCHA’s plans. [NYDN] – Christopher Cameron