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“Poor door” building opens, residents decry “financial apartheid”

Extell’s controversial project cuts off 55 low-income tenants from building amenities

40 Riverside Drive, with the so-called "poor door" entrance
40 Riverside Drive, with the so-called "poor door" entrance

Extell’s 33-story, luxury tower in Lincoln Square is finally open, and so is its controversial entrance for subsidized residents, popularly known as the “poor door.”

The building has a total of 55 low-income units, the residents of which must use a separate entrance. Some of those residents told the New York Post that the disparities are obvious.

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“The thing I don’t like most is we don’t have the same amenities,” Christina Figueras, 27, told the Post. She added that the affordable units lack dishwashers, doormen or light fixtures in bedrooms and living rooms. Nevertheless, she feels lucky to have the $1,082-per-month, two-bedroom apartment.

Low-income renters have access only to a bike storage closet, an unfinished laundry room and a common space that faces a courtyard they’re not allowed to enter, according to the Post.

On the other side of the building, condo residents have access to two gyms, a pool, a movie theater, a bowling alley and doormen.. [NYP] Christopher Cameron

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