New York Affordable Housing Fast-Track Launches in Bronx

New York affordable housing project at 351 Powers Ave launches city’s first expedited review, streamlining approval for over 80 units.

February 23, 2026

Jordan B.

New York affordable housing project at 351 Powers Ave is the city’s first to use the new expedited land use review process.
The eight-story Bronx development will feature over 80 affordable rental units, with about 30 reserved for homeless New Yorkers.
The new approval process shortens rezoning review to 90 days, down from the previous seven months.
City aims to identify sites for 25,000 new homes by July through its Land Inventory Fast Track Task Force.

Key Takeaways

Fast-Track Approval Begins

According to Bisnow, New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has initiated the first expedited land use review for a New York affordable housing project at 351 Powers Ave in the Bronx. The eight-story multifamily development plans more than 80 affordable units, with around 30 apartments earmarked for homeless residents.

Project Details

The selected Bronx site, currently a parking lot, will be transformed into 66K SF of residential space and 4K SF of community facilities, including a theater and workforce training center. The city must first dispose of the land to a developer before construction can begin. Development partners for the project include Lemle & Wolff Development Cos., Help Development Corp., and True Development New York.

New Approval Process Explained

Voters approved the streamlining measures in November, triggering the expedited review. Under the new system, the city council must vote on rezonings within 90 days. That timeline replaces the previous seven-month review under ULURP.

Meanwhile, housing pressures continue to mount across the borough. Bronx multifamily courts face growing case backlogs, which add strain to an already tight market. These delays highlight the need to move new projects forward quickly.

City leaders say the shorter review will speed affordable housing production. They also aim to address rising demand with faster approvals and quicker construction starts.

Pipeline Expands

The city expects more fast-tracked projects soon. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s executive order established a task force tasked with identifying city-owned parcels for at least 25,000 new homes by mid-year, signaling a clear intent to further expand affordable housing opportunities across New York.