Six families left homeless by a recent apartment building fire in Northern Manhattan have been relocated to affordable housing units in the area owned and managed by Tahl Propp Equities. This community initiative was made possible thanks to the efforts of U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and a special partnership between Tahl Propp Equities (TPE), the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and NYC Housing Development Corporation.
The six families had been in city shelters since losing their homes last November in a fire reported at West 144th Street in Hamilton Heights. Most lived in rent controlled apartments and other types of affordable housing programs.
“This was a tragic incident right in our backyard, so we were eager to work with Congressman Espaillat and the City to provide the affected families with affordable housing units from our own buildings,” said Joseph A. Tahl, President of TPE. “As part of our commitment to long-term affordability and having a positive impact on our neighborhood, I am thrilled that we were able to help.”
Rodney Propp, Chairman of TPE, said: “The families impacted by this fire lost everything. We simply wanted to join with our local community partners and officials to help in any way that we could. By securing affordable housing in the neighborhood for these families, we have insured that at least they have one less thing to worry about as they begin to rebuild their lives.”
The six families have moved into 1 and 2 bedroom affordable units at the New West Apartments (West 111th Street), Gladys Hampton Houses (West 129th Street) and Riverview Apartments (West 135th Street), all Tahl Propp affordable housing properties. The families filed affordable housing and Section 8 applications with HPD and the NYC Housing Development Corporation, and completed the applications review and approval process.
“Private and public sector partnerships are essential to ease the affordable housing crisis citywide,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who represents Harlem and Northern Manhattan. “Losing a home due to a fire is always a difficult ordeal and these families needed immediate relocation following the tragic fire. My office has been committed to assisting the displaced families in need, to help them locate permanent housing and I commend Tahl Propp, HPD and HDC for supporting these families during their relocation process.”
The fire at West 144th Street left over 35 families homeless. While some families have found permanent homes, those on low incomes and other limited resources have struggled with finding permanent housing.
“We are committed to preserving affordable housing with the City of New York, and look forward to continue our efforts with local elected officials and community leaders in Northern Manhattan. It remains our top priority,” emphasized Rodney Propp.
Photo credit: Gladys Hampton Houses, one of TPE’s affordable housing buildings in Harlem.
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