Despite Patti Smith’s statement at a 2010 Cooper Union event that “New York has closed itself off to the young and the struggling,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had a reassuring announcement for young artists and musicians.
“We know that New York is the city it is today in part because of the contributions from generations of artistic visionaries who at one point struggled to make ends meet,” de Blasio stated during his State of the City address on February 3 when he announced a new plan for young creative-types, encouraging them to reside in the city.
The plan would provide 1,500 units of low-income housing to young artists and musicians by developing 150 units a year until 2024. Also included, is the development of 500 units of work-space for artists, the location of which is still in the works.
Though the details are still being worked out, the first of two city-owned areas will be chosen by December, with funding coming from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Department of Cultural Affairs in addition to private foundations. Existing buildings may be used as part of the initiative, but most of the project is expected to be brand new construction.
According to the 2014 Income Limits Summary, low-income would qualify as persons who make $29,400 to $47,000 a year. For families of four, the limit would include incomes of $41,951 to $67,120 per year.
(Observer)
