EAST HARLEM, Manhattan – So, here’s the thing: a former police department parking lot on East 119th Street is getting a major makeover. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and city officials just broke ground on Timbale Terrace, a 20-story building that’s all about affordable housing, but with a twist — it’s also going to house the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. Because why choose between a roof over your head and your soul being fed?
Nearly 100 apartments are earmarked for formerly homeless residents, and there are more than 240 additional affordable units for families earning between $30,000 and $130,000 a year. One-bedroom apartments will rent for about $900; two-bedrooms for around $2,550.
Permanent supportive housing comes with a team to help residents navigate the ups and downs of life, from mental health support to rental subsidies. Dan Kent of Lantern Organization calls it “helping people stay housed,” but I call it helping people stay human.
Neighbors have opinions — some worry about safety, some see it as the right thing to do. Migdalia Molina, a local resident, said it best: “There are a lot of people that are homeless and they need a place to stay — we are all human.”
Timbale Terrace is set to open in 2028. So, whether you’re thinking about your first apartment, your next concert, or just wondering if the city can surprise you, here’s your answer: yes, it can. And it will have a soundtrack.
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