New Development Targets Housing Crisis in East New York
Goldman Sachs will finance a $270 million affordable housing development in Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood, aiming to address the city’s persistent housing shortage. The initiative, announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, will deliver 385 new apartments and include commercial space for community use.
The project is part of the investment bank’s broader strategy to revitalize underserved neighborhoods through its Urban Investment Group. It reflects growing pressure on both the public and private sectors to increase housing supply amid escalating rents and displacement concerns in New York City.
Political Momentum Behind Housing Reform
The announcement comes as Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani places affordable housing at the center of his campaign. He has pledged to triple the production of permanently affordable, union-built, rent-stabilized units — with a goal of creating 200,000 new homes over the next decade.
Mamdani’s political rise, including his surprising victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, has sparked debate over the feasibility and cost of his ambitious housing proposals. Business leaders, including many on Wall Street, have expressed caution about increased public spending under a potential Mamdani administration.
Goldman’s Expanding Role in Urban Development
Goldman Sachs has been steadily increasing its presence in urban development. Since 2001, its Urban Investment Group has committed $11 billion to affordable housing and infrastructure across New York State — $9 billion of which has gone to projects within New York City. The new East New York development is part of this ongoing investment in community-driven growth.
“This investment is a down payment on East New York’s potential,” said Asahi Pompey, chairman of the Urban Investment Group. “We’re building thousands of affordable homes and essential services to fuel long-term economic vitality.”
Governor Hochul emphasized that the project not only tackles the affordability crisis but also aims to enhance livability for local families. The integration of housing and commercial space is expected to create jobs and foster economic inclusion in an area that has long faced underinvestment.
Addressing a Deepening Affordability Gap
New York City’s housing crisis has reached new levels, with median rents continuing to climb and vacancy rates for affordable units hitting historic lows. East New York, a historically working-class neighborhood, has become a focal point in the fight against gentrification and displacement.
Goldman’s involvement in such projects signals an emerging trend where financial institutions play a larger role in urban planning, especially when political momentum pushes for public-private partnerships. Whether such initiatives can keep pace with the scale of demand remains to be seen, but they represent a tangible effort to reshape the city’s housing landscape.
