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Fordham Hill to Develop New Housing at Old DMV Site

By MIRANDA KAPLAN

Within the next couple of weeks, the Fordham Hill Owners Corporation (FHOC) will name a contractor to the task of renovating the vacant office building across the street from the co-op complex on West Fordham Road and Sedgwick Avenue. That choice will come a year after the FHOC Board's initial decision to expand its residential offerings by creating a block of upscale rental apartments in the abandoned building --  a decision that came after nearly a decade of deliberation and failed negotiations.

Redevelopment efforts for the building stalled after its lone tenant, a Department of Motor Vehicles office, moved out eight years ago. The Department of Education's vision for a new school in the 25,000-square-foot facility fell through when FHOC Board members failed to reach an agreement with the city. 

Those involved in the project are pleased with the new plan's progress, and more than a little relieved.

"I think it's great for not only Fordham Hill, but for the surrounding community," said property manager Everton Moore, who has worked for the redevelopment for the past two years. "Whenever you have an abandoned building in any community, it has a negative impact overall. We're definitely excited about it."

The building is currently undergoing internal demolition. By the middle of next year, FHOC plans to begin renting out approximately 30 new units. The apartments, the board hopes, will eliminate a public eyesore, generate revenue for the corporation and alleviate a scarcity of housing in the area.

"When you look at the demographics, and you look at the supply of apartments available, there's definitely a shortage of affordable housing throughout the city," Moore said.

Elizabeth Tillman, Board president since 2000, agrees. Though the members considered commercial prospects, she said, "there was a greater need for residential living space . . . and we want to do our share for making the quality of life better for our surrounding neighbors." 

While she referred to the rentals as "luxury apartments," Tillman maintains that they will be affordably priced for middle-class tenants. FHOC has yet to determine what that will entail.

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