The East New York community is one step closer to seeing the visionary Innovative Urban Village project take shape. On July 15, VHB joined Gotham Organization, Monadnock Development, and the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) to celebrate the groundbreaking of this transformative mixed-use development that is set to reimagine a large, underutilized site as a vibrant new neighborhood center that delivers meaningful benefits to residents and the broader community.
Innovative Urban Village will bring nearly 2,000 affordable homes, local retail, and new open space to East New York, creating opportunities for families, small businesses, and future generations to live, work, and grow in place. The project also includes space for cultural and community programming, reinforcing CCC’s longstanding role as a pillar of the neighborhood.
VHB has played a key role in advancing the Innovative Urban Village by leading the environmental review process under the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) framework. In preparing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), VHB conducted in-depth analyses of land use, transportation, socioeconomics, air quality, noise, and construction. The team assessed potential impacts on local schools, childcare centers, libraries, and open space, while also studying traffic, transit, pedestrian flow, and parking demand. The resulting analysis will help shape a plan that responds to community needs and supports a vibrant, inclusive future for East New York.
“This is more than just a groundbreaking—it’s a testament to what’s possible when vision meets commitment,” said David Velez, Environmental Planning Lead at VHB. “Innovative Urban Village is rooted in the values of this community, and we’re proud to support a project that delivers long-term opportunity and connection for East New York.”
With affordable housing in high demand citywide, Innovative Urban Village sets a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can activate underused sites to meet community needs. The new development brings energy and investment to an area long overlooked, connecting housing, jobs, and services in a way that supports both current and future residents.
Learn more about how VHB is driving affordable housing solutions by contacting David Velez today.
