Jul 30 2024
New Stories: Transforming Inwood’s Public Library with the Eliza Apartments | This Robin Hood Moment
Welcome to "This Robin Hood Moment" with your hosts Crystal Cooper and Kevin Thompson. In this episode, we delve into the unveiling of the newest affordable housing development in Inwood, what Robin Hood affectionately calls “New Stories,” showcasing the city's potential to create beautiful, affordable homes in innovative spaces. The spotlight falls on the Eliza Apartments, providing 174 affordable units, alongside amenities and green spaces, as part of the redevelopment of the Inwood Library. With guests David Saltzman, founder, board member, and former Executive Director of Robin Hood; Bea De la Torre, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Trinity Church Wall Street; Tony Marx, President & CEO, New York Public Library; Vicki Been, Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, and former commissioner, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, this transformative project not only addresses housing needs but also enhances community infrastructure, reflecting a vision for inclusive urban development. In 2023, Robin Hood funded partners that built and preserved nearly 1,700 units of affordable housing and prevented evictions for more than 3,100 families. But with a staggering 70,000 applicants for just 174 spots at the Eliza Apartments, it's clear that the demand far outweighs the supply. In this episode, we explore the urgent need to replicate this model across New York City, utilizing underutilized land, such as certain library branches, for affordable housing.With hosts Kevin Thompson and Crystal Cooper, we explore the vital role philanthropy had in unlocking New Stories, and why this model needs to be replicated across NYC.Tune in for insightful discussions on shaping policies to uplift communities and #FightPoverty. Subscribe for more episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts.You can find transcripts and more episodes of "This Robin Hood Moment" at robinhood.org/podcasts, and you can find Robin Hood on X/Twitter @robinhoodnyc.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at info@robinhood.org."This Robin Hood Moment" is produced and edited by Cory Winter; graphics are produced by Mary Power; visual content captured by Olivia Waldron and additionally provided by Motion Array; fact-checking by Chloe Sarnoff; music and sound are provided by Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Susan Sack, Emary Aronson, and especially our donors—the Rosenblatts—Sam, Sarah, and Jill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.