NYC Greenlights 1,000 New Affordable Apartments at Broadway Junction

Broadway Junction in East New York is on track for major development after the City Council gave the go-ahead to Totem’s Herkimer-Williams ULURP submission, paving the way to convert a private two-acre lot into a vibrant mixed-use campus focused on affordable homes and community-serving spaces.

Key decision for a vital East New York location

Totem presented its first draft of the Herkimer-Williams concept in winter 2021, tailoring it to the East New York Neighborhood Plan and the 2016 local rezoning. The approval allows a project that will unite residential, employment, educational, commercial, and green spaces at a pivotal Brooklyn transit interchange.

Totem: “An historic moment for East New York’s prospects”

According to Vivian Liao, Totem’s co-founder, “The City Council’s decision is a landmark for both Herkimer-Williams and East New York’s future. We set out to create a project reflecting what this community wants, shaped over more than five years and over 100 meetings with local voices. We’re grateful to the City, Council Member Nurse, the Borough President, and community partners for trusting us to develop a project that supports equity and neighborhood advancement.”
Broadway Junction Housing Rendering -photo credit: Totem Developers

Implications for the community

Now that ULURP approval is in place, Herkimer-Williams shifts from idea to actionable plan at Broadway Junction. The proposal, if fulfilled, would deliver a large number of affordable apartments, add open space, and establish community facility areas to meet pressing local needs. A planned mix of retail, commercial, and industrial uses aims to blend housing gains with new job opportunities and entrepreneurial support—such as the proposed Green Economy Institute for entrepreneurs and job seekers.

What the plan brings

The development is expected to include:

• Up to 1,000 affordable apartments
• 25,000 sq ft of new public open space
• 85,000 sq ft of community facility space, including for education
• Approximately 114,000 sq ft of retail spaces
• Roughly 440,000 sq ft for commercial and 100,000 sq ft for industrial purposes

Community collaboration and future plans

Totem highlights more than 100 points of direct engagement with East New York residents during planning. Beyond construction, services and programs long requested by locals—like the East New York Green Economy Institute—are included from the outset to support area entrepreneurs and workers.