We celebrated the first home closing in a transformative affordable housing development in Southeast Queens. This marks the first of 16 homes that will provide families with the stability and security of homeownership while ensuring long-term affordability through the Interboro Community Land Trust (CLT).
For the first-time homeowners, Sakina and Charles P., this milestone is more than a set of keys—it’s the start of a new chapter and the chance to celebrate their first holiday season in a home of their own. “Having the opportunity to own a home with my family is stepping into a space GOD prepared for our growth and peace,” said Sakina and Charles, Habitat homeowners.
When complete, the development will replace 13 formerly vacant and dilapidated properties with 16 safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes. Built to meet Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and incorporating Passive House elements, these homes reduce heating and cooling demand by up to 90% and overall energy use by up to 75%. Solar panels further enhance sustainability, keeping annual energy consumption close to net zero.
“Today’s closing is a milestone for Habitat, Interboro CLT, and most importantly for Sakina and Charles, who will be in their new home for the holidays,” said Sabrina Lippman, CEO of Habitat NYC and Westchester. “This project is about more than building houses—it’s about creating lasting affordability and stability through the Interboro Community Land Trust. By combining sustainable design with a model that protects affordability for generations, we’re proving that homeownership can be both attainable and transformative for New York families.”
“Interboro celebrates with our founding partner Habitat and the new homeowners on the historic purchase of the first of 16 new-construction single-family homes, the first ever to go on a community land trust in NYC,” said John Edward Dallas, Director of Interboro Community Land Trust. “These homes are a much-needed dream-come-true of permanently affordable homeownership, wealth building, and climate friendliness all in one. Congratulations and gratitude to the many who made this NYC dream a reality in southeastern Queens!”
This achievement is made possible through the support of partners including the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York City Housing Authority, the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, the State of New York Mortgage Agency, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Nonprofit Finance Fund, Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Former Council Member Daneek Miller, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Interboro Community Land Trust, and the community of donors and volunteers that made this home a reality.
As the holiday season approaches, Sakina and Charles will gather in a home they can truly call their own—a powerful example of what stable, affordable housing makes possible. With 15 more homes on the way, Habitat NYC and Westchester remains committed to partnering with families to build strength, stability, and a more just housing future.