Pratt Institute for Community & Environmental Development

Web site:   www.prattcenter.net

Mission (from the website):

"The Pratt Center for Community Development works for a more just, equitable, and sustainable city for all New Yorkers, by empowering communities to plan for and realize their futures.

"As part of Pratt Institute, we leverage professional skills - especially planning, architecture and public policy - to support community-based organizations in their efforts to improve neighborhood quality of life, attack the causes of poverty and inequality, and advance sustainable development."

Description (from the website):

"The Center was founded at the birth of the community development movement, as the first university-based advocacy planning and design center in the U.S. For over 40 years, we have helped community groups to revitalize their neighborhoods, create and preserve affordable housing, build childcare and community centers, and improve their environment. We have trained hundreds of community leaders and organizations to implement effective community development strategies, and supported a wide array of successful public policy and community planning efforts.

"How We Work:

"In pursuit of our mission, the Pratt Center works to advance the following strategic initiatives:

"Helping Communities Build

"We help community-based organizations representing low-income communities build physical development projects that address unmet needs and leverage innovation and change.

"Planning for Equity

"We work to ensure that low-income communities get a fair share of the benefits of physical and economic development, and are not burdened with a disproportionate share of the costs.

"Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Justice

"We support and advance grassroots organizations and movements that push the New York City region toward environmental sustainability and equity."

Resources to Share:

New Markets Tax Credits: Issues and Opportunities (PDF format)

The Pratt Center, April 2005

The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) is the largest new federal subsidy for economic development in depressed areas created in the past thirty years. This report explores how NMTC works and provides some insight into the program, early in its implementation. It includes case studies of ten NMTC deals from around the country, highlighting projects where federal subsidies are making a real difference in low-income areas.

A Preliminary Planning Analysis of the Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Project (PDF format)

The Pratt Center, March 2005

The proposed Brooklyn Atlantic Yards (BAY) project, a large-scale development featuring a 19,000 seat arena, as well as housing, office and retail space, would have profound impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and the fiscal condition of the entire city. The Pratt Center conducted a preliminary assessment that informs public discourse about the BAY project by examining current assumptions and projections about its costs and benefits. The analysis examines the project's potential physical, economic, fiscal and other impacts and reiterates community concerns.

Remaking New York City: Can Prosperity be Shared and Sustainable? (PDF format)

Brad Lander & Laura Wolf-Powers, November 2004

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration has launched redevelopment strategies in over 20 New York City neighborhoods that seek to open the city up for new commercial office and luxury housing development. While the plans offer many benefits for the city's future, few real benefits (e.g. affordable housing, living wage jobs) will reach the less-wealthy 80% of the population. The paper suggests how the proposed redevelopment plans could be reshaped to create more shared and sustainable prosperity in New York City.

Increasing Housing Opportunity in New York City: The Case for Inclusionary Zoning (PDF format)

The Pratt Center & PolicyLink, October 2004

Inclusionary zoning - setting aside affordable units in new housing developments - could create more than 15,000 units to address New York City's housing crisis. This report, which analyzes the housing needs, development opportunities and market conditions in New York City, makes a strong case for inclusionary zoning as a successful strategy for expanding affordable housing opportunities.

Prospect Heights Neighborhood Survey Summary Report (PDF format)

The Pratt Center, October 2004

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, has been the focus of significant media attention after the unveiling of the proposed redevelopment of the Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Project by Forest City Ratner Companies. The multi-billion dollar plan includes a 19,000-seat Arena and basketball sports complex, commercial space for office and retail and market-rate housing. The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council (PHNDC), a local community advocacy group, commissioned the Pratt Center to design an extensive survey of people who live and work in Prospect Heights about existing conditions, as well as their concerns and vision for future development of the neighborhood.