The New York Times has published more articles on “Poor Door” developments. As we reported here a few weeks ago, the term “Poor Door” refers to a separate entrance for a property’s subsidized tenants in a market rate housing development. Developers utilizing this design strategy have sparked a great deal of discussion within both the affordable housing industry and municipal governments. Questions raised by the use of the Poor Door strategy include:

• Does having  a separate entrance for the affordable units promote mixed income communities?
• Is having a separate entrance for the affordable units discriminatory? Does your position on the Poor Door strategy change if the subsidized tenants support having a separate entrance?
• Does a separate entrance for the affordable units increase affordable housing unit production?
• Is it important to increase the production of affordable housing units by using the Poor Door design or is it better to simply not develop the additional units?
• While these developments often receive increased development density, should Poor Door design developments receive the benefit of tax dollar assistance?

These questions are currently being tackled in several major cities. Let us know your view on utilizing the Poor Door strategy in your communities.

To follow the coverage in the Times, click the links below.

• ‘Poor Door’ in a New York Tower Opens a Fight Over Affordable Housing
• Living in the Mix: Affordable Housing in New York’s Luxury Buildings