Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Is Disappearing
Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Is Disappearing Dwell
sdgtalks
New York City Loses Over 100,000 Homes to Conversions, Impacting Affordable Housing
A recent study reported by The City reveals that New York City has lost more than 100,000 homes since 1950 due to the conversion of multifamily dwellings into single-family mansions. The research, conducted by preservationist Adam Brodheim during his studies at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, highlights that Manhattan has been the most affected borough, with each conversion resulting in the loss of an average of six or seven units.
The Impact on Affordable Housing
Many small multifamily buildings are considered naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), providing unsubsidized apartments at relatively low rates. According to a 2021 McKinsey report, these homes represent the largest supply of affordable housing units in the country.
However, nationally, there has been a significant decline in low-cost rentals, with over half a million units disappearing annually between 2014 and 2018, as reported by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS). The lack of costly subsidies has made it challenging for developers to keep up with the demand for replacement units, exacerbating the shortage of affordable housing. This shortage disproportionately affects low-income families and people of color.
The Challenges of Small Multifamily Dwellings
A report from the Minnesota organization NOAH Impact Fund highlights that many small multifamily dwellings are ideally located near schools and jobs. However, the existing stock of these buildings often requires expensive maintenance. The median unit in small multifamily structures is 54 years old, nine years older than the typical single-family home, leading to higher quality and structural issues, according to a 2023 JCHS report.
Efforts to Preserve Affordable Housing
In response to the increasing conversions and demolitions, the Chicago city council passed two ordinances in 2021 to discourage developers from eliminating NOAH in gentrifying neighborhoods. These ordinances imposed fines of up to $15,000 (or $5,000 per lost unit) for tearing down or converting multifamily buildings. However, Adam Brodheim believes that restricting this activity may not be beneficial, as there is a demand for it. Instead, he suggests that building more housing is necessary to compensate for the loss.
Top image: Spencer Platt/Getty
Related Stories:
- American Homes Are Getting Smaller While Families Are Getting Bigger
- How Feasible Is It to Turn Office Buildings Into Apartments?
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the loss of affordable housing units and the impact on low-income families and people of color. This relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It also connects to SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty, as affordable housing is crucial for poverty reduction. Additionally, the article highlights the inequalities faced by low-income families and people of color, aligning with SDG 10. Finally, the mention of ordinances and partnerships to address the issue relates to SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
Based on the article’s content, the targets identified include ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing (SDG 11.1), promoting equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services (SDG 1.4), empowering and promoting social and economic inclusion (SDG 10.2), and encouraging effective partnerships (SDG 17.17).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of affordable housing units available
- Rate of loss of affordable housing units
- Percentage of low-income families and people of color living in affordable housing
- Number of ordinances or policies implemented to protect affordable housing
- Amount of fines imposed on developers for demolishing or converting multifamily buildings
The article mentions the number of affordable housing units lost since 1950, indicating the rate of loss of affordable housing units. It also highlights the impact on low-income families and people of color, suggesting a potential indicator to measure the percentage of these populations living in affordable housing. Additionally, the article mentions ordinances and fines imposed on developers, which can be indicators of policy implementation and enforcement.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Number of affordable housing units available – Rate of loss of affordable housing units |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | – Percentage of low-income families and people of color living in affordable housing |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Percentage of low-income families and people of color living in affordable housing |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | – Number of ordinances or policies implemented to protect affordable housing – Amount of fines imposed on developers for demolishing or converting multifamily buildings |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: dwell.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
