“The greatest threat to Windsor Terrace’s character is not new development, but the status quo. If we continue to resist growth, we risk becoming an enclave accessible only to the wealthy, thereby losing the diverse, family-friendly character that makes our neighborhood so special.”
Documents of the City Planning Office
A representation of the Arrow Linen site proposal.
As a father raising his children in Windsor Terrace and a professional committed to strengthening communities and keeping families in their homes, I know how special our neighborhood is and how difficult it has become for families to afford to live here. Windsor Terrace has long been a haven for families, offering a perfect blend of urban convenience and small-town community. With Prospect Park as its backyard, excellent schools within walking distance, and easy access to public transportation, it’s no wonder demand for housing here has soared in recent years.
My family’s history is deeply intertwined with this community. Our children walked to the local elementary school every day and grew up with their peers. We are fortunate to live just a few blocks from my husband’s childhood home, so our children can benefit from having their grandparents nearby. This intergenerational connection to Windsor Terrace is emblematic of the strong community ties that define our neighborhood.
But this Windsor Terrace family experience is under threat – not from development, as many of my neighbors believe, but from the lack of it.
In recent years, our neighborhood has seen a surge in housing demand thanks to its remarkable proximity to public transportation, schools, and parks. But while demand has increased, housing supply has not kept up. Since 2015, neighborhoods on the east side of Prospect Park have seen three times as many homes built as Windsor Terrace. In fact, on many blocks in our neighborhood, the number of homes is shrinking as wealthier families buy multi-unit townhouses and convert them into fewer units or even single-family homes.
The consequences are severe: Since the pandemic, real estate prices have skyrocketed by 30 percent, and for family-sized apartments, price increases have been even steeper.
This failure to take action is taking its toll on our community. I have lost track of the neighbors I have seen, and many have been forced to leave town entirely in search of affordable housing. Parents should not be forced to choose between housing security and a neighborhood that meets their family’s needs.
The proposed redevelopment of the Arrow Linen site on Prospect Avenue presents a valuable opportunity to address this crisis. The project would transform severely underused industrial space and parking lots into hundreds of apartments for families, close to good schools and good transportation. Many of these apartments will be subsidized, allowing low- and middle-income New Yorkers to experience the incredible quality of life that Windsor Terrace offers. All apartments will be equipped with elevators and wheelchair access, a rarity in our neighborhood with its old housing stock.
The research on housing costs is clear: building homes in a community lowers housing costs. In addition, it helps maintain socioeconomic diversity, especially in high-demand areas. Windsor Terrace and South Slope are exactly the kinds of neighborhoods where we should be building new homes.
In addition, this project promotes environmental sustainability goals. By building denser residential areas with good public transport connections, we will reduce long commutes and our carbon footprint. It is a step towards sustainable urban planning, which is crucial in the fight against climate change.
The greatest threat to Windsor Terrace’s character is not new development, but the status quo. If we continue to resist growth, we risk becoming an enclave accessible only to the wealthy, and in doing so, losing the diverse, family-friendly character that makes our neighbourhood so special.
Some opponents claim they will support new housing, but only if it is 100 percent affordable. This is a common tactic used by opponents of all development to block any development, knowing that 100 percent affordable projects are not financially feasible. Affordable housing often requires higher density to be economically viable and maximize the number of affordable housing units created.
To maintain the Windsor Terrace we know, we must let it grow. Our community should support initiatives like Arrow Linen’s redevelopment to ensure our neighborhood remains an accessible place for families of all backgrounds.
By choosing inclusion over exclusion, growth over stagnation, and a vibrant future over a static past, we can ensure Windsor Terrace remains the perfect neighbourhood for families – not just for those of us who are already here, but for generations to come.
Jessica Yager lives with her family in Windsor Terrace.
