Yes, Starrett City, officially known as Spring Creek Towers, operates as a cooperative housing development.
From its very inception, the vast complex was conceived as a cooperative. Its initial developers, the United Housing Foundation, planned the project — then known as the Twin Pines development — with a cooperative model in mind, consistent with their approach to other large-scale housing initiatives aimed at providing affordable housing.
Understanding Starrett City's Cooperative Structure
Starrett City is one of the largest federally subsidized housing complexes in the United States and has maintained its cooperative nature throughout its history. While it was originally part of New York State's Mitchell-Lama affordable housing program, it transitioned out of the program in 2008. Despite this change, it continues to function as a private cooperative.
Key aspects of its cooperative model include:
- Shareholder Ownership: Residents purchase shares in the corporation that owns the property, rather than owning their individual apartments directly. This makes them shareholders with proprietary leases.
- Democratic Governance: Shareholders typically have the right to vote on matters affecting the complex, such as electing a board of directors.
- Affordability: The cooperative structure often contributes to relatively lower housing costs compared to market-rate rentals or condominiums in the same area.
- Community Focus: Cooperatives frequently foster a strong sense of community among residents, as they collectively share responsibility for the building's welfare.
Historical Context and Evolution
The vision for Starrett City as a cooperative was deeply rooted in the philosophy of the United Housing Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating large-scale, affordable housing cooperatives. The sheer size of Starrett City, encompassing dozens of buildings and thousands of units, made its cooperative model a significant experiment in urban planning and affordable housing.
Over the decades, Starrett City has faced various challenges, from maintaining its affordability to managing its vast infrastructure. However, its fundamental identity as a cooperative remains central to its operation and the lives of its residents. For more information on its structure and history, one can explore resources like the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development or reputable urban development archives.
