Fresh York City’s ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing options have launched a new lottery for 37 units at La Olazul, a newly constructed development in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx. The lottery, which opened on March 11, 2026, offers a range of apartment sizes – studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms – to individuals and families earning 60% of the area median income (AMI). This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to providing accessible housing in a market where affordability remains a significant challenge.
Located at 1940 Jerome Avenue, La Olazul is a 13-story building designed to integrate seamlessly into the vibrant Mount Hope community. The development, a collaboration between Vaya Development and Westhab, aims to provide not just housing, but a supportive environment for residents. The building boasts a range of amenities, including laundry service, a gym, a community center, bike storage, and a rooftop terrace. Although, prospective tenants should note that pets are prohibited, with the exception of service animals.
Details of the La Olazul Housing Lottery
The affordable housing lottery at La Olazul is specifically targeted towards those earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with an asset limit of $97,200. This income restriction is a common feature of affordable housing programs, ensuring that the units are accessible to those who require them most. The breakdown of available units and income requirements is as follows:
- Studios (29 units): Monthly rent of $1,274. Household income must range between $47,486 and $77,760, with a maximum of two occupants per unit.
- One-Bedroom Units (6 units): Monthly rent of $1,604. Household income must range between $59,315 and $87,480, with a maximum of two occupants per unit.
- Two-Bedroom Units (2 units): Monthly rent of $1,907. Household income must range between $71,109 and $105,000, with a maximum of five occupants per unit.
Tenants will be responsible for covering their electricity bills, including costs associated with air conditioning and stoves. However, heat and hot water are included in the monthly rent, offering some relief from rising utility costs. The building also features security cameras and an elevator for accessibility.
Location and Transportation Access
La Olazul benefits from its strategic location in the Mount Hope neighborhood, offering residents convenient access to a variety of public transportation options. The development is well-served by several subway lines, including the 4 train at Burnside Avenue and Mount Eden Avenue stations, and the B and D trains at the 182nd Street-183rd Street, Tremont Avenue, and 174th/175th Street stations. Commuters also have access to the Harlem Line via the Tremont train station and the Hudson Line via the Morris Heights train station.
Beyond the subway and train lines, numerous bus routes serve the area, including the Bx1, Bx2, Bx3, Bx18A, Bx18B, Bx32, Bx36, Bx40, Bx41, Bx41+, Bx42, and BxM4 lines, providing extensive connectivity throughout the Bronx and beyond. The neighborhood also offers access to local amenities, including Jerome Skate Park, Richman (Echo) Park, Peace Park, and several schools such as P.S. 9 The Ryer Avenue Elementary School and I.S. 232 The Alexander Macomb School.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested applicants can submit their applications online through the Housing Connect portal (https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/details/7220). Alternatively, individuals can request a paper application by sending a self-addressed envelope to La Olazul, c/o Westhab Inc., 8 Bashford St., Yonkers, NY 10701.
The deadline for submitting applications is May 8, 2026. It is crucial for potential applicants to meet both the income and household size requirements to be eligible. Qualified applicants will also be subject to additional selection criteria, as determined by the housing lottery process.
The development of La Olazul was led by STAT Architecture PC, with Vaya Development and Westhab serving as the developers. Westhab, a Yonkers-based non-profit organization, has a long history of developing and managing affordable and supportive housing throughout Westchester County and the Bronx. Their involvement in this project highlights their continued dedication to addressing the housing crisis in the region.
This housing lottery represents a vital opportunity for individuals and families seeking affordable housing in the Bronx. With a range of unit sizes and income requirements, La Olazul aims to serve a diverse segment of the community. The convenient location and access to public transportation further enhance the appeal of this development.
The ongoing demand for affordable housing in New York City underscores the importance of initiatives like the La Olazul lottery. As the city continues to grapple with rising housing costs, programs that prioritize accessibility and affordability are essential for ensuring that all residents have a safe and stable place to call home. The city’s Housing Connect portal remains a central resource for information on available housing lotteries and affordable housing opportunities.
The next step in the process will be the selection of applicants through the lottery system. Those selected will be contacted by the development team with further instructions on completing the application process and securing their unit.
What are your thoughts on the La Olazul housing lottery? Share your comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might benefit from this opportunity.