BEHIND THE SCENES
Who Are the Real Estate Developers Backing Rafael Salamanca Jr.?
(Usha Sookai)
Real estate developers, project managers and construction contractors have all donated to Rafael Salamanca Jr.’s campaign for Bronx Borough President. They make up approximately 35% of his $247,465 in campaign contributions according to an analysis of New York City Campaign Finance Board records
As Chair of the New York City Council Land Use Committee since 2018, Salamanca Jr. “approved more than 8,000-units of new affordable housing and 2,000-units through preservation efforts” according to his New York City Council biography. Due to Council term limits, Salamanca Jr. must step down at the end of this year
Salamanca denied the implication that campaign contributions from developers might influence his decisions as Bronx Borough President. “I have never let a developer’s contribution affect how I govern,” said Salamanca Jr. “I’ve approved over 10,000 units of 100% affordable housing – 0% market rate; and I refused to approve the Southern Boulevard rezoning because 90% of the lots which would have been rezoned were privately owned and I refuse to give developers a blank check with rezonings that come before the City Council.”
“I represent a low income community and I don’t like to ask my neighbors and friends who are struggling financially to contribute to my campaign. Elections cost money and fundraising is not easy. Nonetheless, those who contribute believe in me and I’m happy to accept their support.”
The Arker Companies – $4700
In September of 2023, NYCHA partnered with Arker Companies to renovate Union Avenue Consolidated section 8 housing. This includes new doors, closets, windows, fresh paint, and refurbished bathrooms and kitchens, totalling more than $166 million in repairs and upgrades. The Arker Companies has created over 11,000 affordable housing units according to their website
The Union Avenue Consolidated repairs were part of NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which uses funding from non-profit and private partners to pay for renovation projects for project-based section 8 housing. Once funding is secured, NYCHA leases the land and buildings to developer partners, who service the repairs and serve as the new property managers
RYTY Home Builders LLC – $3200
At 4180 Carpenter Avenue in Wakefield, RYTY Home Builders LLC developed an affordable housing building with 64-units through the Affordable Housing Service (AHS). The AHS initiative was created to fast track permanent affordable homes for people in shelters. This is a unique building that prioritized units for women-led households when it opened during Women’s history month of March this year.
4180 Carpenter Avenue will be operated by not-for-profit human services provider Community Housing Innovations
Beitel Group – $1600
Beitel Group is currently developing two residential buildings in Mott Haven at 261 and 315 Grand Concourse, right across the street from the 138th Street Grand Concourse subway station. Beitel Group has a $2 billion national portfolio, and secured a $135 million dollar construction loan to develop these buildings
The developments are 14 stories each, both covering over 300,000 square feet. The projects are tax exempt due to the 421a tax abatement, which incentivized developers to build affordable housing units in exchange for a property tax exemption. Though the 421a tax abatement expired in 2022, it is still applicable to 261 and 315 Grand Concourse developments because they started construction before it expired
Both buildings are expected to be complete by November 2025
Fetner Realty $1600
While Salamanca has received donations from developers of affordable housing, he’s also taken funds from the other end of the scale: Fetner Realty develops high rise luxury buildings in Manhattan, Nina Fetner, wife of CEO Hal Fetner, donated $1600 to Salamanca Jr.’s campaign on March 13. The rent for Fetner properties range from $4,000 a month for 1 bedroom, to $10,000 a month for 3 bedrooms.
As of today they have no upcoming projects to develop housing in the Bronx
Spaxel LLC – $1000
Spaxel LLC has 18 residential developments within the Bronx. 1081 Tiffany St in Longwood includes units designated as affordable. According to their about page, they focus on opportunities within the affordable and moderate income multi-family segment. While it is difficult to gauge just how much the average rent is for Spaxel buildings, their full residential development portfolio can be viewed here
CAMPAIGN FINANCE DATA: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L6p1RdaiXEa4_DdzRyCeEGn7S0coLSd516ApkT0voPU/edit?usp=sharing