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A new proposal at Brooklyn’s long-stalled Pacific Park development is drawing widespread support from labor unions across New York City. The initiative, led by a partnership between the U.S. Immigration Fund (USIF) and Cirrus Workforce Housing Advisors, is designed to expand affordability while ensuring that union labor is used at every stage—from construction to long-term building maintenance.
This bold new approach will help address New York City’s affordability crisis while also developing workforce housing for middle-income workers, including teachers, police officers, transit workers, and firefighters—many of whom struggle to find housing near their workplaces. The commitment to union labor ensures that not only will these essential workers benefit from new housing opportunities, but the project will also create good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs for the workers who build and maintain these homes.
“USIF is proud to lead this transformative effort alongside Cirrus,” said Nick Mastroianni II, CEO of U.S. Immigration Fund. ” We will work closely with Empire State Development and the MTA to attain all necessary approvals and advance this project efficiently and effectively.”
Cirrus Executive Joseph McDonnell added, “At Cirrus, we believe that housing should be built for the people who make New York City work, not just to serve the bottom line of developers. Our mission-driven approach will put affordability at the forefront, ensure union labor is used, and deliver on the promises made for this critical project.”
Expanding Affordability with a Union Commitment
This new plan expands on previous efforts by offering a broader range of housing options across income levels, ensuring that both affordable and workforce housing are prioritized to meet the needs of low- and middle-income New Yorkers, including essential workers.
Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, emphasized that union labor is key to ensuring these homes are built with the highest standards while also supporting middle-class workers:
“We are proud that union labor will be at the heart of this project, ensuring high safety standards, quality construction, and good-paying, family-sustaining careers for hardworking New Yorkers. This development demonstrates what can be achieved when we prioritize affordable housing projects that bolster our middle class and the dignity of the workers who build it.”
Beyond construction, the proposal guarantees that the buildings will be maintained and operated by union workers, reinforcing long-term economic security for thousands of families across multiple industries.
Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU, underscored how the plan provides long-term stability for workers:
“With the full force of our 90,000 New York members, 32BJ SEIU proudly supports the Pacific Park proposal. This project will create much-needed housing for Brooklyn while ensuring that the buildings are union-built. Importantly, the future building service workers at the site will have good jobs and a fair process for obtaining union representation. This development delivers both stable housing and lasting employment opportunities for New Yorkers.”
Addressing the Affordability Crisis for Essential Workers
New York City’s affordability crisis has made it increasingly difficult for middle-income workers—including teachers, police officers, and firefighters—to live in the communities they serve. Many first-year educators and first responders spend nearly 40% of their income on rent, leaving little room for savings or other necessities.
Mike Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), stressed the importance of ensuring that those who keep the city running have access to affordable and workforce housing:
“This project is a critical step forward in addressing New York City’s affordability crisis for middle-income families. Cirrus’ mission-driven approach is exactly what’s needed to ensure that workers essential to our city—educators, firefighters, and police officers—can afford to live where they work. Their commitment to union labor and to building a more affordable city makes this a project that truly reflects New York City’s values.”
Broad Union Support Across Sectors
Support for the Pacific Park proposal spans a broad coalition of labor unions, including the building trades, service workers, teachers, and first responders. Labor leaders recognize that addressing New York City’s affordability crisisrequires a strong commitment to both affordable and workforce housing, built and maintained by union labor to ensure good jobs and fair wages.
Andrew Ansbro, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, emphasized how critical workforce housing is for the city’s first responders:
“Workforce housing is essential for recruiting and retaining firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. Cirrus’ plan gives first responders the ability to live in the neighborhoods they serve, making it easier to recruit new members and strengthening our connection to the communities we protect. Projects like this are a key part of building a safer, stronger New York City.”
Beyond benefiting essential workers, the Pacific Park proposal reinforces the vital role of union labor in delivering quality housing that working families can afford.
Paul Capurso, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Pro Tem and President of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, highlighted the long-term impact of union-built housing:
“Union carpenters are proud to be part of building a better, more affordable New York City. This project is a testament to the importance of union labor in delivering quality housing and supporting middle-income families.”
With a renewed focus on affordability, workforce retention, and strong labor protections, the Pacific Park proposal sets a new standard for how New York City can expand housing opportunities for working people while ensuring fair wages and economic stability.
As the project advances, labor unions will continue pushing for policies that prioritize both affordable and workforce housing, protect good-paying union jobs, and strengthen the middle class—because a city that works for working people is a city that thrives for everyone.
