Bourne and Kenney Apartments (Pennrose)
Summary
Councilmember Shakur discovered that part of the Bourne parking area — where crews were drilling and blocking handicapped spots — may sit on land the city gave to the Kenney development, not Pennrose. Pennrose says the broker's materials lacked a survey and the lender won't underwrite until the boundary is clarified. The city and developer are exchanging requests to resolve it.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
Unresolved, this boundary question could delay the acquisition closing and stall the renovation timeline.
Residents get protected parking access and the project avoids an unexpected legal landmine.
The city forgoes full property-tax revenue on the parcels for the 33-year PILOT term, though enforcement mechanisms aim to prevent a repeat of the current conditions.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Sep 14, 2026
With winter coming, council members pressed for updates on Penrose's acquisition of Bourne-Kenny, boiler repairs, rent credits from the attorney general, and ongoing court cases. A tenant meeting for Varick Holmes residents is set for October 6 at 123 Grand Street.
City Council - May 21, 2026
A proposed NEPA finding would clear the way for rehabilitating the Bourne and Kenney Apartments, federally supported affordable housing. The resolution says the project has no significant environmental impact.
City Council - Apr 9, 2026
Councilmember Shakur discovered that part of the Bourne parking area — where crews were drilling and blocking handicapped spots — may sit on land the city gave to the Kenney development, not Pennrose. Pennrose says the broker's materials lacked a survey and the lender won't underwrite until the boundary is clarified. The city and developer are exchanging requests to resolve it.
City Council - Mar 9, 2026
Residents described cold apartments, no hot water, and fear of retaliation at the bankrupt Kenny Apartments and the Varicks. Councilmembers Stewart and McLymore promised a combined Ward 1/Ward 3 town hall around March 23 and updates at the next work session.
City Council - Feb 2, 2026
The Attorney General sued the complex's owners over deplorable conditions, and the council debated whether to rush the PILOT for proposed buyers. Residents and Councilmember Stewart pushed for more time and tenant input; opponents of delay argued waiting keeps tenants with the current slumlord and risks the renovation deal.
City Council - Jan 22, 2026
Residents at the Bourne and Kenney apartments are living with broken boilers, sewage backups, no working community rooms, and no on-site management. The proposed Pennrose purchase and 33-year PILOT would fund a full renovation and keep all 205 units affordable for 40+ years, but council members are scrutinizing displacement protections, financing risks, and enforcement teeth before voting.
Related development
Bourne and Kenney Apartments PILOT Agreement
Tabling delays the redevelopment of the complex but keeps pressure on the owners to fix heat, hot water, and maintenance problems before receiving tax benefits.
Bourne and Kenney Apartments Rehabilitation
Roughly 300 households get brand-new kitchens, bathrooms and mechanical systems, temporary relocation support during construction, and expanded voucher access — while the city takes on a 33-year tax exemption with new enforcement teeth.
One Lafayette Housing Development Fund Corporation PILOT
The project promises housing on a key site; the fight is over how deep the affordability goes for the 30-year tax break.
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