Welcome

The Community Development Project (CDP) provides legal assistance, education, advocacy, and other support for grassroots community development in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and in cases of special merit, in other low-income areas in New York City, to strengthen community infrastructure, expand the supply of affordable housing, promote entrepreneurship, and resist displacement.

Small Business and Microenterprises: CDP represents qualified new and existing low-income small businesses with legal assistance in incorporating, leasing, licensing, financing, corporate governance, intellectual property, securities and tax law compliance.

Nonprofit Organizations and Community Groups: CDP offers "one-stop shopping" for the legal needs of non-profit organizations and unincorporated community groups on projects and plans which contribute to revitalizing their communities with particular emphasis on supporting small grassroots organizations. Legal work includes not-for-profit incorporation; tax exemption; and all aspects of charitable compliance.

Low-Income Housing: CDP represents tenant groups in the formation and preservation of low-income housing cooperatives; we also represent nonprofit organizations that seek to develop affordable rental housing.

Educational Workshops: Regular educational workshops are presented on a variety of development topics including: choosing a business form; applying for federal and state tax exemptions; obtaining financing; negotiating commercial leases; creating cooperatives; developing affordable housing; and intellectual property rights.