By Ian Koski
Managing Editor

Plans for another new housing development in Highbridge were unveiled last month by former mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who stood on the vacant Merriam Avenue lot and cited the neighborhood as a model of urban revitalization.

When construction is finished several years from now, 60 two-family homes and 79 senior housing units will stand on the lot, which sits on Merriam between 169th and 170th streets.

"This townhome development is a signal to all New Yorkers that Highbridge is a very, very viable, safe community where people can be very, very proud to live and to raise their families," Mr. Giuliani said. "Home ownership gives the basis for that."

Each of the homes will sell for $250,000. The main unit will have three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, private parking and a backyard. A two-bedroom unit will be attached and rented at the discretion of the homeowner.

Eighteen of the two-family homes will be in move-in condition in 18 months. Already, the Highbridge Community Development Fund Corp, which is building the homes, has received more than 140 applications.

Prospective buyers can call (718) 410-9691 for more information.