BROOKLYN — Despite the turbulent economy and the housing and mortgage crisis plaguing the nation, the Community Preservation Corporation’s (CPC) Brooklyn office has closed an impressive $369 million in affordable housing loans in fiscal year 2008.

The Brooklyn regional office encompasses Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island.

For Brooklyn alone, that office closed loans in the amount of $231 million — a total of 45 loans, representing more than 1,400 units.

Headed by Mary Brennan, senior vice president and regional director, the Brooklyn office “successfully adapted to the challenges in the current lending environment� by refocusing to concentrate more on the robust rental market.

“Early on, we recognized the obstacles this current financial climate had in store for lenders such as CPC,� said Brennan. “By reorganizing and restructuring, we were able to tap into New York City’s active rental market and we have been able to continue providing the necessary financing to build affordable housing options for local families.�

In conjunction with changing their lending focus, the Brooklyn office has continued to fund and service condominium projects already in the pipeline.

Brennan added, “While we recognize the challenges ahead, we will continue to help build and preserve the city’s neighborhoods.�

CPC was formed in 1974 by a group of business leaders and financial institutions to try and stem the tide of deterioration and abandonment that threatened communities like Crown Heights in Brooklyn. With financing provided by CPC member institutions, complemented by government programs and secondary market support from the pension funds, along with the active cooperation of neighborhood leaders, CPC has been able “to focus sharply and successfully on the housing needs of communities throughout the region,� according to Brennan.

To date, CPC has financed almost 150,000 units, representing a total public and private investment of $7 billion.