Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Streets to undergo upgrades for improved infrastructure and traffic flow.

Residents of the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea public housing developments have mobilized for a significant transformation of their Manhattan homes. Following years of neglect and unmet promises, the initiative seeks not merely a refurbishment but a full reconstruction of the aging structures. This endeavor stands as a crucial test of New York City’s capacity to fulfill its housing commitments.

The urgency for action comes in the wake of previous failures to address deteriorating conditions effectively. Under the previous administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio, a working group was established to give public housing residents a platform to voice their concerns and propose solutions. This collaborative effort exposed a staggering need: an estimated 4 million was required to restore the buildings to a minimum standard of safety and livability, with much more needed for meaningful improvements.

Throughout this process, residents gathered alongside elected officials and tenant advocates, sharing their experiences of life in flood-prone buildings rife with mold, leaks, and unsafe living conditions. They asserted their right not only to a say in the construction process but also in choosing the contractors responsible for the work. To facilitate this, a unique Resident Review Committee was formed, guiding the Request for Proposals (RFP) and developer selection, a process inspired by successful models in the United Kingdom.

After a thorough selection process, Essence Development and Related Companies were chosen to lead the pre-development phase. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape dramatically. Construction costs skyrocketed, leading residents to question the viability of renovation versus new construction. Faced with a backdrop of luxury developments emerging nearby, residents were left wondering why their community appeared relegated to makeshift repairs rather than receiving desired investment.

As the city’s chief housing officer, I witnessed firsthand how the tenants advocated for new construction. After comprehensive discussions and a survey of resident preferences, it became clear that there was overwhelming support for new construction over rehabilitation. This collective choice represented a desire not just for improvement, but for a reversal of the cycle of neglect.

As plans now move toward implementation, with designs approved and construction imminent, the moment is critical. It is imperative to honor commitments made to the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea community. The Adams administration has identified the revitalization of NYCHA as a top priority, positioning this project as a flagship endeavor within its broader Housing Our Neighbors plan.

The commitment to this community must remain steadfast. Delays and bureaucratic hurdles should not further impede progress. The resilience demonstrated by residents throughout this process deserves to be recognized and rewarded with tangible outcomes, rather than more red tape.

As efforts to begin construction ramp up, it is essential to recognize that the achievements of Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea residents may pave the way for a future in which public housing is synonymous with dignity and respect. The momentum must not stall; the need for action is clear, and the time for words is over. It is time to build, not just for today but for future generations.

The residents’ determined push for full reconstruction is not merely a request; it is a mandate for action and progress. A commitment to deliver on this promise will ensure that future families can thrive in environments that reflect their dignity and potential.