NYCHA’s John Rhea
The New York City Housing Authority has released details of its plan to lease public housing land for private market-rate development, the New York Times reported. All in all, NYCHA said it expects 14 residential buildings to rise in eight city housing projects.
For example, the Upper West Side’s Frederick Douglass Houses could develop three market-rate buildings with 794 units on space that is currently home to parking lots. Also, the Alfred E. Smith Houses located Downtown could have a 1,151-unit building grow on a parcel of its land.
The plan is subject to revision. The construction would happen on parking lots, recreational areas and community centers, among other locations.
Through this plan, NYCHA aims to raise over $50 million per year for long-term capital improvements and its backlog of repairs, as previously reported.
NYCHA has faced criticism from state lawmakers for an apparent lack of communication, as well as failing to show sufficient “tenant engagement” or to reveal details about the proposal.
NYCHA officials said public housing tenants would gain from this deal, receiving upgraded security systems, new construction jobs and jobs in the new developments. [NYT] –Zachary Kussin
