Astoria complex to receive $4M in new lights

NYCHA to install the upgraded system within six months to mitigate safety concerns

From left, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Ravenswood Houses
From left, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Ravenswood Houses

WEEKENDEDITION Amid safety concerns, the Ravenswood Houses in Astoria will receive a new lighting system, updating a decades-old dilapidated system.

Residents at the New York City Housing Authority complex say the old bulbs had grown so dim that they no longer felt safe coming home at night to the 2,167-unit complex, which houses roughly 4,500 residents.

Installation of the new light system, which will also include a re-circuiting of the building’s lights, is expected to cost about $4 million and be completed within the next six months. NYCHA will allocate $2.5 million to the project, along with another $1.5 million from Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer’s office.

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NYCHA plans to install five different types of fixtures in the housing complex, resulting in a total of 635.

“We are so pleased to partner with Council Member Van Bramer to install new exterior lighting at the Ravenswood Houses,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “These important upgrades will provide safer and better illuminated building entrances, walkways and recreational areas for the benefit of our residents and the community.” [NYDN] —TRD