Tenants and representatives from more than a dozen city organizations came together Thursday to celebrate positive changes at the Noble Drew Ali housing complex.

Residents say it has been a long battle to win back their homes. A drug bust that netted 35 arrests over the summer is being credited with helping to clean up the housing project. Authorities say the drug dealers had been using guns and pit bulls to intimidate residents.

Ownership changes are also being recognized for improving Noble Drew Ali. Tenants say a series of slumlords led to the complex's deterioration before former Mets player Mo Vaughn's OMNI New York housing company took possession of Noble Drew Ali.

OMNI New York says they will maintain affordable housing and renovate Noble Drew Ali. Renovation work is slated to be completed by December of 2008.