Residents seek repairs, answers and reassurance about the future of public housing
Inside the Van Dyke Community Center, tenants lined up to speak face-to-face with NYCHA representatives about ongoing issues ranging from leaks and mold to pest infestations and building security.
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A “NYCHA in Your Neighborhood” event in Brownsville gave residents the opportunity to connect directly with housing officials — many hoping to finally get answers to long-standing problems inside their homes.
Inside the Van Dyke Community Center, tenants lined up to speak face-to-face with NYCHA representatives about ongoing issues ranging from leaks and mold to pest infestations and building security.
“There's a lot of stuff that’s been going on in my apartment that should have been done since day one,” said resident Christine.
NYCHA officials say events like these are designed to rebuild trust and improve communication with residents.
“They finally feel heard,” said Eva Trimble, NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer. “It’s an opportunity to put a face to the name. They're not just emailing into a black hole — they know someone will follow up on their needs."
While the event aimed to connect residents with helpful resources, it was not without tension.
A group of advocates interrupted proceedings, raising concerns about the city’s long-term plans for public housing — specifically, the expansion of the PACT program.
“He’s been running headlines saying he’s giving millions to public housing,” said Ramona Ferreyra, founder of Save Section 9. “But that money is being tied to privatization and demolition.”
The concerns stem from the mayor’s latest budget, which includes one of the largest capital investments in NYCHA history. Part of that plan involves converting more developments into the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.
Under PACT, NYCHA partners with private developers who take over management and handle renovations.
Supporters say the program brings in much-needed funding to repair aging buildings. But critics argue it can lead to poor oversight and diminished tenant protections.
City Councilmember Chris Banks, who represents multiple NYCHA developments, says results have been mixed.
“We’ve seen close to a billion dollars spent to rehab four developments,” Banks said. “And yet residents are still dealing with mold, water issues, and management companies that can be insensitive.”
Banks is now calling for a pause on further conversions:
“If this is the strategy, we need to reassess. We’re telling the mayor — put a freeze on it.”
As the event wrapped up, many residents left with promises of follow-ups from NYCHA officials.
But beyond immediate repairs, the bigger question remains: what direction will public housing take in the years ahead?
For now, some say the outreach effort is a step in the right direction — but they’ll be watching closely to see if words turn into action.
