New York State plans to spend $300M on elevators
The New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) modernization overhaul has reached a new milestone with its plan to replace 335 obsolete elevators in 20 of its developments across the five boroughs.
Mayor Eric Adams, interim NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that Phase I planning to install the elevators has begun.
Nearly 34,000 renters, including hundreds of Staten Island seniors, will benefit from the corporate actions made possible by $300 million in funding from the New York State Housing Authority (DASNY).
“The funds provided through this agreement will allow us to address a key physical element of our building infrastructure: the elevator that our residents need and depend on,” said Bova-Hiatt. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and advocacy of Governor Hochul, leaders of the New York State Senate and Assembly, and DASNY in executing this funding agreement and allocating these important flows of funds at a critical time in the life of the agency.”
Hochul, the State Legislature and NYCHA have worked together to develop a framework to update NYCHA’s elevator infrastructure in accordance with the 2019 US Housing and Urban Development Agreement.
NYCHA’s elevators are severely dated, with the longest running traction elevators in the portfolio being installed 32 years ago in 1990. All elevators to be replaced under the state Capital Revitalization Plan have the typical “useful life” of 15 to 20 years, or more years for an apartment building, the agency said.
“Right now, as our state faces an acute shortage of safe, stable, and accessible housing, my administration is committed to preserving our housing stock – which is why I signed legislation earlier this year creating the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust have. ‘ Hochul said. “I’m proud to work with NYCHA, its residents, and local and state officials, and look forward to more opportunities to expand and support NYCHA communities.”
The 20 housing developments set to receive new elevators include six campuses for seniors, one of which – Cassidy-Lafayette Houses – is in New Brighton.
Consistent elevator service is especially important for seniors and residents with mobility impairments; NYCHA has over 78,000 residents over the age of 62, and nearly 40% of NYCHA households are headed by a resident over the age of 62. NYCHA elevators also serve more than 31,000 residents with limited mobility.
The estimated installation time is between 49 and 81 months, depending on the object. All elevator construction work is expected to be completed by early December 2028.
Cassidy-Lafayette is the first to meet the estimated April 1, 2026 completion date for its eight new elevators.
Behind the group, the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn are expected to have their 70 new elevators operational by December 1, 2028.
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