NYCHA Resident AssociationsPACTTop Story

Resident Inspectors Monitor PACT Progress at Eastchester Gardens 

Vincent Echavaria

At Eastchester Gardens in the Bronx, a group of residents are taking an active role in monitoring the transformations taking place across the historic development thanks to the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. 

The community members are part of a team of resident inspectors who are surveying the progress under PACT by conducting building inspections and walk-throughs, interviewing neighbors, and documenting resident experiences. Through the Eastchester Gardens Community Inspectors Program, participating residents are trained and compensated to help ensure that various commitments are upheld under the PACT Community Plan. 

The program is a key initiative of the “Little Lamb Agreement,” a first-of-its-kind accord between the Eastchester Gardens Resident Association (RA) and the PACT partner team (MDG Design + Construction, Wavecrest Management, and Infinite Horizons), which aims to strengthen accountability and transparency during the community’s PACT transition. 

The resident inspector team monitors PACT improvements at Eastchester Gardens by walking the campus, meeting with neighbors, and documenting resident feedback.

Eastchester Gardens RA President Keith Ramsey named the agreement after Dr. Sammuel Little and Gerri Lamb, two lifelong advocates who have pushed for resident empowerment. Along with improved collaboration with PACT partners, the Community Inspector Program has provided a more expansive role for residents in implementing the goals of the PACT program. 

“This program can give residents and other resident associations a sense of clarity and transparency while ensuring that their protections are set for years to come,” said Crystal Brown, Eastchester Gardens RA Vice President. 

Resident Inspector Nicole Puvis added: “At Eastchester Gardens we believe the residents know best. Most of the resident inspectors have lived in this development for 20-plus years. This program empowers residents to hold the PACT partner team accountable.” 

With the support of real estate consultant HR&A, resident inspectors were recruited across the development and trained to document resident feedback and monitor improvements according to the Community Plan. Once the data is collected, the resident inspectors will share the information with the resident association and PACT partner team, who work to address any issues raised. Inspectors review all stages of the process, including property management and social services, renovations and upgrades, as well as pre- and post-relocation efforts. 

The Community Inspectors Program helps improve accountability and transparency between residents and the PACT partner team.

Eastchester Gardens recently completed its first year in the PACT program, and residents have applauded the progress and improvements made across the campus in that short time, including the completion of construction at three buildings. 

Earlier this summer, the PACT partner team shared a report from their first year of construction and management, citing achievements such as Wavecrest Management’s resolution of 2,428 work orders to date; on schedule and on budget construction; Section 3 hiring that has provided residents with access to jobs and construction career opportunities; and an additional $200,000 secured to assist residents with rental arrears via the new on-site social services provider (Bronxworks). 

“Eastchester Gardens’ future is being prepared for today,” Mr. Ramsey said.