The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

Repair & Rebuild Top Story 

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Completed in May

Vincent Echavaria

NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) marked the completion of several projects in May that will bring a variety of benefits and improved services for residents and the surrounding community.  

CPD oversees more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Authority’s portfolio that are funded with federal, State, and City investments. The department works to preserve and modernize public housing for NYCHA residents through professional design and construction services that are carried out efficiently and with the highest degree of safety and quality.   

On May 1, NYCHA completed construction on a $3.4 million project to enhance the trash lift systems at Washington Houses in Manhattan. The development received safe and cost-effective upgrades to the trash lift systems – which are used to bring up trash from a basement compactor to the street level – after the existing decommissioned system was replaced with a vertical conveyor.  

This is one of 74 trash lift systems that are being replaced by NYCHA at seven developments. The project work was funded with NYCHA’s federal capital grant. 

A new vertical conveyor was installed as part of the upgrades to the trash lift systems at Washington Houses.

Also in May, Boston Secor Houses in the Bronx welcomed the completion of renovated play spaces as part of a $1.4 million project. Residents and youth now have access to two newly renovated playground areas as well as an upgraded basketball court and baseball field. These recreational improvements were funded by City Councilmember Kevin Riley. 

In another CPD highlight for May, NYCHA completed construction on the $1.4 million renovation of the community center at Astoria Houses in Queens. Residents and community members will now be able to make use of a fully upgraded community center, which has been remodeled with new paint, new floor tiles, new ceramic tiles, and the installation of a new water cooler system.  

Additional facility improvements include new kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures, as well as a new air conditioning unit and lighting fixtures. The project was funded by City Councilmember Costa Constantinides and Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

Photo caption: The new upgraded community center at Astoria Houses in Queens.