A proposed $1.5 billion redevelopment of the Fulton and Elliott, Chelsea New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complexes has sparked fierce opposition from some of Manhattan’s wealthiest residents. The city-backed project, involving a unique public-private partnership, aims to modernize public housing and increase affordable housing stock. But opponents living in multimillion-dollar brownstones nearby claim the plan is deeply flawed, despite reassurances that current NYCHA tenants will be protected.
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A Historic Overhaul Plan
The redevelopment effort, led by Related Companies and Essence Development, will transform two of the city’s largest public housing complexes. It plans to replace all 2,056 existing NYCHA units currently housing 4,500 residents with brand-new apartments. An additional 3,500 mixed-income units are also slated for construction. The design promises more community-focused features: open spaces, parks, retail shops, and modernized infrastructure.
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High-Rise Neighbors Push Back
Lydia Andre, a local resident living in a $4.2 million apartment near the site, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics. She has canvassed the NYCHA buildings warning tenants of the “dangers” of the plan, which she claims include displacement, noise, and lengthy construction. While she admits the disruption is one motivation, Andre insists she’s acting in the tenants’ best interest.
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Political Moves Against the Project
Andre’s activism has gone beyond door-to-door campaigning. She has thrown her support behind Jacqueline Lara, a Fulton-Elliott resident now running against City Council incumbent Erik Bottcher, a supporter of the project. According to Andre, Bottcher has misread community sentiment, and Lara’s campaign which has already secured public matching funds is intended to send a strong political message.
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Long-Term Construction Concerns
Critics point to the lengthy construction timeline potentially stretching over 16 years and its impact on air quality, noise levels, and local infrastructure. Layla Law-Gisiko, a Democratic Party district leader and former state assembly candidate, has also voiced concerns. She argues the plan funnels public land and resources into private profits, with the majority of funding coming from taxpayers.
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Senior Displacement Fears
A particularly contentious element is the demolition of a senior building as the first phase. Law-Gisiko and other opponents claim elderly residents may not survive multiple relocations. They question whether there are sufficient protections in place. However, The Post’s review of the development agreement found specific clauses ensuring tenants would receive new apartments.
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Majority of Residents Stay Onsite
Despite these fears, city officials report that 94% of NYCHA tenants will remain onsite during construction. The relocation will follow a phased “puzzle piece” approach, moving people into vacant units while sections are demolished and rebuilt. Only around 6% of residents may need to temporarily move offsite, according to project plans.
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Tenant Leadership Speaks Out
Not all NYCHA residents are against the plan. Miguel Acevedo, tenant association president and 23-year resident, supports the project. He acknowledges residents’ concerns but believes the outside opposition is fear-mongering. Acevedo cites years of neglect, broken elevators, mold, lack of heat and water and believes the overhaul is long overdue.
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Accusations and Denials
Opponents have implied that Acevedo is being paid by developers, a charge he denies. He, in turn, accuses project opponents of targeting vulnerable residents behind on rent to stoke fear. Andre and Law-Gisiko deny this as well. Still, tensions have risen between tenant leadership, residents, and affluent activists.
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Broader Development Opposition
Both Andre and Law-Gisiko have also opposed Mayor Eric Adams’ broader housing initiative, the “City of Yes” plan, which seeks to address the housing shortage through zoning changes. Their position has sparked criticism from supporters who argue that New York’s affordable housing crisis demands bold action.
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