Espaillat Asks NYCHA to Halt the PACT Conversion of Manhattanville Houses

Press Release

Today, following reports to his office from impacted constituents, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) penned a letter to Gregory Russ, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) requesting that the PACT conversion of Manhattanville Houses be halted following insufficient community input.

"It has been brought to my attention that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) leadership have proposed that Manhattanville Houses undergo the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) conversion process," Rep. Espaillat wrote. "While I understand the urgent necessity to address the capital repair backlog and deteriorating housing stock, reports to my office suggest that resident engagement has been inadequate.

"Since expressing these concerns, [my] residents feel they have not received adequate explanation," Espaillat continued.

Rep. Espaillat is demanding that the PACT conversion of the Manhattanville Houses be halted until the below questions are answered in writing:

1. What are the protections put in place to protect PACT residents against displacement/eviction?

2. What is NYCHA's contingency plan if the chosen developer goes bankrupt? How will NYCHA ensure that residents will not bear the brunt of the bankruptcy?

3. Under the current Administration, the Section 8 program is funded, but what is NYCHA's contingency plan if another Administration stops funding the Section 8 program?

4. What existing conditions and physical needs were considered for the federally required Public Needs Assessment (PNA)?

5. What mechanisms are employed to ensure that public meetings about the Manhattanville PACT- conversion are inclusive of the community needs including time, language, and platform (in person, virtual, etc.)? How do NYCHA liaisons avail themselves to residents to ensure all questions are answered? How are resident's feedback documented and incorporated into decisions about the Manhatanville PACT conversion?

6. How does NYCHA plan to ensure the developers are incorporating the physical needs renovations that are required such as lead and mold remediation, roof enhancements, HVAC upgrades, plumbing needs, and boiler upgrades?

"The PACT conversion forces residents to undergo significant change, and understandably, residents demand assurance that these changes will ultimately benefit and protect them… I request that you halt the PACT conversion of the Manhattanville Houses until these questions receive a written response," Espaillat concluded.

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