Mayor Invests $1 Billion for Roof Repairs
Mayor Bill de Blasio committed $1 billion in City capital to replace deteriorating roofs on NYCHA buildings over the next 10 years. When coupled with Mayor de Blasio’s 2015 commitment of $300 million over three years, the total amount allocated to this initiative reaches $1.3 billion.
Projects funded by the $300 million will repair 223 roofs at 23 developments and will be completed by 2020. Work funded by the additional $1 billion investment will repair 729 roofs at 84 developments and begin in 2019. The total allocation will benefit over 175,000 public housing residents across the five boroughs.
“This crucial investment— the largest City investment in NYCHA—will improve quality of life for our City’s children, teachers, firefighters and other public servants who live in NYCHA housing and who keep this city running,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.”In addition, these roof repairs will provide a long-term solution in our efforts to address mold, eventually saving the City money later down the line so that we can further improve NYCHA housing.”
This accomplishment shows what we can do with the Chair’s attentiveness to our concerns. – RA Pres. Lilithe Lozano
“This historic commitment is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about investing in New York City’s working families and our City’s most vulnerable. Now more than ever, critical infrastructure upgrades are vital as we continue to implement NextGeneration NYCHA, our long-term strategic plan to create safe, clean and connected public housing,” Chair Shola Olatoye said. “Roof repair and replacement is the single most important step in preserving our buildings because roofs protect not just the exterior but the interior of the building, too.”
replacement. At right is a Parkside Houses building with a new roof.
“Since work has started and several roofs have been completed, the number of work orders created to fix damage from leaks is drastically reduced,” said Parkside Houses Resident Building Superintendent Shannon Bachelder. “The residents really appreciate the work and are excited to have no more leaks.”
Parkside Houses Resident Association President Lilithe Lozano remarked, “This accomplishment shows what we can do with the Chair’s attentiveness to our concerns. The residents are really happy.”
