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NYCHA has closed on financing for a $453 million Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT)project that will deliver comprehensive renovations for over 1,300 residents across 1,058 apartments in 10 residential buildings at seven Central and East Harlem developments: Jackie Robinson Houses, 131 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Corsi Houses, Morris Park Senior Citizens Home, Taft Rehabs, UPACA 5, and UPACA 6.
The financial closing marks a key milestone for the large-scale rehabilitation effort, which will upgrade apartments, shared spaces, grounds, and building infrastructure to improve residents’ quality of life. As part of the closing, the buildings have converted to Project-Based Section 8 through the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)program—unlocking funding that will allow the PACT partner team Vaya Development, Ascendant Neighborhood Development, McCormack Baron Salazar, and L&M Development to address long-standing capital needs and begin construction.
The project will also maintain resident protections. The PACT program preserves residents’ rights and keeps affordable rents in place for all households.
“Very soon, over 1,300 NYCHA residents in Harlem will begin to see a meaningful transformation of their apartments,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “The PACT program will deliver comprehensive renovations to these homes and secure them for the long term. I look forward to seeing the work commence and benefit generations of public housing residents.”
NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said the closing moves the developments closer to the changes residents have been asking for. “We’re thrilled to close on the financing for these seven developments and eager to begin bringing residents the comprehensive renovations, improved building infrastructure, and enhanced security they deserve,” she said. “The PACT program has a proven track record of transforming NYCHA developments and improving residents’ quality of life. We cannot wait to bring these positive changes to Jackie Robinson and the Harlem Scattered Sites.”
NYCHA Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Jonathan Gouveia emphasized the role residents played in shaping the work. “NYCHA residents deserve to have homes they are proud of and that support their community. Residents across these developments have worked closely with NYCHA and our partners to make sure these repairs do just that,” he said. “We are excited to see this partnership continue and for our NYCHA communities to receive the investment that is greatly needed.”
Following the closing, C+C Apartment Management will take on day-to-day property management responsibilities at the developments. NYCHA also said social services will be expanded through a partnership with LSA Family Health Service and Asian Americans for Equality.
Additional details on investments and improvements are included in the Community Plan for Jackie Robinson and Harlem Scattered Sites, developed collaboratively by the partner team, residents, and NYCHA. NYCHA said a copy of the Community Plan will be distributed to every household at the start of construction.
“Thank you, NYCHA, for recognizing Corsi’s need for extensive renovation,” said Corsi Houses Tenant Association President Allie Eason. “The resident association leadership appreciates both the agency and the PACT partner for the thorough engagement process over the last couple of years, which helped us all arrive at this point together. We are excited for the changes coming to Corsi through the PACT program.”
“Residents have been planning for this project through many meetings and conversations over the past three years, and we are excited to now see the transformation we have been working towards,” said Taft Rehabs Tenant Association President Elaine Livingston. “Our residents deserve this change, and we are looking forward to the investment in our apartments, buildings, and community, as well as continuing to work with the PACT team and NYCHA on what’s to come.”
“We, the tenants of UPACA 6, are so thankful to NYCHA and the PACT partners for the work they’ve done to begin making our living conditions so much better,” said UPACA 6 Tenant Association President Maria Pacheco.“Residents at UPACA 6 are looking forward to the transformation of our building, apartments, and community spaces.”
“We are looking forward to the PACT team coming in to bring some change for our residents,” said Jackie Robinson Tenant Association President Birdie Glenn. “I would like to say ‘Welcome aboard’ to our new partners as we begin working together with you at Jackie Robinson.”
New York City Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin said the financing and scope of work will deliver broad benefits across Manhattan. “The capital improvements and expanded social services secured by this PACT partnership will improve the lives and wellbeing of more than 1,300 public housing residents throughout Manhattan,” he said. “HDC is proud to work with our PACT partners and resident leaders to transform New York City’s public housing stock, all while preserving its affordability for generations to come.”
L+M Development Partners Partner and President of Development Spencer Orkus said residents will see upgrades across their homes and common areas. “Thousands of Harlem residents are set to receive comprehensive renovations that will modernize apartments, upgrade common spaces, and enhance their overall living experience thanks to the PACT program,” he said. “We have a proven record of revitalizing affordable housing while working hand in hand with residents – a commitment we’re proud to build on with our JV partners and property management firm C+C at Jackie Robinson. We look forward to our continued collaboration with NYCHA and are grateful to our partners for joining us in delivering safe, high-quality housing that uplifts residents and strengthens the community.”
Vaya Development LLC Principal Melissa Bindra called the project a long-term investment in families and seniors. “The PACT program represents an exciting new chapter for these properties and for the seniors and families who call them home,” she said. “At Vaya, our mission is to create and preserve high-quality, affordable housing that supports thriving, inclusive communities. This project reflects those values— honoring the history of these homes while investing in their future. We are deeply grateful to NYCHA, our partners, and the residents for their collaboration and trust as we work together to ensure these communities remain strong, vibrant, and affordable for generations to come.”
Ascendant Neighborhood Development Executive Director and President Chris Cirillo said resident collaboration shaped the effort from start to finish. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with residents and resident leaders across seven NYCHA developments to bring the Jackie Robinson and Harlem Scattered Sites project to fruition,” he said. “Ascendant is proud to continue its nearly forty-year mission of preserving and rehabilitating affordable housing in East and Central Harlem through this historic collaboration with NYCHA and our development partners at Vaya and L+M. Our team looks forward to delivering renovated apartments, professional property management, and comprehensive social services to the thousands of residents who call these developments home.”
NYCHA said the work—finalized after planning and design with residents and NYCHA beginning in 2023—will include improvements to all apartments, building interiors, building systems, and public spaces. Construction is expected to take approximately three years.
Apartment upgrades will include new kitchens and bathrooms with modern cabinets and vanities, bathroom tile floors, kitchen backsplashes, stone countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and new plumbing fixtures. Plumbing and other upgrades will address current leaks and help prevent future leaks. Apartments will also be fully painted, include overhead lights in all rooms, and receive new flooring.
Security and building access upgrades will include upgraded lighting, key fob access control, intercom systems, secure package hubs and mailboxes, and over 2,000 security cameras, along with eight new security personnel. Public spaces will be redesigned with new sitting areas, workout equipment, gardening beds, and playgrounds.
NYCHA said the PACT program transitions developments from traditional Section 9 assistance to Project-Based Section 8, unlocking funding for resident-selected partners to complete comprehensive repairs or develop modern housing while improving property management. Citywide, 146 NYCHA developments—representing over 39,000 apartments—are in pre-development, under construction, or have completed construction through the program, representing over $13 billion in capital repairs. NYCHA said it is working to include 62,000 apartments in the program to bring comprehensive upgrades, enhanced property management, and expanded social services to more than 142,000 residents.