Contested Territories: Race, Redevelopment, and Resistance in New York City Public Housing

Contested Territories: Race, Redevelopment, and Resistance in New York City Public Housing

As of May 2025, the future of the NYCHA Fulton/Elliott-Chelsea (FEC) redevelopment remains uncertain. While the project has made some progress, it hasn’t received final approval — and several major factors will determine whether it ultimately moves forward.

Where Things Stand Now

The redevelopment proposal, which includes demolishing existing public housing buildings and replacing them with newly constructed mixed-income units, is currently undergoing a rigorous environmental review. The Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) was accepted in April, and a public hearing was held on May 8, with the comment period extended to May 19. This step is critical in securing the necessary federal approvals.

However, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not yet signed off. While HUD is aware of the project and the environmental review is in motion, no final green light has been given.

A Divided Community

Community sentiment around the project is mixed — and that’s putting it lightly.

On one side, there’s a strong coalition of tenant leaders and housing advocates voicing serious concerns. They argue that the proposed demolition would displace hundreds of families and could accelerate the loss of deeply affordable public housing, particularly harming Black and brown communities.

On the other hand, supporters — including some residents and local officials — point out that the existing buildings are in severe disrepair. They believe redevelopment is the best path forward to provide safe, modern, and sustainable housing for current residents, while also creating additional affordable units for others in need.

The Money Factor

The financial picture adds another layer of complexity. The estimated cost of the project has now ballooned to $1.9 billion, up from the initial $1.5 billion. Inflation, supply chain issues, and tariffs on construction materials have all contributed to the increase. These rising costs could make final approval more difficult or require additional budget negotiations.

So… Will It Happen?

In short: Maybe.

The FEC redevelopment is still in the pipeline, but it’s far from guaranteed. The outcome depends on:

• Federal HUD approval

• Continued environmental and legal reviews

• The ability to address resident concerns and secure buy-in

• Whether NYCHA and the city can manage the escalating costs

As we wait for a final decision, one thing is clear: the FEC project could set the tone for the future of public housing redevelopment in New York City — for better or worse.

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