FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2026
CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov | (212) 306-3322

NYCHA Statement on HUD Approval of Redevelopment Plan for Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea  
   

NEW YORK – Today, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Board Chair Jamie Rubin and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt issued the following joint statement in response to receipt of the RAD Conversion Commitments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the redevelopment of Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea. 

“This month, HUD reissued its RAD Conversion Commitments, thereby affirming the federal government’s approval of this project and greenlighting the phase 1 redevelopment of the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea campuses through the PACT program. With this approval, NYCHA and its PACT partner teams, Essence Development and Related Companies, will soon convert the first phase of developments to Project-Based Section 8, paving the way for brand-new homes for the residents of the 2,056 existing apartments on both campuses, only six percent of whom have to move temporarily during construction. Once fully complete, this project will address over $900 million in mounting physical needs while maintaining resident rights and protections — including permanently affordable rent — and deliver a more equitable living experience for NYCHA residents in Chelsea.” 

Additionally, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg said, “The Mamdani administration, NYCHA, and the PACT partners continue to move forward on the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses redevelopment, an important project for the future of New York City. With the receipt of the RAD Conversion Commitments, we are one step closer to beginning work on thousands of brand-new homes for NYCHA residents and even more much-needed housing for additional New Yorkers. We will continue to engage with residents, neighbors, and partners across government to share the facts about the project and ensure it is delivering the best outcomes for NYCHA residents.” 

A RAD Conversion Commitment (RCC) is a commitment letter, setting forth the terms of HUD’s conditional approval of the project. The RCC outlines the terms, conditions and financing for a specific project, like the one taking place at Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea. HUD’s original RAD Conversion Commitments were first issued in late January and have been extended to account for the four-month, court-ordered stay that temporarily paused the project. The stay has now been lifted following a recent decision by the Appellate Division. 

As part of the planned redevelopment, all 2,056 existing units will be rebuilt with brand-new NYCHA buildings offering enhanced layouts, ventilation, and energy efficiency while maintaining residents' rights and protections, including permanently affordable rent. An additional 3,500 new mixed-income apartments, including approximately up to 1,000 new permanently affordable apartments, will be added to the campuses. In addition to the new housing that will be created through this proposal, NYCHA residents will benefit from the creation of new healthcare facilities, community centers, grocery and retail stores, and outdoor recreational spaces. 

“HUD's approval locks in the federal commitment I've fought to secure, and with the court-ordered stay lifted, work can begin immediately,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler. “This means all 2,056 existing NYCHA apartments at Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea will be rebuilt brand new, and up to 3,500 mixed-income units — including up to 1,000 permanently affordable apartments — will be added to the neighborhood, alongside new grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and public spaces for residents to enjoy. This project will deliver the quality affordable housing and community facilities a thriving neighborhood needs. Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea residents have waited years for this, and their Right to Return is protected every step of the way. Now the real work begins, and I'll keep fighting to ensure Washington delivers the funding to finish the job.” 

“The tenants of Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea have waited long enough for the safe, modern homes they deserve,” said Senator Erik Bottcher. “With this milestone behind us, there should be no further delay in delivering the housing residents have been promised. I want to thank Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his leadership in moving this project forward as part of his affordability agenda, as well as NYCHA, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Tony Simone, and Council Member Carl Wilson. It’s time to do right for our neighbors.” 

“This is an historic moment for Chelsea NYCHA residents,” said Assemblymember Tony Simone. “HUD has given the green light for the next phase in the redevelopment project that will transform our highest need communities. Every NYCHA resident deserves to live in dignity and safety, and this project will deliver new apartments for every resident. Additionally, both Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea will see a new grocery store on each campus, healthcare facilities, community centers and green space. I have heard time and again from NYCHA residents that they are tired of waiting for this project to begin and I am thankful for Mayor Mamdani's steadfast support in moving this project forward” 

“The residents of Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea have lived with aging buildings and mounting repair needs for far too long,” said Council Member Carl Wilson. “This approval moves us one step closer to delivering the safe, modern, and dignified housing they deserve while protecting permanently affordable housing. I look forward to continuing to work with the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea tenants, NYCHA, and our community partners to ensure this redevelopment is carried out with residents’ voices at the center, every step of the way.”