Two residents are delaying the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) redevelopment plans for the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses in West Chelsea. Last week, a judge declined NYCHA’s request to immediately evict two senior citizens from their apartments, according to Crain’s. This decision complicates the agency’s $2 billion plan to demolish and rebuild the properties.
Judge Emily Morales-Minerva stated that NYCHA “cites no authority for the ‘emergency’ relief requested, which involves forcing a NYCHA tenant to relocate for the purposes of updating an apartment with ‘modern amenities.’” She also noted that NYCHA did not explain how failing to make immediate updates would result in “irreparable harm.”
A spokesperson for NYCHA responded by saying the agency would pursue “other avenues of legal proceedings” regarding the two tenants. The judge suggested that housing court could be an appropriate venue, which may extend delays.
Most residents will be able to stay during construction of new buildings, but some are required to temporarily move. Not all affected residents have agreed, leading NYCHA to file several lawsuits. Those who relocate are promised a comparable temporary unit nearby and assistance with moving costs. Residents were asked to vacate by October 26 as demolition is scheduled for later this year.
The development team—comprising Related Companies and Essence Development—plans to replace more than 2,000 public housing units at 401 West 19th Street with a new 12-story building containing 217 units. The broader project includes retail and commercial space and 3,500 mixed-income apartments, with 1,000 designated as affordable housing. As of last year, the cost was estimated at $1.5 billion.
