By Bill Parry
For the first time in more than half a century, the rooftops at the Queensbridge Houses complex in Long Island City no longer leak. New York City Housing Authority Chairman and CEO Shola Olatoye announced Thursday the $87 million comprehensive roof replacement project on all 26 buildings of the nation’s largest public housing development has been completed — six months ahead of schedule.
“As we work to preserve public housing for this generation and next, we’re strengthening our buildings with top-to-bottom upgrades — literally,” Olatoye said. “Thanks to Mayor de Blasio’s unprecedented investment in comprehensive roof replacement and facade repairs across NYCHA, Queensbridge residents will see a healthier, cleaner community, with fewer leaks and improved quality of life.”
She pointed out that the dilapidated rooftops had not been touched in more than 50 years and the project also repaired exterior brickwork and replaced window sills. The mayor provided $60 million in funding with the remaining $27 million coming from the federal government.
The work at Queensbridge is part of Mayor de Blasio’s $300 million investment in roof replacement and facade repair on 263 NYCHA buildings citywide
“Leaks in old roofs are the root cause of mold and other major problems our NYCHA residents face. So we did something no administration has ever done: put $300 million of city money towards major repairs for our residents,” de Blasio said. “Today, we continue to turn a corner and fulfill our commitment to make critical investments that help protect our residents and ensure public housing continues to improve. A focus on infrastructure, investment and increased access guide our ambitious vision for clean and connected public housing.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
