04/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2026 12:15
Yesterday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) visited NYCHA's Van Dyke II Senior Center, where he announced that he secured $1 million in Community Project Funding for NYCHA developments across the Eighth Congressional District.
Leader Jeffries was joined by Council Members Darlene Mealy (CD 41) and Chris Banks (CD 42), NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Tenant Association Presidents from Carter G. Woodson Houses, Kingsborough Extension and Van Dyke II Houses.
"These Community Project Funding checks represent just a small down payment on the work that we need to continue to do in this city to make sure that all of you who worked hard, played by the rules and helped get the situation moving in a better direction, can bear the fruits of your labor. So each and every opportunity that presents itself to stand up for public housing residents and to stand up for seniors, I'm going to stand for public housing residents and stand up for seniors," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). "This is Resurrection Week, and the good news is, as we approach Good Friday and Sunday, we know that the story didn't end on Friday. On Friday, they try to cut funding for NYCHA. On Friday, they go after Medicaid. On Friday, they try to rip away staff and nutritional assistance for seniors. But the good news is the story doesn't end on Friday. Sunday is coming in the United States of America."
"On behalf of my constituents at the Woodson Houses and at the Van Dyke II development, I would like to thank Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for standing up for Brownsville. Tenant leaders, members of the community and my staff have hosted or attended events at the Van Dyke II Senior Center over the years and we have witnessed firsthand the need for roof repairs," said Assemblymember Latrice Walker (AD 55). "The $500,000 allocation is an investment in the community. I am also grateful for the $250,000 investment for security upgrades, including the installation of CCTV cameras, at the Woodson Houses. Our NYCHA residents deserve to be safe."
"I extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Hakeem Jeffries for securing critical capital investments that will directly benefit residents of District 41. The allocation of $500,000 to Van Dyke II Houses and $250,000 to Kingsborough Houses represents a meaningful commitment to improving the quality of life for our community. These funds will support essential upgrades, including new roofing, balcony repairs, and enhanced security measures-improvements that are vital to ensuring safe, comfortable, and well-maintained housing for residents," said Council Member Darlene Mealy (CD 41). "I applaud Congressman Jeffries' continued advocacy and leadership, which reflect a deep understanding of the needs of our neighborhoods. I thank him for his partnership and dedication to delivering real results for the people of District 41."
"I cannot thank Leader Jeffries enough for investing in the infrastructure and security of our NYCHA developments. This is exactly the kind of investment needed to ensure residents can live with peace and dignity," said Council Member Chris Banks (CD 42). "Carter G. Woodson Houses and its security infrastructure are stronger because of this support, and I look forward to continued investments in our public housing that prioritize tenants and safety first."
"These investments will fund vital safety and security projects at the Van Dyke II Senior Center, Kingsborough Extension and Woodson Houses. The improvements, ranging from roof improvements to enhanced security, will have a meaningful impact in ensuring these Brooklyn residents feel secure in their homes," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "NYCHA is incredibly grateful to Leader Jeffries for his steadfast commitment to our NYCHA communities."
"I am so pleased to be here today. I appreciate all that they're doing for us because Kingsborough-myself and the residents-we really need this money," said Kingsborough Extension TA President Angela Whitaker.
"I'm here because I'm thanking my team also for upgrading the quality of life for my seniors at Woodson. My building is 25 stories. If somebody had a seizure, fighting or a mugging in the hallway or the stairway, they'll be able to see and get the help that's needed without us coming down to tell them. It's about our safety. We need that to be done," said Carter G. Woodson Houses TA President Diane Johnson.
"I really appreciate Mr. Hakeem Jeffries doing the roof and the ceilings for the center, because all of my seniors out here, they enjoy this place. And we're all happy to see this going on," said Van Dyke II Houses TA President Herman Rivera.
In connection with the government funding law, Leader Jeffries secured $250,000 for security upgrades at Kingsborough Extension, $250,000 for security upgrades at Carter G. Woodson Houses and $500,000 for roof repairs at Van Dyke II Senior Center. Additional information about the projects can be found here.
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