NYCHA Apartments in the Rockaways: Eviction Rates and Concerns
Eviction Rates at NYCHA Properties
Eviction rates at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program decreased slightly in Queens in 2024, bucking a citywide trend that saw eviction rates spike significantly elsewhere in New York.
Citywide Trend
A recent audit by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander found that eviction rates at PACT properties tripled in 2024 and resemble citywide eviction rates in private properties.
PACT Program
The PACT program, designed to address decades of underfunding and disrepair in public housing, transfers some management responsibilities to private and non-profit partners to secure funding for critical renovations, aiming to address an estimated $80 billion shortfall in NYCHA’s capital needs.
Eviction Rates at PACT Properties
Evictions in PACT properties rose from 29 in 2023 to 91 in 2024—a staggering increase of over 300%. This brought the eviction rate at PACT properties to 0.57%, up from 0.18% last year, nearly matching the 0.60% rate in private rental units. In contrast, eviction rates at standard NYCHA properties increased from 0.01% to 0.12% during the same period, rising from 15 to 180 evictions.
Queens-Specific Results
In Queens, however, the eviction rate decreased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023. NYCHA’s Ocean Bay Apartments development in the Rockaways, the only Queens-based NYCHA development to convert to PACT, saw evictions drop from 10 to eight in 2024, a drop of 20%.
Ocean Bay Apartments
Eviction filings at Ocean Bay Apartments, which consists of 28 residential buildings, have been rapidly increasing in recent years, according to the Comptroller’s audit. The audit highlighted that there were 33 filings in 2021, rising to 66 in 2022 and rising again to 153 in 2023, a staggering 363% rise across the three-year period.
Audit Criticisms
The audit criticized NYCHA for failing to ensure that PACT property managers adhered to pre-eviction outreach protocols and tenant protections. Auditors found that managers did not consistently make multiple attempts to contact tenants at risk of eviction, inform them of potential financial assistance, or use on-site social service providers to engage with residents. Additionally, managers often failed to establish repayment agreements or report all eviction-related activities, hindering NYCHA’s ability to oversee compliance.
NYCHA’s Response
A NYCHA spokesperson defended the program, highlighting its success in investing $7 billion to redevelop and renovate public housing units since its inception. The spokesperson noted that the Comptroller’s audit does not take NYCHA’s financial and operational challenges into account and that PACT is "one of the most successful" long-term strategies for preserving crucial affordable housing stock.
Conclusion
While eviction rates at PACT properties in Queens decreased, the overall trend in the city is concerning. NYCHA must do more to ensure that PACT operators follow standard procedures and provide adequate support to tenants. The authority’s goal to convert 62,000 units to PACT by 2028 is ambitious, and it is crucial that they prioritize resident rights and protections to maintain public trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the PACT program?
A: The PACT program is a program designed to address decades of underfunding and disrepair in public housing, transferring some management responsibilities to private and non-profit partners to secure funding for critical renovations.
Q: What is the goal of the PACT program?
A: The goal of the PACT program is to address an estimated $80 billion shortfall in NYCHA’s capital needs and to provide more stable and secure housing for low-income residents.
Q: What is the current state of NYCHA’s capital needs?
A: NYCHA has an estimated $80 billion in capital needs to address disrepair and underfunding in public housing.
Q: How many NYCHA developments have converted to PACT?
A: 87 NYCHA developments have converted to PACT, with none located in Staten Island.
