Marni Halasa, July 30, 2026

Fourteen speakers opposed demolition. When residents demanded answers, NYCHA halted its own meeting.

NEW YORK, NY — July 29, 2026  — The New York City Housing Authority abruptly adjourned its monthly Board meeting today after every speaker during the public comment session opposed the proposed demolition of the Fulton Houses and Elliott-Chelsea Houses.

WATCH THE NYCHA YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE

WATCH COALITION VIDEO FOOTAGE HERE

WATCH TESTIMONIES HERE

All fourteen public speakers  called on NYCHA to abandon demolition, preserve Section 9 public housing, and pursue rehabilitation instead. Residents, tenant leaders, and community advocates warned that demolition and conversion through RAD/PACT would threaten tenant protections, destabilize the community, and permanently dismantle public housing in Chelsea.

After public comment concluded, tenants and community leaders remained in the boardroom chanting “No Demolition!” and  “Shame!” and demanding that NYCHA respond to the concerns raised during testimony.

Rather than enter into dialogue with the residents it serves, NYCHA chose to halt its own business and adjourn the meeting.

“We shut them down today, and we are going to keep fighting because these homes are worth fighting for,” said  Jackie Lara of the Fulton Houses.

“It’s difficult to keep my composure when face to face with the people who prioritize developers over community; our homes. It was a peaceful shutdown. Considering the circumstances it could have been worse.” said Celines Miranda, tenant leader representing Elliott-Chelsea.

“NYCHA’s Board needs to start listening to our community, and we will fight until the end,” said Miriam Salles.

Today’s adjournment exposed a growing crisis of confidence in NYCHA leadership. Residents have attended meetings, submitted comments, organized demonstrations, pursued litigation, and repeatedly demanded a meaningful discussion about rehabilitation without demolition. NYCHA has continued advancing its plan without adequately addressing those concerns.

“When every public speaker opposes your proposal, leadership has a choice: listen to the people or walk away,” said  Layla Law-Gisiko, District Leader representing the area. “Today, NYCHA walked away.”

It was not lost on coalition members that NYCHA managed to pass all the real-estate agenda items moving 1756 apartments towards privatization before deciding to adjourn the meeting, demonstrating that the authority has become a real-estate agent rather than a steward of the public good.

Refusing to hear tenants contradicts the most basic principle of public service. NYCHA exists to serve public housing residents, not to silence them, evade them, or treat their opposition as an inconvenience.

The coalition said the fight to preserve Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea is far from over. Residents will continue using every legal, political, and public avenue available to stop demolition, defend Section 9 housing, and hold NYCHA accountable.

Media Contact: Marni Halasa: 917-501-9444 – Layla Law-Gisiko: 646-420-6044