City officials have completed a massive roofing project in what they say is the country's largest public housing development. As NY1's Shannan Ferry explains, officials said this will improve the quality of life for some Queens residents.
From aging, to start-of-the-art; a multi-million dollar roofing project is now complete at the Queensbridge Houses.
City officials announced the milestone Thursday.
"It's beautiful, everybody's smiling," said resident Kamal Ahmed.
All 26 residential buildings now have new roofing, windowsills, and brickwork.
The upgrades are designed to make the buildings more water resistant.
City officials said it's the first time the roofs have been replaced in more than 50 years.
"Too many of our residents deal with persistent leaks, and mold, and other painting issues, and our own data suggests that when you replace a roof, you see a more than 60% decrease in those types of issues in peoples homes," said NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye.
Officials said the roof replacement is just one of several initiatives to improve the quality of life for Queensbridge residents. They said they also plan to install LED lights, security cameras, and provide free WiFi.
"And we have some improvements in the playgrounds we want to get done, some improvements to Queensbridge park which is right across the street, the list is long," said State Senator Michael Gianaris.
Officials said Queensbridge is the largest public housing complex in the nation, so any upgrades will improve the lives of more than 6,500 residents.
"We need to make sure that every child and every person in Queensbridge and every public housing development is safe and secure in their own homes," said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer.
Residents we spoke with said they're already enjoying the new upgrades.
No word yet on when the additional improvements will be complete.