NYCHA Reveals First Results In Vote On Privatizing UES Complex

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Preliminary results are in after residents at the Isaacs Houses on the Upper East Side voted on whether to privatize the public housing complex to fund badly needed repairs.

The voting, which wrapped up this week, will decide whether the complex will join the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, participate in the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, or keep its traditional Section 9 public housing structure.

According to a preliminary count, 280 votes were cast to remain in Section 9 public housing, 200 votes supported joining the Public Housing Preservation Trust, and 12 votes favored entering the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together, or PACT, program.

One ballot was deemed invalid due to incomplete or multiple selections.

The Public Housing Preservation Trust would keep the development public but bring in new federal funding for repairs, while the PACT program would allow public-private partnerships to fund and manage upgrades under NYCHA oversight.

"The conclusion of voting at Isaacs Houses is a milestone we’ve been looking forward to," NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said. "Residents have made their voices heard and cast their ballots to help shape the future of their homes. No matter their choice, we remain dedicated to continuing our support of Isaacs Houses residents."

About 60 percent of heads of household voted, well above the 20 percent minimum threshold required for the vote to be considered valid. Out of 869 eligible voters, 493 ballots were tallied in the initial count, including 380 from heads of household.

NYCHA officials said the vote marks an important step in determining how to address major repair needs at the development.

Isaacs Houses — home to about 1,131 residents living in 633 apartments — is estimated to face roughly $248 million in capital needs over the next 20 years.

Across its entire portfolio, NYCHA’s capital repair needs total nearly $80 billion, according to a 2023 physical needs assessment.

Certified results are expected on March 24 once any remaining mail-in ballots are received and counted, NYCHA officials said.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.