DSA Members Challenged NYC Housing Project

A group of Democratic Socialists has petitioned to halt a $1.2 billion redevelopment plan in Manhattan.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized stack of apartment facades in navy and cream, representing urban housing policy. — Democratic Socialists have filed a resolution to halt a $1.2 billion redevelopment plan for public housing units in Manhattan. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Members of the Democratic Socialists of America have submitted a resolution to cancel the massive housing redevelopment project at the Fulton-Elliot Chelsea Houses in New York City. The proposal, backed by 335 signatures, aims to stop the plan to rebuild over 2,000 existing units and add 3,000 new apartments.

Why it matters

The resolution reflects growing local opposition to the project, which involves a controversial partnership between the New York City Housing Authority and private developer Related Companies. Protesters have voiced concerns over the demolition of current homes and the transition of residents from section 9 housing to section 8 vouchers.

The resolution aims to block a $1.2 billion project that seeks to address a massive $80 billion capital repair deficit at NYCHA facilities. The plan involves 17 buildings and would temporarily displace 4% of current residents during construction.

The players

Democratic Socialists of America

This is a multi-tendency socialist organization that engages in grassroots political activism and advocacy.

New York City Housing Authority

This is the public agency responsible for providing safe, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.

Related Companies

This is a prominent privately-owned real estate firm that specializes in large-scale residential and commercial development projects.

The details

The city originally entered the agreement with Related Companies in 2021 under the RAD-PACT program. While the city emphasizes the plan is necessary to overcome years of federal disinvestment, the formal draft resolution serves as a mechanism for the group to force a policy change.

The city entered an agreement with Related Companies in 2021.
The DSA-NYC will vote on the housing resolution on November 4, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the redevelopment argue that the privatization of public assets threatens long-term tenant stability and reduces permanent public control over housing stock. Advocates for the plan maintain that current federal funding is insufficient to cover the city's $80 billion repair backlog without private investment.

If the resolution succeeds at the convention, it could create significant legislative and political pressure to delay or alter the renovation timeline for thousands of residents. Tenants currently living in the complex face potential temporary relocation and a transition in their housing voucher status as the project proceeds.

The takeaway

The struggle highlights the tension between the urgent need for infrastructure repairs and resident concerns regarding housing security. Residents and activists are increasingly using formal organizational mechanisms to challenge large-scale urban development projects.