Ocean Bay Apartments was New York City’s first and the nation’s largest single-site public housing conversion under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. All 1,395 units, home to 4,000 residents, received complete renovations including new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, windows, fixtures, and appliances, as well as rehabilitation to public spaces such as hallways, new elevators, roofs, and laundry rooms. Ocean Bay integrated significant energy efficiency and sustainability into the renovations, including the third largest solar installation in New York and high-efficiency appliances and fixtures.  

All renovations were done through a specialized occupied renovation strategy, allowing residents to remain living in their homes and minimizing disruption to daily life. Residents were given access to an on-site hospitality suite during the day, and apartments were cleaned and ready for resident use each night. The tiered renovation system eliminated the need for relocation, unless otherwise requested by residents, while providing a quiet, convenient place to spend time during construction. 

As the very first RAD conversion in New York City, RDC was charged with paving the way for an entirely new initiative, working closely with elected officials, community groups, residents, and agencies to educate and inform all parties on every step of the conversion and development process. Through extensive surveys, community meetings, and collaboration with the tenant association, RDC created a scope of work tailored to the needs of the residents including capital improvements and social services. 

The development and implementation of a comprehensive social services program is another core feature of the project. The social services program was designed to provide residents with the resources they need to take their health, careers, and futures into their own hands. With $6.46 million in allocated funding, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens and Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation developed a social services program tailored to the individual needs of the Ocean Bay community. Community-specific needs were evaluated via surveys and one-on-one meetings with residents. RDC has sponsored various programs such as baseball and basketball tournaments, educational programing, access to health services including bringing COVID vaccines on site, food assistance, and more.