Betances Houses

Site Improvements

The restoration included a major rehabilitation of building infrastructure and amenities, as well as the implementation of security measures. Renovations incorporated entirely updated kitchens with new flooring, appliances, sinks, cabinetry, LED lighting, and smoke detectors; renovated bathrooms with new flooring, sinks, toilets, fixtures, and cabinetry; improved ventilation; and apartment-wide upgrades such as new windows, flooring, and fresh paint. To create safe, outdoor spaces for residents of all ages, the project also included landscaping upgrades and the installation of a new playground and amphitheater.

Sustainability features added to the site included the installation of EnergySTAR stainless steel appliances, low flow fixtures, LED lighting, and high efficiency heating and cooling systems.

Project Highlights

This redevelopment was the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)’s first conversion under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program to utilize Developer Equity. This unique financing structure enabled the rehabilitation to be funded without using Volume Cap and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, reserving these scarce financing resources for other projects while serving the same goal of preserving quality affordable housing.

In partnership with the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, a core feature of the project involved developing and implementing comprehensive social services designed to empower residents and enhance their quality of life. Services offered across the scattered site include access to mental health clinics, youth employment programs, food pantries, emergency assistance programs, and educational enrichment services.

The restoration supported job creation within the local community by providing residents with employment opportunities over the course of the project and paving the way for long-term relationships and full-time positions. To date, 54 NYCHA residents have been hired, and nine minority and women-owned (M/WBE) businesses have been contracted.

Residents have access to a Rent to Credit program that allows residents to use on-time rental payments to boost their credit scores, equipping them with stronger credit for future housing, small business loans, and other economic opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Project Partners

RDC Development, a joint partnership between and Wavecrest Management

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Newman Design

Fannie Mae