Question 1

What is happening at Gowanus Houses?

Accepted Answer

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has allocated funding for significant repairs, renovations, and upgrades at Gowanus Houses as part of its Comprehensive Modernization (“Comp Mod”) program.

Question 2

How long will all the construction work take to renovate all the apartments and other scope of work items?

Accepted Answer

MTJV is estimated to take 49 months complete all the work and upgrades at Gowanus Houses for the entire property.

Question 3

What does the construction work include?

Accepted Answer

The renovations will cover hazardous material abatement, new apartment kitchens and bathrooms, repairs to the waste risers, electrical upgrades (stoves will remain gas), and upgrades to the canopy and its associated lighting.

Question 4

Is a Relocation Specialist part of the MTJV Team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MTJV’s Relocation Specialist team has significant relocation experience working with over 15,000 households and several NYCHA properties – nearly 7,000 NYCHA units.

The Relocation Specialist for MTJV will be responsible for managing the important temporary relocation process and assisting you on a 1-1 basis with the preparation of your move.

Question 5

Why do we have to vacate our apartment?

Accepted Answer

Because the health and safety of NYCHA residents is a top priority, all apartments must be vacant during the construction period due to the nature of the work planned by MTJV. The MTJV construction team will also complete the kitchen and bathroom(s) during this time-period saving significant time and inconvenience for the residents.

Question 6

How long will I be out of my original apartment?

Accepted Answer

Most residents will be relocated for no longer than 30 days. Relocations longer than 30 days will be limited to hospitality units, and MJTV will advise those households in advance of their anticipated relocation timeframe.

MTJV will provide the necessary services, support, and resources to make the temporary relocation as easy as possible with most residents returning to their apartments earlier than 30 days.

Question 7

Where will NYCHA temporarily relocate me during my building’s construction period?

Accepted Answer

MTJV Relocation Specialist will relocate you from your current apartment to an on-site hospitality unit at Gowanus Houses.

Only in special circumstances will hotels be used for temporary relocation. In those cases, the residents will be notified in advance and provided with all necessary information and support by the MTJV relocation team.

Question 8

Will I return to my original unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will have the right to return to your original apartment once the work is complete.

Question 9

Can I decide to remain in my temporary relocation apartment on a permanent basis?

Accepted Answer

No. We will need your designated temporary relocation apartment for the next household scheduled for renovation work. MTJV will conduct a cleaning of the hospitality unit before and after each temporary move into one of the hospitality unit apartments.

Question 10

Will I receive adequate notice when I need to move?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will receive Reasonable Advance Notice to Vacate from MTJV indicating when construction will start in your apartment. MTJV’s Relocation Specialist will send you a Reasonable Advance Notice to Vacate 30 days prior to your move date.

Question 11

After I receive my 30-Day Reasonable Advance Notice to Vacate, what is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Once you receive your Advance Notice to Vacate, you will have thirty (30) days to prepare for your temporary move. You will then receive a Move Date Notice with your exact move date.

MTJV’s Relocation Specialist will meet and review all the steps necessary for your temporary relocation and discuss the resources and services available to your household to help make the move easier. Be thorough and fully transparent during your initial interview with MTJV’s Relocation Specialist to ensure we meet your needs to the greatest extent possible.

Question 12

Who will cover the cost of my temporary relocation?

Accepted Answer

MTJV will cover the cost of your temporary relocation including the cost for a professional, licensed, and insured moving company, packing materials, and boxes. In addition, NYCHA will not charge rental, or transfer fees associated with your relocation; however, you must continue to pay rent for your original apartment.

Question 13

What will happen to all my personal belongings in my apartment?

Accepted Answer

The temporary relocation units located on-site will have all the necessary furnishings for you to occupy and use during your stay. You will only need to bring your own personal essential items to the temporary relocation apartment. MTJV’s Relocation Specialist will then work with you to secure the belongings in your original apartment with boxes, packing materials, and plastic coverings.

Question 14

Can I access my apartment during the relocation?

Accepted Answer

No, for residents’ safety they will not be able to access their unit after being temporarily relocated to the hospitality unit.

Question 15

Will there be an opportunity for me to discard old or unwanted items in my apartment before the move?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MTJV will provide dumpsters for residents to throw out old or unwanted items in their apartment.

Question 16

What about my pets?

Accepted Answer

MTJV will move all household pets to the hospitality unit including service animals.

Residents are strongly encouraged to register pets if they are not currently registered, as is required by all leases.

Question 17

How do I get assigned my temporary relocation placement?

Accepted Answer

MTJV’s and NYCHA will work together to place you in the best situation according to your family composition and needs. Because the temporary relocation is for a short time-period, less than 30 days, your cooperation will help move the project along at the quickest pace possible. The Relocation Specialist team will listen carefully to all your concerns and make sure they are taken into consideration when assigning apartments.

Question 18

Will MTJV make accessibility and reasonable accommodation for households with needs?

Accepted Answer

If you have any new reasonable accommodation needs now, before the relocation process begins in your building, please see your Property Manager as soon as possible. All reasonable accommodation requests will follow NYCHA's standard procedures.

Regarding your temporary move, MTJV will make appropriate accommodations in each temporary move unit for any medical equipment, accessibility devices, and/or service animal requirements.

Your hospitality unit will match the same level of accessibility that you have in your original apartment, and MTJV will work to accommodate all reasonable requests, unless there are new accommodations that need to be met.

For those residents that require use of a landline for medical reasons, MTJV will arrange continuation of service with local service providers.

Please discuss any accessibility and reasonable accommodation requirements with MTJV’s Relocation Specialist during your initial interview.

Question 19

How will elevator modernization affect Gowanus residents?

Accepted Answer

In buildings with two elevator cabs, work will be done on one elevator cab at a time, so one will remain in service. Residents in these buildings should not experience major disruptions.

In buildings with only one elevator cab, we will not be able to maintain elevator service until this phase of work is complete. The Relocation Specialist Team will contact residents in these buildings to understand their needs and provide the requested level of support to each household during the elevator work.

Question 20

How will I access my mail?

Accepted Answer

All residents will continue to access their mail from their original address during the renovation period in the apartment.

Question 21

If I am a senior citizen or have special needs, can I get assistance with packing my belongings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MTJV will have a team of packers available to assist senior citizens and residents with physical disabilities or medical needs. MTJV will provide the following support for these residents:

• Packing belongings and moving items within the apartment to a designated area away from the construction zone.

• Transporting residents’ belongings to the hospitality unit.

• Returning residents’ belongings to their original apartment after construction is complete.

Question 22

If I’m not a senior or do not have a disability, what kind of packing or moving assistance will I receive?

Accepted Answer

MTJV will provide boxes, and our team will give you instructions on where to place them within your apartment, away from construction areas. You will be responsible for packing your belongings and unpacking once you return to your original apartment. You may move your own belongings to and from your hospitality unit, or you may request assistance if needed.

Question 23

Will written materials be available to residents in languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MTJV will make available written notices to residents in English, Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, Russian, and other languages as requested. In addition, MTJV will advise all residents of alternative forms of communication. For example, MTJV will provide a qualified sign language interpreter service free of charge. Residents will also be able to have materials explained orally by a qualified staff person from MTJV, in person, by telephone, text and email.

Question 24

May I authorize someone else to speak on my behalf when interacting with MTJV?

Accepted Answer

Any communication with individual apartments will go through the head of household stated on the lease unless the head of household authorizes another individual to speak on their behalf and the head of household completes the NYCHA authorization form to designate the alternate individual. All official NYCHA notices and forms requiring signatures must be signed by the Head of Household.

Question 25

Can I stop paying my rent during my temporary relocation?

Accepted Answer

No. You must continue to pay your rent as set-forth in your Gowanus Houses lease and remain in good-standing throughout your temporary relocation period. Residents will continue to pay their rent based on the income and household documentation provided at their most recent recertification.

Question 26

Is there a Grievance and Damaged/Lost Property Claim Process available to residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MTJV will provide a process for residents to convey grievances and concerns. At the initial interview, MTJV’s Relocation Specialist will provide each head of household with the grievance and claims process. For resident claims related to lost or damaged personal property that might arise from the moves, MTJV’s Relocation specialist will work directly with each resident for the resolution and possible settlement of any claim(s) concerning damaged or lost property.

Question 27

How long will the temporary relocation last for each apartment? Will we have a choice where we're temporarily relocated to?

Accepted Answer

Most residents will be relocated for no longer than 30 days. Relocations longer than 30 days will be limited to hospitality units, and MJTV will advise those households in advance of their anticipated relocation timeframe.

MTJV and NYCHA will determine the hospitality unit based upon an assessment of household composition and family needs.

Question 28

What specific measures will be taken to ensure our belongings are protected during renovation and relocation?

Accepted Answer

Because all residents will only need to bring with them their essential personal items such as clothing, bed and other linens, medicine, and kitchenware during the temporary relocation, MTJV will protect the remaining personal property by packing all loose items in boxes, moving large items together, wrapping belongings in plastic, and creating a clear pathway for all of the MTJV construction workers to access work areas. Measures will also be taken by MTJV to minimize dust.

Please note that anything of special value to the household should be packed and taken to hospitality unit. All apartments will be left clean and free of construction dust and debris. MTJV will check each apartment at the end of the day to ensure that the entrance doors are locked and the apartment secured.

Question 29

How will you accommodate residents with disabilities during both the renovation and relocation processes?

Accepted Answer

MTJV will accommodate residents with disabilities or other needs in accordance with NYCHA’s applicable rules and regulations. Again, we urge all residents to please discuss any accessibility and reasonable accommodation requirements with MTJV’s relocation specialist during your initial interview. We want to make every effort to address your concerns and needs.

Question 30

Will residents have input on the specific layout of their new kitchens, or just the finishes and colors?

Accepted Answer

No, residents will be given the opportunity to provide input on kitchen and bath finishes, not the layout. The Resident Engagement team will conduct a voting campaign where residents will vote on bathroom and kitchen finishes and colors. The finishes that have the majority vote will be used throughout the project.

Question 31

What type of employment opportunities will be available for residents?

Accepted Answer

Positions will include labor and non-labor opportunities. Residents are encouraged to contact the Resident Engagement team throughout the construction period for information on Section 3 positions available.

Question 32

Is there a dedicated point person assigned to each building or section who we can contact directly with concerns during construction?

Accepted Answer

The Resident Engagement office will be open throughout the course of construction where residents will be able to contact staff directly with all their questions and concerns.

Question 33

What's the contingency plan if construction extends beyond the projected 2027 completion date?

Accepted Answer

NYCHA adopted the design-build model to ensure that the project will be completed on time. To ensure this happens, the construction team has a detailed schedule with regular checkpoints to monitor progress.

Resources will be added and accelerated as needed to complete the project within the planned time. Resident cooperation will also play a critical role in keeping the project on track and moving forward to completion in 2027.

Question 34

Will there be compensation or rent reduction during the construction period to account for disruptions?

Accepted Answer

There is no provision for rent reduction or compensation during the construction period.

Question 35

How will you ensure our security during construction when there might be many workers coming in and out of the buildings?

Accepted Answer

All workers are associated with pre-approved subcontractors. On-site workers must sign in, wear PPE such as high-vis vests and hardhats, and carry identification cards. We will have an onsite management team that will track and monitor these workers to ensure both contract compliance and your safety.

Question 36

Will the renovations include any improvements to common areas, hallways, or elevators beyond just the building entrances?

Accepted Answer

The building entry is the only scope outside of the apartments.

Question 37

What happens if hazardous materials like asbestos are found in unexpected places during construction?

Accepted Answer

The design-build team has hired an experienced environmental consultant to conduct a full survey in the areas of work to test for hazardous materials. If any material is identified as a hazard, it will be addressed in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

Resident cooperation and patience with access to the apartment prior to the start of the work will also be very important to the resolution of all environmental remediation concerns.

Question 38

What about my own renovations if I have made them? What happens to them? Will I be compensated for my investment?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, if your personal renovations are in the kitchen, bathroom, or other scope of work areas, NYCHA will require MTJV to remove those renovations. There is no compensation for past upgrades.

If you have something specific that can be saved, such as a fridge, please discuss this with the MTJV Relocation Specialist to determine if there is a reasonable way to save those items for you.

Question 39

What kind of warranties will be provided for the new appliances, fixtures, and renovations?

Accepted Answer

All new appliances will have manufacturer warranties associated with them. There will be a one-year warranty on all workmanship. Property management will have copies of all warranties.

Question 40

Will there be any upgrades to electrical systems to support modern appliances and technology needs?

Accepted Answer

Bathrooms and kitchens will receive new safety receptacles. The electrical connections to the new appliances will meet the required federal, state and NYC standards. Each apartment will also receive a new electric panel. MTJV’s scope of work with NYCHA does not include the installation of new outlets and power sources in the living room and bedrooms.

Question 41

Will my kitchen have a double sink or a single sink?

Accepted Answer

All kitchens will be equipped with double sinks.

Question 42

How deep are the kitchen sinks?

Accepted Answer

Standard apartments will have sinks that are 8.5 inches deep. Apartments designed to meet Section 504 accessibility layouts will have sinks that are 5.5 inches deep.

Question 43

What will my new kitchen look like?

Accepted Answer

Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Resident Engagement Team, where a representative can walk you through the mock-up apartment and review the updated kitchen layout planned for your specific unit. This will provide an opportunity to see the new finishes, layout, and overall design features included as part of the renovation work.

Question 44

Will each apartment have a washing machine hookup?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each apartment will include a dedicated hot and cold water connection, as well as a drain line for a washing machine.

Question 45

How much space will I have for a washing machine?

Accepted Answer

The available space will vary depending on your kitchen layout, ranging from 24 inches to 30 inches wide.

Question 46

Can you share some washing machine options that can fit within the newly designated space?

Accepted Answer

Please see suggested options below. Please note that prices and availability may change over time.

Question 47

What size refrigerator will be provided?

Accepted Answer

Each apartment will receive a refrigerator with size determined by the kitchen layout. Units will receive a 24” (59.875 H x 24 W x 28.625 D.) or 28” (64.75 H x 28 W x 32.625 D.) refrigerator.

Question 48

What size stove will be provided?

Accepted Answer

The size of the stove will vary depending on your kitchen layout, ranging from 24 inches to 30 inches wide.

Question 49

How will the construction noise and dust be managed, especially for residents who work night shifts or have health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Dust and noise mitigation measures will be in place. We will use DEP-approved measures such as wetting, dust barriers, bagging, vacuuming, and regular cleaning. Exact measures will vary based on the specific work being performed.

The MTJV construction team will be working during standard hours (7AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday). Residents should bring up any construction related concerns to the resident engagement team.

Question 50

Will there still be renovation work happening in my apartment after I return?

Accepted Answer

Minor follow-up work, such as punch list items, inspections, and final signoffs, will still occur after residents return. However, all major renovation work will be completed before residents move back into their apartments.

Question 51

Will there be any improvements to address pest control issues during or after renovation?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, the project includes an integrated pest management system focused on kitchen and bathroom areas. This will involve sealing entry points and improving kitchen waste and recycling storage to help prevent pests.

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