Velázquez Presents $3.15 Million Check for Security Lighting Upgrades at Ravenswood Houses

Queens, NY - Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) presented a check for $3,150,000 in Community Project Funding to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for the installation of exterior security lighting at Ravenswood Houses in Queens. The funding, which Velázquez secured in the FY2026 federal spending bills, will support lighting upgrades to address longstanding safety and environmental health concerns raised by residents.

The project will replace diesel-powered floodlights currently in use at the development, which release harmful fumes that negatively impact respiratory health, particularly for children, seniors, and residents with asthma or other respiratory conditions. The new lighting will improve visibility in dimly lit areas, help deter crime, and eliminate residents' exposure to diesel emissions.

"Ravenswood residents have been raising safety and health concerns about lighting at this development for years, and today we are delivering a real solution," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "This $3.15 million investment will make Ravenswood safer and healthier for families by replacing dangerous diesel floodlights with cleaner, modern lighting. I am proud to have fought for this funding in Congress, and I want to thank the residents and tenant leaders who advocated relentlessly for this project."

Ravenswood resident Christina Chaise played a key role in advocating for this project, raising the issue of diesel floodlight fumes during community meetings and pushing for a solution. Velázquez recognized Chaise at the event for her advocacy on behalf of Ravenswood residents.

"For 10 years I endured those lights shining into my bedroom window, impacting my quality of sleep and my mental health. After giving birth to my son, these became conditions I would no longer accept, for his sake, and for the sake of the children and elders of Ravenswood who are more susceptible to experiencing serious health issues due to diesel emissions. We have the right to breathe clean fresh air and not have to risk our safety. We should not have to sacrifice one for the other," said Christina Chaise, Ravenswood Houses resident.

The security lighting project is one of 13 Community Project Funding initiatives that Velázquez secured in the FY2026 spending package, totaling over $15.5 million for New York's 7th District.

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