Velázquez Presents $2 Million Check for Security Lighting Upgrades at NYCHA Borinquen Plaza II

Brooklyn, NY - Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) presented a check for $2,000,000 in Community Project Funding to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for the installation of exterior security lighting at Borinquen Plaza II in Williamsburg. The funding, which Velázquez secured in the FY2026 federal spending bills, will address longstanding safety and security concerns for residents, as well as community members in surrounding areas who regularly pass through the development.

Borinquen Plaza II is home to more than 900 units and thousands of residents, many of whom are aging in place. The investment will replace temporary lighting measures with permanent, modern outdoor lighting across the development's walkways and courtyards.

"The residents of Borinquen Plaza II have been clear: reliable lighting isn't a luxury, it is a fundamental necessity for safety and peace of mind," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "Today, we are delivering on the promise to modernize this development. This $2 million investment will replace temporary measures with permanent, modern lighting that makes our walkways and courtyards safer for seniors and families alike. I am proud to stand with the tenant leaders who fought for this, and I will continue to work to ensure NYCHA residents receive the federal resources they deserve."

"All Brooklynites deserve to live in spaces that feel safe and welcoming, but NYCHA residents have unacceptably been asked to lower their expectations. This $2 million investment from Rep. Velázquez to deliver modern, reliable lighting at Borinquen Plaza II will boost security and have a transformative impact on the community members who walk through this development every day. I am so grateful to Rep. Velázquez for delivering for this community, as she always does," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

"Upgrading the lighting at Borinquen Plaza II is a meaningful investment in residents' security and quality of life," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "These lighting improvements will go a long way to reinforce a feeling of safety for residents walking home at night and promote a welcoming environment for socializing outdoors, enjoying nice weather, and using the campus grounds after dark. We are very grateful to Representative Velázquez for securing this important funding for the residents of Borinquen Plaza II, which will make a tangible difference on the campus."

This is the second NYCHA security lighting check Velázquez has presented this week. On Tuesday, she delivered $3.15 million in Community Project Funding for exterior lighting upgrades at Ravenswood Houses in Queens.

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.

###