Rep. Dan Goldman introduced legislation Thursday that would direct federal funding toward upgrading aging boiler systems across New York City Housing Authority developments, targeting a chronic problem that has left thousands of residents without heat during winter months.
The Manhattan Democrat’s bill would create a dedicated funding stream within the Department of Housing and Urban Development specifically for public housing heating infrastructure. Goldman said the measure addresses “a basic human dignity issue” affecting more than 400,000 NYCHA residents across the five boroughs.
“Every winter, we see the same crisis play out in developments from the Bronx to Brooklyn — families bundling up in their own homes because their boilers have failed again,” Goldman said in a statement. “This is unacceptable in the richest city in the richest country in the world.”
NYCHA operates more than 2,500 buildings with heating systems that average 50 years old. The authority estimates it needs $40 billion over the next decade to address its capital needs, with boiler replacements representing a significant portion of that backlog.
Last winter, more than 80,000 NYCHA apartments lost heat or hot water during the coldest months, according to city data. The Stapleton Houses in Staten Island and Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx were among the hardest hit, with some residents going weeks without consistent heating.
Goldman’s office said the congressman has been working with NYCHA leadership and tenant advocates to craft the legislation. The bill would authorize $2 billion over five years specifically for heating system upgrades and would streamline the federal approval process for emergency boiler repairs.
“This isn’t just about comfort — it’s about health and safety,” said Maria Torres, a Castle Hill resident and member of the NYCHA Tenant Advisory Committee. “My grandson has asthma, and the cold, damp conditions make it worse every winter.”
The proposal faces an uphill battle in a Republican-controlled House, but Goldman said he’s optimistic about building bipartisan support by framing the issue as infrastructure investment rather than social spending.
NYCHA Chair Eva Trimble called the legislation “exactly the kind of targeted federal support our residents deserve” and said the authority would work with Goldman’s office to provide technical input on implementation.
The bill is expected to be formally introduced when Congress returns from recess next week.
