Hate flyers targeting NYCHA redevelopment spark condemnation from city officials

The ambitious overhaul of the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea NYCHA complexes, a partnership between the New York City Housing Authority, Essen Development and The Related Companies, aims to deliver 3,454 mixed-income units, including 1,038 permanently affordable homes. While the plan enjoys support from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Rep. Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, state Sen. Erik Bottcher and City Councilman Carl Wilson, a series of antisemitic, racist and homophobic flyers have surfaced near the site.

The posters vilify the project as “Zionist” and single out officials like Sen. Bottcher and NYCHA executive Lakeesha Miller with personal attacks. Community members acknowledge genuine worries about demolition but condemn the hateful messaging. Spokespersons for the mayor’s office and NYCHA have labeled the flyers as vile and pledged to use every tool to combat such hatred. The redevelopment will first refurbish 2,056 existing units before constructing new buildings, with most residents expected to stay in place during the three- to four-year construction timeline.