Over 30 Years of Community Resilience
From a 1987 grassroots agreement to 529 units of resident-controlled hosing, our history is the story of the Lower East Side fighting for its future
1987 – 1990
The Foundation
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The Seeds of Change: It started with a 1987 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Community Board #3 and the City of New York. This established the "Cross-Subsidy Program" to turn vacant buildings into homes.
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Official Incorporation: On April 24, 1990, we were officially born as the People’s Mutual Housing Association (PMHA), the primary vehicle for rehabilitating the neighborhood.
1993 – 1995
Rapid Growth & Merger
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First 277 Units: By 1993, we fully renovated 21 vacant buildings, securing $20.2 million in funding to protect low-income families and formerly homeless neighbors.
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The New LESPMHA: In 1995, a merger with the Lower East Side Mutual Housing Association expanded our reach and gave us our current name.
1998 – 2011
Building Against the Odds
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Navigating Challenges: Despite the delays caused by the events of September 11, 2001, we pushed forward with major developments on East 3rd and East 2nd Streets.
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Commercial Vitality: We didn't just build homes; we added 21 commercial spaces to ensure local merchants could keep the Lower East Side economy thriving.
2012 – Today
A Legacy of Support
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The Mary Spink Apartments: In 2012, we broke ground on a 46-unit supportive housing project. Completed in 2015, these apartments provide housing and vital services in partnership with Community Access.
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Total Impact: Today, LESPMHA manages 544 units of low and moderate-income housing, standing as a beacon of stability in an ever-changing city.
Owned by the Association. Led by the Residents
LESPMHA is unique because we remove the "arcane" complexity of New York City property management while keeping the power in the hands of the people who live here.
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Democratic Ownership: All buildings are owned exclusively by the Association.
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A Majority Voice: After the first five years, residents hold a one-vote majority on our 13-member Board of Directors.
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Daily Support: We handle the technical operations and repairs so that our Resident Council and Building Committees can focus on the long-term direction of their community.
