BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — A Brooklyn housing complex is receiving long-awaited federal funding to improve safety for residents.

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez presented a $2 million federal check to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for new exterior security lighting at Borinquen Plaza II in Bushwick. The lighting project aims to make the area safer for residents and neighbors who walk through the complex at night.

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NYCHA receives about $800 million in funding each year to support more than 300 public housing developments citywide. But leaders say demand is far greater than the money available.

“We have over 300 developments, and we have to spread that funding around; unfortunately, it’s not enough,” said Brian Honan, Executive Vice President of NYCHA.

At Borinquen Plaza, residents have long asked for better lighting to help reduce crime and make it safer to walk at night.

“Its a safety issue. The more lighting there is, people can see from the window, people will see where they walking or if anybody is coming after them,” said Eloisa Row, President of the Borinquen Plaza Tenant Association.

NYCHA says the Borinquen Plaza lighting project will likely begin next year, and residents can track progress on the NYCHA Capital Tracker website.

Honan says even with limited federal funds, the agency remains committed to ensuring residents have safe and livable homes.

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“Yes, we do have issues on the federal level, yes we do have issues with funding, but for residents who pay their rent, residents who do what they’re supposed to, they deserve to live in decent apartments,” Honan said.

Velázquez says she used the appropriations process to secure funding for several NYCHA developments in her district.

“One of the biggest problems that we have throughout the public housing developments across the city, is that the federal government has not allocated any money to improve the physical infrastructure,” she said.

Row says she’s also pushing for additional improvements within the development, but sees this project as a meaningful start.

“Baby steps,” she said.

For more information on this project, click here.

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