Residents of the Nostrand Houses in Sheepshead Bay are one step closer to major improvements after city officials announced the closing of a $607 million financing deal that will fund a full-scale renovation of the Brooklyn public housing development.

The funding, made possible through the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, will support comprehensive upgrades to more than 1,100 apartments at the NYCHA complex.

For longtime resident and Nostrand Houses Tenant Union President Barbara McFadden, the announcement marks the end of years of advocacy.

"A couple of times, I didn't even want to come home. It's depressing," McFadden said.

McFadden said poor living conditions have frustrated residents for years.

"The way we living now, it's not safe, it's not healthy," she said.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined residents to announce the financial closing, which clears the way for construction to begin. City officials say the deal represents a significant milestone for one of the first developments to participate in the Preservation Trust program.

"When residents vote to participate in the trust, as they did here at Nostrand Houses, they unlock more than 10 times the amount of public funding to deliver the improvements they have long waited for," Mamdani said.

The Preservation Trust was created through state legislation signed in 2022 to help address NYCHA's extensive capital repair needs. Nostrand Houses became the first development to join the program after residents voted in favor of participation in 2023.

McFadden recalled organizing alongside residents from developments across New York City to push for the legislation needed to make the trust a reality.

Renderings released by the city show plans for new kitchens and flooring, upgraded heating and hot water systems, enhanced security features and new elevators.

Resident Marvin, who has lived at Nostrand Houses for 11 years, said the improvements are badly needed.

"We're trying to do the best we can with what we have," he said.

While residents are still waiting for work to begin inside individual apartments, Marvin said he remains hopeful.

"They haven't given me a time yet. I am still waiting patiently, and I am looking for a better future for people in the area and Nostrand Houses residents," he said.

Three other NYCHA developments have also voted to join the Public Preservation Trust. Under the program, developments remain publicly owned and continue to be managed by NYCHA.

Construction at Nostrand Houses is expected to begin in October, with the project projected to be completed by 2031