The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Polo Grounds Towers Improvements project modernized waste management across one of New York City’s densest public housing developments, home to nearly 4,000 residents in Upper Manhattan. The primary goal was to eliminate unsafe and unsanitary manual trash handling practices by implementing a first-of-its-kind pneumatic waste collection system specifically designed for public housing. The project aimed to improve resident quality of life, enhance worker safety and advance sustainability and recycling outcomes at a complex built in the late 1960s.
What challenges did STV address?
The project required integrating advanced infrastructure into four occupied, 30-story residential towers within a constrained urban site. Construction had to proceed with minimal disruption to residents while coordinating among multiple stakeholders and navigating tight underground space, existing utilities and strict building system requirements. The complexity was heightened by the need to integrate the pneumatic system with fire alarm, IT and building management systems while maintaining daily operations across the campus.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV served as Construction Management-Agent and provided project management services, acting as the bridge between the owner and the design-build team. The firm oversaw procurement and management of air monitoring, special inspections and commissioning consultants; conducted constructability and schedule reviews; and coordinated all testing and commissioning activities. STV also applied in-house expertise in fire protection, IT and building systems to resolve field challenges and ensure the pneumatic system performed to specification.
How did this project improve the community?
The completed system transformed waste handling by conveying trash and recyclables underground at high velocity to a central terminal, eliminating on-site trash piles, reducing pests, reclaiming outdoor space and freeing thousands of staff hours previously spent hauling waste. The improvements delivered lasting public health, safety and environmental benefits and established a new model for sustainable infrastructure in public housing.
Key Stats and Accolades
- First pneumatic waste collection system in U.S. public housing
- First U.S. system designed to collect both trash and recyclables
- Serves four 30-story towers and nearly 4,000 residents
- Processes up to 5.5 tons of waste daily
