A public housing project with a history of violence is getting a makeover.

The Hartley Houses, located at Winthrop and Horton avenues, were built in the 1940s. Recently, the houses have become notorious for being the location of numerous violent crimes. Last January, a 14-year-old boy was shot while playing a game of dice outside the houses. It?s unknown if the shooting was gang related.

The New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority said Thursday that the Hartley Houses will be knocked down in order to make room for a new low-rise townhouse complex. Residents say they hope the new look of the area will bring with it a better reputation.

The housing authority signed an agreement with a private developer Wednesday. The project, which will cost $50 million, is expected to take three to five years. The deal states that a majority of the houses? current residents will be the first to move into the new complex with a minimum of dislocation.

The first set of houses will be built on a field next to the Hartley Houses. Once complete, residents from two of Hartley?s towers will be invited to move in. Then, the towers will be demolished and construction will continue.

The townhouses will not have stairwells, elevators or long hallways ? all common locations for crime and vandalism. However, some residents are hesitant to believe the new look of the houses will prevent crime. ?There?s crime everywhere,? one neighbor says. ?I don?t care if [the houses are] tall or small. There?s crime.?

Groundbreaking on the project is set to take place in spring 2009.

To see additional interviews about the Hartley Houses being torn down, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.