On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 6:00 PM ET, NYCHA Federal Monitor, Bart M. Schwartz and the monitoring team’s Resident Engagement Team Leader, Asha Muldro, held a virtual community meeting for Bronx residents. A recording of the meeting is available on the Monitor’s YouTube channel.
Mr. Schwartz’s opening remarks addressed the arsenic matter at the Jacob Riis Houses and confirmed that he and the monitoring team are working with the New York City Department of Investigation to review the incident.
Deputy Monitor Dan Brownell informed attendees that the Monitor’s Twelfth Quarterly Report was released and focuses on two critical service areas under the HUD Agreement – heat and capital projects.
Robert Hall, Gun Hill Houses resident association president and a member of the Community Advisory Committee (COC), thanked everyone for the systematic ideas that have been put in place but strongly feels that transparency is still an issue.
Citywide Council of Presidents Inc. (CCOP), Treasurer, and CAC member, Lilithe Lozano, announced that CCOP is working to enforce the Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of NYCHA residents. This includes issues with doors and working with the New York City Police Department.
Ms. Muldro opened the meeting for attendees to ask questions and make suggestions. Although residents from all the boroughs were welcomed to ask questions and provide comments, Bronx residents were given priority during the meeting. Residents discussed a range of issues and concerns related to mental and psychiatric counseling for residents affected by the Jacob Riis Houses matter; the effectiveness of the NYCHA Tracker; lack of response from NYCHA regarding brown water in the taps; homeless people sleeping on the developments’ rooftops; holding contractors accountable for their lack of work related to Super Storm Sandy cleanup; faulty lighting; non-operable intercoms; the status of new boilers; and the continuous safety and security issues within the developments.
Mr. Schwartz closed the meeting informing residents that he will be reviewing NYCHA’s organizational plan when it is complete. He also reminded residents to visit the NYCHAmonitor.com website for information about upcoming meetings.