Salamanca Requests Action is Taken by NYCHA Following DOI Report

Following a DOI investigation and report outlining that NYCHA falsified reports surrounding compliance of federal and city laws on lead paint inspections and abatement, Council Member Salamanca has called for immediate action to be taken to address the agency's negligence.  "The findings in this report are truly unacceptable, and leaves me deeply concerned for my constituents in public housing," said Council Member Salamanca. "I have visited apartments far too many times where paint is peeling, notably in units with small children."  "I want to be able to honestly tell them that their homes do not leave their children susceptible to lead poisoning - something clearly I’m not confident I can do currently." Salamanca is requesting the following actions be taken immediately: - Immediately conducting visual assessments for lead-based paint hazards in a sufficient sampling of units in all NYCHA developments in Council District 17, and in all units known to house children under the age of 6 years of age. - Immediate abatement of all units that are known to contain samples of lead paint, starting with units housing children in all NYCHA developments in Council District 17. - As suggested in the DOI report, hiring a third-party monitor to ensure compliance with safety laws and rules concerning lead-based paint inspections. The independent integrity monitor should conduct field spot-checks to ensure that annual apartment inspections are done, needed abatement is completed, and quality assurance re-inspections are duly performed in accordance with Local Law 1 of 2004 and 24 C.F.R. 35. - Delivering to my office all data surrounding mandatory safety inspections for lead paint in the NYCHA developments located in Council District 17, including PHA Certifications of Compliance with PHA Plans and Related Regulations (HUD Form 50077); visual inspection data pertinent to my district; data that demonstrates compliance with Local Law 1 of 2004 and 24 C.F.R. 35; and all other documentation demonstrating compliance with local lead laws.

In addition to the requests outlined, Salamanca also is planning to introduce a resolution urging for NYCHA to hire a third-party monitor in order to better ensure compliance.  "It's my hope that we can turn the tide on bringing real accountability to NYCHA on these issues, because anything less is unacceptable," said Salamanca. "I intend to keep the pressure high until we see meaningful change in their processes."  EDITOR'S NOTE: The DOI report can be found in the previous posting on this blog.