Today, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. as a member of the Council Public Housing Committee heard nearly five hours of testimony pertaining to oversight on NYCHA’s compliance with lead paint testing, including the falsification of documents certifying compliance with federal law. He had the following takeaways.
On the falsification of records by NYCHA on compliance with federal law
“Chair Olatoye did nothing to alleviate concerns and bring clarity to the rationale behind why she certified that NYCHA was in compliance with federal regulations despite her knowledge that this was not true.
‘While I am not an attorney, this seems like textbook perjury. I have lost complete and total faith in Chair Olatoye and the current administration in place at NYCHA, and believe she should resign immediately.”
On the testing, remediation and abatement of lead paint in NYCHA apartments
“I want to echo Chair Torres’ concerns surrounding the testing of units by individuals who did not receive the proper training.
‘NYCHA’s admission that individuals were not properly trained to do all of the needed testing is unbelievable. It immediately brings into question the legitimacy of previous testing, something that should concern all of us.”
On a third-party monitor
“I remain completely convinced that the installation of a third-party monitor, whether it be under the purview of the Department of Investigation, the Southern District or the state of New York, must happen as soon as possible to ensure the proper compliance of lead paint testing and abatement.”
On the new NYCHA compliance officer
“We need real transparency, and that requires that there is the creation a defined schedule in which the new Chief Compliance Officer will publish updates pertaining to the oversight of NYCHA’s regulatory compliance for the Council, tenants and the public.”
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