Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Support Public Housing Residents and Improve Conditions in NYCHA

 

S.7859-A/A.8612-A Requires NYCHA to Have a Searchable Database of Ticket Numbers

S.72-A/A.9387-A Relates to Maintaining Public Data of Open Code Violations in NYCHA Developments

 Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislation to support residents of public housing and improve conditions in the New York City Housing Authority. Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A requires NYCHA to create and maintain a searchable database of ticket numbers showing complaints filed by residents. Legislation S.72-A/A.9387-A requires that data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments be maintained in the same manner as it is for privately owned housing.

"For too long, public housing residents in New York City have been forced to deal with unacceptable living conditions — but we're working to make change," Governor Hochul said. "Increasing transparency and accountability in NYCHA will help improve operations and provide residents with the tools they need to track progress on repairs and improvements."

Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A requires NYCHA to have a searchable database of ticket numbers, which will expand transparency and accountability in the authority's operations. Ticket numbers and complaints will be viewable by the public, but will exclude personal information about the residents who file any grievances.

Legislation S.72-A/A.938-7A requires data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments be maintained in the same way it is for privately owned housing, which will shed light on the condition of said public housing.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "NYCHA residents deserve the same safe, high-quality, affordable housing that every New Yorker deserves, and I am glad to have Governor Hochul as a partner in the effort to make that a reality. Finally, we have a governor and a mayor working together to deliver real, much-needed improvements in NYCHA, and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to build on the Public Housing Preservation Trust and give NYCHA residents the clean, safe homes they need."

The signing of this legislation builds upon Governor Hochul's dedication to providing safe, affordable housing for New Yorkers. In July alone, Governor Hochul announced the completion of affordable housing projects in Niagara County and Oswego, and the start of construction on affordable housing projects in Seneca County and East Buffalo.

In June, Governor Hochul signed legislation creating the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, a public benefit corporation, to help fund repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of 25,000 apartments under NYCHA control. The Trust also guarantees homes are kept affordable by preserving rights that ensure residents only pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, residents maintain all current succession rights, apartments will continue to be reserved for low-income residents, and that apartment vacancies will continue to be filled using the NYCHA waiting list.