STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ
“Shola Olatoye’s time at the New York City Housing Authority was fraught with controversy. During her tenure, NYCHA further eroded the trust of the more than 400,000 New Yorkers who live in our public housing system—the very people the agency is charged to serve.
“Governor Cuomo’s recent announcement that he would heed the call of myself and others and issue an emergency declaration for NYCHA demonstrated that Ms. Olatoye’s position at the agency was untenable.
“Today's announcement allows our city to move forward. A leadership change at NYCHA is a welcome step towards rebuilding the reputation of the agency. I wish Ms. Olatoye well in her future endeavors,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT
“Thank you outgoing chairwoman Shola Olatoye for four years of service with NYCHA, a critical and valuable resource to New Yorkers that has served hundreds of thousands of residents in public housing throughout the City’s five boroughs,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).
“We recently announced a significant increase of federal funding allocated for HUD, New York housing and NYCHA, including an increase in the Public Housing Capital from $1.942 billion to $2.75 billion, of which NYCHA will see a significant increase above last fiscal year’s funding level of $346,326,398, and an increase to Section 8 housing by 8.5% which will create more than 5,000 vouchers for residents. This was funding that was long overdue. It remains critical that we continue to invest federal funds and resources in NYCHA programs in an effort to support sustainable programs and create opportunities that will allow low and moderate income residents the ability to secure safe and affordable housing for their families.
“As we move forward during this transition, building on the increased federal investment in public housing, I look forward to working with Interim NYCHA Chairperson Stan Brezenoff in continued efforts to make NYCHA a better place for all residents.”
STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA
The departure of Chairwoman Shola Olatoye is a disappointment, despite the scandals that rattled her and the authority in recent months. Lest we forget, the New York City Housing Authority is plagued by decades of negligence and chronic divestment. Ms. Olatoye was a dedicated public servant and partner who took on the toughest issues facing New Yorkers living in public housing. She and her team reduced repair times, forged new opportunities for residents, and helped secure more funding from the City and State than we've seen in years. While most cities have abandoned or demolished public housing, she fought for the health, safety, and affordability of over 300,000 units. Although it is notable that NYCHA's needs are finally at the forefront, those who care about our fellow New Yorkers living and working in these developments should remember that NYCHA is not a political talking point. Residents have real concerns about their homes that require long-term investment and innovative solutions. Ms. Olatoye recognized the need and the complexity of bringing our public housing stock into the 21st century. I am saddened that she will no longer be on the front lines of our fight.
