A package of legislation meant to support residents of public housing and improve condiditions in the New York Housing Authority has been signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The two pieces of legislation aim to create and maintain a searchable database of ticket numbers showing complaints filed by residents as well as, require that data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments be maintained in the same manner as it is for privately owned housing. These are Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A and Legislation S.72-A/A.9387-A.
"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."
By maintaining a searchable database of ticket numbers, transparency and accountability in the authority's operations should be expanded. Ticket numbers and complaints will be viewable by the public, but will exclude personal information about the residents who file any grievances.
"For far too long, the residents of NYCHA would have their complaints closed out without any information provided, and at times the work not being completed. This bill will provide accountability and transparency for the residents of NYCHA," Assemblymember Brian Barnwell said.
Legislation S.72-A/A.938-7A requires data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments to be maintained in the same way it is for privately owned housing.
"Our public housing should not be insulated from public accountability," State Senator Brad Hoylman said, Right now, there is no system in place that collects data on outstanding code violations in NYCHA residences. Private tenants in New York City can call "311," but complaints that NYCHA residents make do not get recorded... With S.72A, New York City will finally be able to shed a light on the conditions of our NYCHA facilities and give all New Yorkers the safe and clean housing they deserve."
