HUD: NYC Housing Authority agrees to resolve inadequate housing conditions

The largest public housing authority in the US will deal with widespread issues of lead, mold, and pest infestations

By Francis Monfort

12 Jun 2018

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) together with New York City has entered an agreement the federal government to resolves a civil complaint against NYCHA over inadequate housing conditions, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced.

NYCHA, the nation's largest public housing authority, will now work to correct lead-based paint and other health and safety hazards. The agreement, which was entered with HUD, the Justice Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency, will resolve widespread issues of lead, mold, pest infestations, and other conditions.

Pursuant to the agreement, New York City will pour at least $1.2 billion into efforts to abate lead-based paint hazards in tens of thousands of public housing units. The funding will also be used to correct deficiencies such as inadequate heating, failing elevators, and a backlog of work orders. A monitor will be appointed by the court to oversee the city's corrective action plan and ensure compliance with the agreement.

In April, New York State placed the housing authority under a state of emergency. The state committed up to $550 million to help NYCHA resolve health and safety issues. More than 400,000 residents live in NYCHA properties, exceeding the number of residents living in the next ten largest public housing authorities combined.

New York City also agreed to provide $1 billion in capital funding over the first four years of the agreement, $200 million in capital funding each year after the initial four-year period, and additional operating and capital funds through 2027.

Following the agreement, HUD will lift its 'zero threshold' for NYCHA and allow the agency to resume spending its existing public housing capital funding without seeking prior HUD approval.