New York City Council
Committee on Public Housing
Sep 18, 2024
·
11:00 AM
2 hr 3 min
Summary
A hearing on NYCHA rent arrears and evictions resulting from underfunding of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
Discussions focused on:
- The current state of rent arrears at NYCHA (nearly $487 million owed by about 70,000 households)
- Reduced rent collection rates (68% down from 90% pre-pandemic)
- Implementation of rental assistance programs
- Eviction rates
- Challenges in RAD/PACT conversion properties
The hearing also addressed NYCHA's outreach efforts, tenant support programs, and the impact of arrears on NYCHA's ability to maintain and improve properties.
Features testimony from NYCHA officials, legal aid representatives, housing advocates, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Chris Banks opens Public Housing Committee meeting and addresses rent arrears issue
Council Member Chris Banks opens the Public Housing Committee meeting, addressing the critical issue of rent arrears in NYCHA housing following the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the challenges faced by …
0:00:24
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148 sec
Introduction to NYCHA's testimony on rent arrears
Eva Trimble, NYCHA's Chief Operating Officer, introduces herself and her team to the City Council committee on public housing. She sets the stage for discussing the critical matter of rent …
0:03:08
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35 sec
NYCHA's mission and the critical role of rent payments
NYCHA's century-old mission of providing affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers remains unchanged. Rent payments are crucial for NYCHA's operations and maintenance of aging buildings. - Rent constitutes one-third of …
0:03:44
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45 sec
Current state of rent arrears at NYCHA
NYCHA is facing a significant challenge with rent arrears, which have increased dramatically since 2019. The agency is currently collecting only a fraction of the rent owed, impacting its ability …
0:04:29
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38 sec
NYCHA's eviction rates and policies
NYCHA maintains low eviction rates compared to other public housing authorities and the citywide average. Eviction is used as a last resort after exhausting all other options to resolve tenant …
0:05:08
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124 sec
NYCHA's assistance programs for residents struggling with rent
NYCHA has implemented various policies and programs to assist residents who are falling behind on rent payments. These initiatives aim to keep residents housed and provide support during financial hardships. …
0:07:13
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96 sec
ERAP funding efforts and impact on rent arrears
NYCHA successfully advocated for and obtained significant ERAP funding to help address rent arrears. This collaborative effort has helped stabilize the rent arrears situation, though challenges remain due to delays …
0:08:51
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87 sec
New rental assistance programs to address arrears
NYCHA is implementing two additional rental assistance programs to provide financial relief to residents impacted by the pandemic. These programs aim to address the buildup of arrears that occurred during …
0:10:19
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38 sec
Conclusion: NYCHA's commitment to residents and future plans
NYCHA reaffirms its primary mission of keeping residents housed while balancing the need for funding to maintain and improve its properties. The agency expresses its commitment to continuing efforts to …
0:10:57
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20 sec
Current state of rent arrears in NYCHA properties
Council Member Banks inquires about the current state of rent arrears in NYCHA properties. Annika Lescott-Martinez, NYCHA's Chief Financial Officer, reveals that nearly 70,000 households have rent arrears totaling $487 …
0:11:17
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44 sec
Historical progression of rent arrears and current collection rate
This chapter details the historical progression of rent arrears in NYCHA properties and discusses the current rent collection rate. Annika Lescott-Martinez provides a year-by-year breakdown of the increasing rent arrears …
0:12:01
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109 sec
ERAP and HOME-ARP funding distribution and process
This chapter focuses on the distribution and process of ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) and HOME-ARP (Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan) funding for NYCHA. Annika Lescott-Martinez explains the current …
0:13:51
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102 sec
Conversations with HUD and impact of arrears on NYCHA operations
This chapter discusses NYCHA's conversations with HUD about potential extraordinary measures to address rent arrears and the impact of these arrears on NYCHA's operations. Annika Lescott-Martinez explains the ongoing dialogue …
0:15:33
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83 sec
NYCHA's rent collection and tenant outreach processes
This chapter details NYCHA's rent collection processes and tenant outreach efforts. Eva Trimble, NYCHA's Chief Operating Officer, explains the various methods used to collect rent and assist residents with payments. …
0:16:58
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130 sec
Income recertification process and outreach methods
This chapter focuses on NYCHA's income recertification process and the various outreach methods used to engage with residents about rent collection and arrears. Eva Trimble explains the procedures and channels …
0:19:08
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141 sec
Responsibility and quality assurance for rent collection within NYCHA
This chapter discusses the responsibility for rent collection and income recertification within NYCHA, as well as the quality assurance measures in place. Eva Trimble explains the roles of housing assistants …
0:21:30
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134 sec
NYCHA's role in PACT developments and monitoring of partners
This chapter explores NYCHA's role in assisting tenants in PACT (Permanent Affordability Commitment Together) developments and how the agency monitors its partners. Gillian Connell from the Real Estate Development Department …
0:23:45
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177 sec
Involvement of CBOs in PACT/RAD conversions and concerns about social services
This chapter delves into the involvement of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in PACT/RAD conversions and addresses concerns about the effectiveness of social services in these developments. Council Member Banks raises questions …
0:26:42
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4 min
Concerns about impartial hearings and Section 8 recertification timelines
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez raises concerns about constituents receiving termination letters for recertifications not yet due. She asks about the process and timeline for these notices, particularly for Section …
0:30:48
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123 sec
NYCHA's collaboration with HRA for one-shot deals
Council Member Sanchez inquires about NYCHA's collaboration with the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to connect residents with one-shot deals. Eva Trimble, NYCHA's Chief Operating Officer, explains their partnership with HRA, …
0:32:53
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90 sec
NYCHA's rent collection rates: pre-pandemic vs. current
Council Member Sanchez asks about NYCHA's current rent collection rate of 68% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Annika Lescott-Martinez, NYCHA's Chief Financial Officer, provides a comparison of rent collection rates and …
0:34:21
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43 sec
Financial hardship claims and interim recertifications trends
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the trends in financial hardship claims and interim recertifications. Eva Trimble, NYCHA's Chief Operating Officer, provides data on the number of interim recertifications processed over …
0:35:06
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66 sec
Council member inquires about one-shot deals and denied applications
Council Member Darlene Mealy questions NYCHA officials about one-shot deals, specifically asking about the number of approved and denied applications. She expresses concern about the potential impact on homelessness for …
0:36:18
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151 sec
Discussion on SNAP benefits for tenants in hardship
Council Member Darlene Mealy inquires about NYCHA's process for connecting tenants with SNAP benefits, particularly for those facing hardship. She emphasizes the importance of this assistance for preventing rent increases …
0:38:17
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73 sec
Council member expresses concern about inaccurate information from previous hearing
Council Member Darlene Mealy raises an issue about receiving inaccurate information during a previous hearing regarding the removal of a tree stump. She emphasizes the importance of accountability in providing …
0:39:30
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64 sec
Inquiry about Council's role in addressing rent arrears crisis
Council Member Darlene Mealy asks about the potential assistance the City Council can offer to address the rent arrears crisis in NYCHA properties. NYCHA's Chief Operating Officer, Eva Trimble, responds …
0:40:36
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45 sec
Discussion on future legislative acts and funding to address rent arrears
Council Member Darlene Mealy inquires about future legislative acts and funding to address the rent arrears crisis. NYCHA's Chief Financial Officer, Annika Lescott-Martinez, provides information on current and upcoming programs. …
0:41:21
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83 sec
Advocacy for Section 3 jobs for NYCHA tenants in outreach programs
Council Member Darlene Mealy advocates for NYCHA tenants to be hired for Section 3 jobs related to outreach efforts for rent arrears programs. She emphasizes the importance of providing employment …
0:42:45
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106 sec
Current status of RAD/PACT conversions in NYCHA
Council Member Erik Bottcher inquires about the current number of NYCHA apartments that have undergone or are in the process of RAD/PACT conversion. Gillian Connell from NYCHA's Real Estate Development …
0:44:49
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31 sec
Comparison of rent collection rates in RAD/PACT vs traditional NYCHA properties
Council Member Erik Bottcher inquires about the difference in rent collection rates between RAD/PACT developments and traditional public housing. NYCHA officials provide the following information: - RAD/PACT developments have a …
0:45:21
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97 sec
Factors contributing to higher rent collection rates in RAD/PACT properties
Council Member Erik Bottcher and NYCHA officials discuss the factors contributing to the higher rent collection rate in RAD/PACT properties compared to traditional public housing: 1. Rent forgiveness during conversion: …
0:46:59
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157 sec
Comparison of eviction rates in RAD/PACT vs traditional NYCHA properties
Council Member Erik Bottcher inquires about eviction rates in RAD/PACT properties compared to traditional public housing. NYCHA officials provide the following information: - RAD/PACT sites have an eviction rate of …
0:49:36
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126 sec
NYCHA's pre-eviction and eviction process for nonpayment cases
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's pre-eviction and eviction process for nonpayment cases. Hannah Roth, Vice President for Legal Affairs at NYCHA, explains the steps taken before and during …
0:51:43
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96 sec
Number of tenants receiving pre-eviction outreach and eviction cases
Council Member Chris Banks asks for specific numbers related to pre-eviction outreach and eviction cases. Hannah Roth provides current statistics on NYCHA's eviction proceedings and actions. - NYCHA has about …
0:53:20
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74 sec
Use of marshals in the eviction process
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the role of marshals in NYCHA's eviction process and the recourse available for tenants who feel mistreated by marshals. Hannah Roth explains the use …
0:54:35
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97 sec
Alternative methods to address rent arrears
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about alternative methods to address rent arrears besides evictions. NYCHA officials discuss ongoing efforts and programs. - NYCHA is working through various rental assistance programs …
0:56:14
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42 sec
Potential role of Public Housing Community Fund in addressing rent arrears
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the potential role of the Public Housing Community Fund in addressing rent arrears. Eva Trimble, Chief Operating Officer of NYCHA, discusses the fund's current …
0:56:57
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80 sec
Rent arrears, recertification, and eviction processes in PACT developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the processes for rent arrears, recertification, and evictions in PACT developments. Gillian Connell from NYCHA's Real Estate Development Department explains the procedures. - PACT …
0:58:17
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62 sec
Tenant education about PACT development processes
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about tenant education regarding PACT development processes, particularly during the transition phase. Gillian Connell explains the information provided to residents. - Discussions about resident rights …
0:59:20
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44 sec
Oversight of rent arrears, income recertification, and evictions in PACT developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the interaction between PACT developments and the Office of Impartial Hearings, as well as oversight of various processes in PACT developments. NYCHA officials explain …
1:00:03
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116 sec
Agreements between NYCHA and PACT developers for rent arrears collection
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about agreements between NYCHA and PACT developers for rent arrears collection, including specific developments and amounts collected. NYCHA officials provide clarification on the process. - …
1:02:00
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137 sec
Oversight of rent arrears and evictions in PACT developments
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about oversight of rent arrears, income recertification, and evictions in PACT developments. Gillian Connell from NYCHA's Real Estate Development Department provides information on interim recertifications …
1:04:19
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42 sec
Litigation and evictions related to RAD/PACT conversions
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA representatives about litigation and evictions related to residents not signing Section 8 leases in RAD/PACT conversions. Key points discussed include: - 440 active holdover …
1:05:01
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136 sec
NYCHA's oversight role in RAD/PACT conversion issues
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about NYCHA's oversight role in RAD/PACT conversion controversies. The discussion covers: - NYCHA's monitoring of eviction proceedings in PACT developments - Notification process for PACT …
1:07:17
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173 sec
NYCHA's engagement in RAD/PACT developments and concerns about developer trustworthiness
Council Member Chris Banks questions NYCHA's engagement in local Tenant Association meetings for RAD/PACT developments and expresses concerns about developer trustworthiness. Key points: - NYCHA confirms staff attendance at various …
1:10:11
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88 sec
Lessons from ERAP and future advocacy for funding
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about lessons learned from the ERAP program and future advocacy plans. NYCHA's Chief Financial Officer, Annika Lescott-Martinez, responds: - NYCHA learned about the power of …
1:11:40
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99 sec
Impact of evictions and rent arrears crisis on NYCHA operations
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the potential costs of evicting tenants and the impact of the rent arrears crisis on NYCHA's operations. Key points from NYCHA representatives: - NYCHA …
1:13:20
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114 sec
Future legislative requests and rent collection goals
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about future legislative requests to address rent arrears and NYCHA's rent collection goals. NYCHA's Chief Financial Officer, Annika Lescott-Martinez, responds: - NYCHA continues to advocate …
1:15:14
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93 sec
Steps for residents with rent arrears and NYCHA's service improvement efforts
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about steps for NYCHA residents with rent arrears and NYCHA's role in improving services. Key points from NYCHA representatives: - Residents should meet with housing …
1:16:47
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3 min
Council Member Mealy questions NYCHA on tenant interventions and funding allocation
Council Member Darlene Mealy questions NYCHA officials about their interventions in tenant eviction cases and the allocation of funding for resident employment programs. The discussion covers NYCHA's role in mediating …
1:20:08
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3 min
Testimony by Alex MacDougall, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society, on NYCHA Rent Arrears and ERAP Implementation
Alex MacDougall, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, testified about the impact of ERAP implementation on NYCHA tenants and issues with the arrears payment process. She criticized the …
1:26:09
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3 min
ERAP credit issues for RAD/PACT tenants
Council Member Chris Banks and Alex MacDougall from the Legal Aid Society discuss the lack of transparency in ERAP credit notifications for RAD/PACT tenants. They highlight the struggles of tenants, …
1:29:12
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22 sec
Evictions and management practices in RAD/PACT properties
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about evictions and management practices in RAD/PACT properties. Alex MacDougall from the Legal Aid Society responds, highlighting concerns about aggressive eviction practices and issues arising …
1:29:34
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90 sec
Testimony by Metin N Sarci, Public Housing Expert, on NYCHA Rent Arrears and Evictions
Metin N Sarci, a public housing expert with 12 years of experience, testified about the rent arrears and eviction situation in NYCHA. He criticized the state's handling of the ERAP …
1:31:04
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3 min
Testimony by Adam Roberts, Representative of New York Apartment Association (NYAA)
Adam Roberts, representing the New York Apartment Association (NYAA), testified about the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on renters and housing providers in New York City. He highlighted the limitations …
1:34:21
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169 sec
Testimony by Brianna Williams, Senior Planner of Housing Justice Initiatives at Center for Justice Innovation
Brianna Williams from the Center for Justice Innovation testified about the challenges faced by NYCHA tenants, particularly regarding rent arrears and access to rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. She …
1:37:14
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176 sec
Council member inquires about furniture issues after RAD/PACT conversions
Council Member Darlene Mealy asks Legal Aid Society if they've encountered tenants who had issues with their furniture after RAD/PACT conversions. Alex MacDougall from Legal Aid Society confirms they've received …
1:40:14
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34 sec
Council member expresses concerns about apartment sizes and furniture issues in NYCHA renovations
Council Member Darlene Mealy shares her concerns about NYCHA apartment renovations, particularly regarding reduced apartment sizes and furniture issues. She mentions a specific case where a tenant was asked to …
1:40:49
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37 sec
Council member addresses concerns about furniture damage during renovations
Council Member Chris Banks responds to concerns about furniture damage during RAD/PACT conversions. He acknowledges the problem of tenants not receiving compensation for damaged furniture during rehabs. - Banks confirms …
1:41:28
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39 sec
Testimony by Aixa Torres, President of Alfred E. Smith Houses, on NYCHA Rent Arrears and ERAP
Aixa Torres, President of Alfred E. Smith Houses, testified about the challenges NYCHA residents faced with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and criticized NYCHA's legal department for not helping …
1:44:52
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128 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown Jeter, Member of the Public
Sharon Brown Jeter provided testimony focusing on the need to prioritize housing for homeless military veterans and first responders. She also made comments about supporting Israel. - Called for immediate …
1:47:10
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121 sec
Testimony by Manuel Martinez, President of South Jamaica Houses Resident Association, on NYCHA Rent Arrears and Funding Issues
Manuel Martinez, President of South Jamaica Houses Resident Association, testified about the critical issues facing NYCHA residents regarding rent arrears and funding shortfalls. He highlighted the exclusion of public housing …
1:49:19
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155 sec
Testimony by Travis Bostick, Director of Policy and Research at Association for Neighborhood Housing and Development (ANHD)
Travis Bostick from ANHD testifies about the inadequate funding of ERAP and its impact on NYCHA residents and affordable housing in New York City. He urges the City Council to …
1:52:07
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114 sec
Testimony by Jack Underwood, Deputy Director of Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A
Jack Underwood, Deputy Director of Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, testified about the challenges faced by NYCHA residents in accessing ERAP funds and the need for expanded legal services. He …
1:54:05
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149 sec
Testimony by Teresa Scott, NYCHA Resident and President of Reference Alton, on NYCHA Accountability and Resident Concerns
Teresa Scott, a NYCHA resident and president of Reference Alton, testifies about the frustrations residents face when dealing with NYCHA, particularly regarding the lack of answers and accountability from the …
1:56:51
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164 sec
Testimony by NYCHA Resident on Public Housing Concerns
A NYCHA resident expresses concerns about the potential conversion of their housing from Section 9 to RAD/PACT (Section 8), citing fears of homelessness and loss of tenant protections. The resident …
2:00:43
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129 sec
