Audit Reveals Unsafe Conditions and Questionable Spending in NYC Affordable Housing Developments

An audit conducted by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli exposed severe safety concerns and more than $1 million in questionable spending at three affordable housing developments in New York City. These developments, part of the Mitchell-Lama program, serve middle-income families but were found to have significant maintenance issues, including mold, collapsed ceilings, and pest infestations.

The audit inspected properties in Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island, identifying hazardous conditions such as exposed wiring, broken fire safety doors, and water damage. DiNapoli’s report criticized the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for failing to provide adequate oversight of these developments. “The conditions identified in this audit are unacceptable,” DiNapoli said, urging the city to improve its management of the Mitchell-Lama program.

In addition to safety issues, the audit uncovered financial discrepancies. Around $1.6 million in spending at these complexes was found to be inadequately documented or unrelated to necessary operations. Furthermore, the developments lost $1.5 million in rental revenue due to long-term vacancies, primarily caused by delays in inspecting and approving vacant units.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, along with other city and state officials, expressed concern over these findings. Williams emphasized the need for reforms to ensure that tenants live in safe and dignified conditions. State Senator Brian Kavanagh also called for prioritizing the maintenance of these properties to protect the well-being of residents.

The Mitchell-Lama program, established in 1955, provides affordable housing to nearly 47,000 families across 93 developments in the city. However, the audit revealed that a lack of oversight and delayed repairs have contributed to the deterioration of these buildings, raising questions about the program’s ability to continue providing safe housing.

HPD responded to the audit by pledging to improve its oversight of the developments, focusing on ensuring that funding is directed towards building maintenance and addressing the concerns outlined in the report. The city’s officials are now tasked with addressing these widespread issues to ensure the safety and well-being of the tenants.