(New York-WABC, March 9, 2006) - A battle is brewing tonight: New York City versus 400,000 New Yorkers who live in public housing.
The city -- unable to get federal funding -- wants to charge tenants for the most basic services like using a dishwasher, a washing machine or a freezer. Eyewitness News Reporter Stacey Sager has the story.
61-year-old Thomas Martin lives at the Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx. In his kitchen, there is no working stove just a hot plate -- and what he calls a roach infested refrigerator.
He says the city's housing authority rarely fixes anything. So, he can't imagine suddenly having to pay them to repair his appliances.
Martin: "I think it's terrible. I think if the money wasn't mismanaged, we'd still be safe."
The New York City Housing Authority now says it faces a $168 million dollar shortfall due to increasing costs for things like utilities and pension funds. They say there is no choice but to charge tenants in public housing more money for a host of items and services.
For example, parking fees are rising from just five dollars per year to 75 dollars a year. If you run your own washing machine in your apartment, you'll have to cycle out another $5.75 cents each month -- and replacing a door could cost you $118 dollars. That's $40 dollars more than it used to.
Jannie Smith, public housing tenant: "It would hurt my budget. I'm on a fixed income. I'm a senior citizen."
A spokesman at the housing authority did insist that they're not looking to price gauge anyone here. Also, they say if something breaks in your apartment, and you didn't cause the problem, you won't have to pay."
Meanwhile, tenant leaders say the housing authority may end up losing even more money in court costs because residents who signed these petitions say they'll fight the fees.
Gerri Lamb, Resident Council of Presidents: "They simply do not believe that these charges are warranted, and that they don't wanna pay."
Tenants have until March 13th to file their complaints. Barring any changes, the new fees go into effect May 1st.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=3978367
Most Americans have not the slightest idea how hellish government-run housing can be, especially NY City public housing. It is like living in a Mad Max movie.
imagine that. the 'pour' own DISHWASHERS. I dont own a dishwasher until I feel like I can afford it.
The rich poor are supposed to help out the poor poor. Equality of outcome, doncha know?
Quickest way to balance the public housing budget: abolish public housing. Evict everybody. Bulldoze the buildings. Sell the land to private developers to build condos
What??? A burgeoning welfare program??? Unheard of!