NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – An audit released by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on Tuesday found unsafe conditions and over $1 million in questionable spending at three affordable housing complexes.
The report highlighted the need for better oversight of the Mitchell-Lama program, which provides affordable rental and cooperative housing to middle-income families, by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Auditors discovered issues like broken fire safety doors, mold, collapsed ceilings, and pest infestations at developments in Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
“Every New Yorker deserves safe and clean affordable housing,” DiNapoli said. “The conditions identified in this audit are unacceptable. The city needs to do a much better job overseeing the Mitchell-Lama program and ensure funding for these buildings goes toward their maintenance.”
HPD oversees 93 developments with about 46,902 apartments, relying on the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to inspect and report on their conditions.