Governor Andrew Cuomo says conditions at New York City Housing Authority buildings are “disgusting.”
He visited the Jackson Houses in the Bronx on Monday and directed the New York State Department of Health to investigate the conditions.
“There are roaches, there are vermin, there are health safety issues, the paint is coming off the walls, the plaster is coming off the walls,” Governor Cuomo said.
He said it’s “shocking” that people are being subjected to these conditions. Cuomo said it has nothing to do with the way families are taking care of the apartments.
“On behalf of the people of the state, I apologize to the NYCHA residents, because they deserve better and they'll get better,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo said New York State is not responsible for NYCHA housing. However, he said the state is making $300 million available, because of what he called the “City’s neglect.”
The governor is asking Mayor Bill de Blasio to work with the City Council and State Legislature to find a path forward for improving public housing.
Photo Credit: Getty Images