State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released an audit on January 16 that found hazardous living conditions at several Michell-Lama properties throughout New York City, including Clinton Towers in Manhattan, Everdeen Gardens in the Bronx, and Tivoli Towers in Brooklyn. The audit also revealed more than $160,000 in questionable or unsupported expenses.
At Clinton Towers, auditors found evidence of rodent infestation and “droppings” in the ground level of a day care center. The building also had water-damaged ceilings and garage leaks. The development spent $49,845 on expenses unrelated to normal operations, including $3,440 for holiday parties and decorations.
At Everdeen Gardens, holes were found in the foundation of the building, along with mold and water damage, as well as dozens of Class C or “imminently hazardous” violations.
Tivoli Towers also was found to suffer from serious neglect: Repeat flooding, mold, and peeling paint were reported, and the playground, courtyard, and tennis courts have been closed off to tenants for years.
“Even in the face of New York City’s affordability crisis, my audit found troubling conditions and questionable spending at three housing developments that show a clear need for better oversight of the Mitchell-Lama program, which is crucial to preserving affordable housing,” DiNapoli said. “The Department of Housing Preservation and Development must do more to ensure that these properties are managed responsibly and that tenant apartments are safe, well-maintained, and affordable.”
The presidents of the three boroughs with affected housing each put out statements condemning Mitchell-Lama and expressed the need for better housing conditions and the importance of safe housing.
“New Yorkers deserve better from HPD and the managing agent of Clinton Towers,” said Manhattan borough president Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “I look forward to working with the new city administration to address these deplorable living conditions.”
According to Bronx borough president Vanessa Gibson, “At a time when New Yorkers are facing housing instability and an affordable housing crisis, it is unacceptable that families are being forced to live in unstable conditions. Based on State Comptroller DiNapoli’s audit, it is clear that stronger oversight and accountability are urgently needed to ensure that residents live in safe, well-maintained conditions and that affordable housing resources are managed responsibly.”
“Mitchell-Lama housing is an essential component of New York’s affordable housing fabric, and it’s critical for the City to ensure the program remains an attractive, dignified option for New Yorkers,” said Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso. “The residents of Tivoli Towers and all Mitchell-Lama developments deserve dignity, and I am thankful to State Comptroller DiNapoli [for] shining a light on the persistent challenges these developments face.”
The audit also includes several recommendations to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development to monitor the three developments. Ensuring they are run in a fiscally responsible manner, including strengthening oversight, ensuring immediate corrective action when hazardous conditions are found, and adequate review of expenses.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s report covers 3 Mitchell Lama developments. What are the updates on the other developments under the program?
what else is happing at some of those Mitchell lama apartments are a lot of those units sit vacant for years