Assemblyman Michael Blake's Statement on Injunction Regarding NYCHA Lead Inspections

The following statement was issued on April 18 by New York State Assembly Member Michael Blake, who represents District 79. 

For the people living in NYCHA apartments, justice was served yesterday.

 

I applaud Manhattan Judge Carol R. Edmead of the State Supreme Court for her decisiveness in issuing a preliminary injunction ordering the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to perform lead inspections in apartments 400,000 New Yorkers call home. This injunction requires NYCHA to inspect thousands of apartments within 90 days. Those apartments were originally supposed to be inspected for lead from 2013-2016. The injunction comes after it was discovered that some NYCHA staff falsified federal government-required lead paint paperwork during the three-year time period and reported that inspections had occurred, when in fact, they had not.  

 

When I think about the tenants in the Melrose Houses who are still waiting on answers for weeks on whether their development is lead-free, it is unconscionable and just disrespectful.  This decision by Judge Edmead will help provide justice.

 

I applaud Danny Barber, my friend, constituent and President of the Citywide Council of Presidents. Mr. Barber’s leadership demonstrates the power of activism and resistance to injustice. 

 

I applaud the tenant leaders and NYCHA residents who have bravely committed to fighting for their rights by filing a lawsuit against NYCHA to ensure safety, health and improvement for families who deserve equal treatment.

 

My commitment to advocating for NYCHA residents is unwavering. My team works daily to advocate for improvement in living conditions for those who dwell in unsafe and often dangerous apartments. An inhumane and unconscionable 80 percent of NYCHA residents were without heat or hot water at some point in 2017.  The continued health, social, mental and emotional challenges resulting from living in conditions with mold, water leaks, rats and insufficient security must come to an end. NYCHA must be held accountable. 

 

This action is a positive step forward, and, we will continue to advocate for each and every woman, man and child who lives in NYCHA. We will not stop until every New Yorker is afforded the rights, protection and housing equality that they deserve. Housing justice should know no zip code or skin color.  Everyone is entitled to a safe place to rest at night and a safe place to raise their families.  #BuildingABetterBronx includes ensuring a safer, cleaner and rehabilitated New York City Housing Authority.