Public advocate: NYCHA conditions represent failure at all levels of government

Williams says he and others are outraged at what they call a pattern of neglect by NYCHA leadership.

News 12 Staff

Jan 25, 2021, 2:53 AM

Updated 1,194 days ago

Share:

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is voicing outrage after several deadly incidents involving elderly NYCHA residents.
Williams says he and others are outraged at what they call a pattern of neglect by NYCHA leadership.
Three NYCHA residents were found dead in the Woodson Houses in Brownsville in three separate incidents. A man was recently arrested in connection to all three of their deaths.
On Sunday, Williams said NYCHA conditions are a failure at all levels of government. He was joined by other elected officials who say there is no reason NYCHA can't provide adequate security cameras and timely repairs in buildings, especially given that annual rent from residents' totals around $1 billion.
Williams says that for years, New Yorkers, activists and officials have been asking for more safety and quality of life improvements to NYCHA houses - and for years their requests fell on deaf ears. The latest victim in that series of homicides was Juanita Caballero, who was found dead on Jan. 15.
An attorney for her family says they are planning to sue NYCHA for negligence and wrongful death.
The attorney told News 12 in a statement in part, "NYCHA knew this building needed better security before Ms. Caballero’s death, NYCHA promised better security before her death, and yet nothing was done and now she is dead."
This also comes in the wake of another fatality at the Webster Houses in the Bronx.
Eleanor Dowe slipped and fell while walking down the steps of her building on Jan. 2 while trying to get to her doctor's appointment. Her elevator did not work.
She was hospitalized in a coma, but eventually died.
Her family says she reached out to NYCHA multiple times asking them to fix the lift before the accident.
NYCHA chief communications officer Barbara Brancaccio said in a statement,"The public safety of NYCHA residents is our top priority and we are currently investigating these incidents. Working with our government and community partners, we will continue to implement the solutions needed to fund and transform the Authority."


More from News 12
1:56
SUNY Purchase administrators monitor campus following encampment arrests

SUNY Purchase administrators monitor campus following encampment arrests

0:52
Jewish students at SUNY New Paltz share experience on campus as protests continue to unfold

Jewish students at SUNY New Paltz share experience on campus as protests continue to unfold

1:56
Afternoon showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; batches of light rain for Sunday

Afternoon showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; batches of light rain for Sunday

0:43
Westchester County police officer dies in accident at home

Westchester County police officer dies in accident at home

0:53
New Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman inaugurated at Yorktown Town Hall

New Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman inaugurated at Yorktown Town Hall

0:28
Tarrytown Catholic school to close permanently

Tarrytown Catholic school to close permanently

0:21
$39 flights connect Westchester County and Raleigh-Durham

$39 flights connect Westchester County and Raleigh-Durham

0:36
Animated 'X-Men' TV series superhero mansion brought to life in Westchester County

Animated 'X-Men' TV series superhero mansion brought to life in Westchester County

2:07
SUNY Purchase students 'scared to go outside' after college police raid encampment

SUNY Purchase students 'scared to go outside' after college police raid encampment

1:39
Police: 133 arrested during growing pro-Palestinian demonstration on SUNY New Paltz campus

Police: 133 arrested during growing pro-Palestinian demonstration on SUNY New Paltz campus

0:46
Driver crashes into Yonkers dry cleaning business

Driver crashes into Yonkers dry cleaning business

0:20
Police corral horse on the loose in New Rochelle

Police corral horse on the loose in New Rochelle

0:47
State officials: $11M in funding allocated for flood mitigation projects in Mamaroneck

State officials: $11M in funding allocated for flood mitigation projects in Mamaroneck

0:58
Report: More people going hungry in NY despite economic growth

Report: More people going hungry in NY despite economic growth

0:27
Westchester's NCADD honors News 12's Jonathan Gordon with 'humanitarian award'

Westchester's NCADD honors News 12's Jonathan Gordon with 'humanitarian award'

1:01
Monticello police sergeant alleges retaliation for working with prosecutors to arrest ex-officer

Monticello police sergeant alleges retaliation for working with prosecutors to arrest ex-officer

3:21
Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

0:41
Police: Child sustained minor injuries when struck by on-duty Monticello police officer

Police: Child sustained minor injuries when struck by on-duty Monticello police officer

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

0:23
Overnight road work to close Exit 7 on Cross County Parkway in Westchester

Overnight road work to close Exit 7 on Cross County Parkway in Westchester