Peekskill's mayor and residents are criticizing the head of the city's Housing Authority, saying conditions in the city's public housing are deplorable. 

They say that Patricia Crosland, director of the Housing Authority, is to blame. Some residents also feel they are being targeted.

On Aug. 21, Peekskill resident Selina Johnson told the City Council that she's being targeted because she's the mother of an interracial family. Johnson has accused Crosland for wanting to evict her family of eight from Bohlmann Towers at 807 Main St.

Gary Dunlap, who is also in an interracial relationship, agrees and says Crosland is targeting white residents there.

Crosland refused to do a formal interview on camera, but during a conversation at the Housing Authority she says the accusations against her are lies.

Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina says he doesn't tolerate racism in any form. Race aside, he says the way Crosland runs the Housing Authority is unacceptable.

"I don't think the board needs a reason to discharge her - just look around," he says.

Crosland says she needs more money to clean up the floors and common rooms. Mayor Catalina plans to question Crosland at an upcoming City Council meeting, but ultimately the Housing Authority Board would be responsible if any disciplinary action is needed.