Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing an additional funding of $250 million for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) in the state budget. The housing authority is currently receiving $300 million funding from the state.

Gov. Cuomo made the proposal after he visited an NYCHA property in the Bronx. The governor found that tenants are living in hazardous conditions. He ordered an investigation into the housing authority for health and safety hazards.

NYCHA tenants requested the governor for an independent construction manager separate from the housing authority. They also asked for tenant oversight of projects.

In addition, tenants requested additional investment for NYCHA because the city and federal funding is insufficient.

The proposed additional funding will be used to improve NYCHA properties including providing heat and hot water and removal of decades-old mold and lead paint. Tenants have gone through the cold for months.

Gov. Cuomo said NYCHA tenants need help now

In a statement, Gov. Cuomo said “At one time, NYCHA was the model of public housing, and now conditions are at the worst they’ve ever been. Tenants living in these intolerable, inhumane conditions need help now – not in four years.”

Additionally, the governor said his administration is “taking action to ensure a brighter future for New Yorkers. He reiterated that tenants “deserve better.” His administration will deliver the support they need to have healthy and quality lives.

On the other hand, Jim Walden, the lawyer for the Citywide Council of Presidents, said, “The tenants spoke out clearly and the first person to answer our call was Gov. Cuomo.”

He emphasized that the city and federal government failed to provide adequate funding for NYCHA. The governor responded to their request and pledged additional $250 million funding from the state.

“I am dumbstruck…at Gov. Cuomo’s decisive action…There is no possible way we could thank him enough,” said Walden.