Washington, DC - Today, Representative Ed  Towns sent a letter to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chairman, Tino Hernandez and to the Department of Housing and Preservation Development (HPD) Commissioner, Shaun Donovan asking for their intervention in the continual elevator outage at the Roberto Clemente Plaza in Williamsburg.

"This development is receiving Section 8 payments from NYCHA and is regulated by HPD. I firmly believe that it is time for these agencies to step in and reach out to the management at Roberto Clemente Plaza, to resolve this terrible situation. I understand that NYCHA has the authority to hold back Section 8 payments to developments that do not meet its safety standards." Congressman Towns, said. The text of the letter to Chairman Hernandez is as follows: 
     

"I am writing to you today in response to the elevator breakdown at Roberto Clemente Plaza, which is located inside my district. I have been contacted by numerous constituents from this development who are greatly distressed by this matter.
 
The Roberto Clemente Plaza is a sprawling complex with tall buildings that represent the best of Brooklyn. Its diverse population of minorities including African-Americans, Hispanics and Jews enriches the cultural fabric of this great city. Many of these residents are low-income immigrant families who came to the U.S. for a better life.

Elevator service in this housing development is a crucial part of my constituents' way of life. Many seniors, disabled people and elderly Holocaust survivors are unable to continue with their daily routines because of this disruption. Even more distressing is that this situation has been pending for an extended period of time due to a strike. I am deeply concerned that an end does not seem to be in sight.  Without elevator service it is extremely difficult and sometimes near impossible for elderly and frail people to properly function and continue with their daily lives. Additionally, I understand that some seniors are not able to make their doctor appointments, which is crucial to their well-being.

As Roberto Clemente Plaza is receiving Section 8 payments, I am seeking your intervention in this situation. I feel that it is absolutely crucial that The Roberto Clemente Plaza management provides elevator service to their residents and it would be improper to accept anything else.  The management must realize that this is an intolerable situation and elevator service to residents has to be restored, which is the management's duty. 
  
It is my understanding that if a development's management does not comply with the safety standards of NYCHA, then NYCHA has the authority to withhold Section 8 payments. It is my feeling that not providing elevator service to elderly residents who otherwise would not be able to leave a building is a safety concern." 

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