Red Hook Initiative (RHI), a non-profit organization serving Brooklyn’s Red Hook community, last week released a report showing that the Red Hook Houses of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) continues to grapple with an ongoing mold crisis four years after Hurricane Sandy.
The organization’s findings highlight that Hurricane Sandy exacerbated the development’s existing mold problem, and this long-term exposure to mold adversely impacts the health of NYCHA residents.
“Mold has been a health threat to NYCHA residents for years, and our findings demonstrate the full extent of this dangerous situation,” said Jill Eisenhard, executive director of Red Hook Initiative. “It is unconscionable that thousands of our neighbors have been living in conditions that put them at risk for asthma, bronchitis and other preventable ailments. It’s time our leaders address this public health problem, and make the development safer for the 6,000 residents who call it home.”
RHI’s assessment found that of those surveyed, 81 Red Hook Housing residents had mold in their apartments following Hurricane Sandy, compared with 51 people prior. Furthermore, there are disproportionate rates of asthma in public housing compared to private homes in the 11231 (Red Hook and Carroll Gardens) zip code.
The study also found that nearly all (91% percent) of the 280 respondents have had leaks and/or mold in the past. Forty-three percent of respondents currently have mold in their unit.
Moreover, the findings underscore the correlation between mold and health issues. Of the residents surveyed, 54 percent said mold and leaks have adversely impacted their health or household members. 45 percent of respondents had at least one family member suffering from a respiratory illness. Studies have shown that mold exposure can cause headaches, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, skin irritation, permanent respiratory problems and other devastating conditions.
“Red Hook has suffered Sandy’s devastating impact for over four years,” said Assembly Member Felix W. Ortiz (Red Hook, Sunset Park). “I applaud the Red Hook Initiative for its superb report drawing attention to the ongoing mold problem and providing recommendations for action. Our NYCHA residents have been neglected. They needn’t live with health hazards that should have been already addressed.”
City Council member Carlos Menchaca (Red Hook, Sunset Park) said the report describes unacceptable conditions in the Red Hook Houses.
“NYCHA’s failure to address mold conditions and their unresponsiveness when residents seek help are alarming. Remember, mold was an urgent issue on NYCHA properties long before Hurricane Sandy. Since then, mold’s adverse impact on residents’ health has grown. This report provides ample evidence of neglect and is a call to hold NYCHA publicly accountable. I pledge my full support to residents as we work to end mold and other chronic maintenance issues in Red Hook’s public housing,” said Menchaca.
Bronx City Council Member Ritchie Torres, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Public Housing, said that currently, there are no standards in place to fix mold issues in public housing and that’s why he introduced legislation that would require licensing and guidelines for mold remediation work done in NYCHA developments.
“Still, more must be done to ensure that mold is removed quickly and tenants are protected. Together, we must continue to hold NYCHA accountable and push for lasting change,” said Torres.
To see the fill report click here.
