Concerns arise as New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) contemplates eliminating security guards from 34 of its 55 senior housing facilities due to budget cuts. The $35.3 million budget shortfall has prompted discussions about replacing the guards with NYPD officers and security cameras, raising worries among some politicians about potential over-policing in predominantly black neighborhoods.
Council member Diana Aylala (D-Bronx) expressed concerns about the impact on children in the buildings and cautioned against over-policing black and brown communities. The debate revolves around the potential replacement of $6.8 million security guards with NYPD officers, scheduled for July 1 unless additional funds are allocated.
NYCHA officials cited rent arrears from its 500,000+ tenants as the primary driver of the budget deficit, leading to the difficult decision to consider cutting the security guards. The agency plans to work closely with local precincts to ensure additional patrols as a measure to compensate for the absence of the guards.
City council members, including Chris Banks (D-Brooklyn), criticized the proposal to rely solely on NYPD for security, highlighting concerns about response times and the importance of having a visible deterrent like security guards at the buildings’ entrances.
The HUD, which provides funding to NYCHA, does not mandate the presence of security guards, making their removal a cost-saving measure. This decision has sparked debates within the council, with some members advocating for alternative solutions that prioritize the safety of seniors in NYCHA facilities.
The ongoing budget discussions between Mayor Eric Adams and the city council aim to address NYCHA’s funding needs, with a proposed $584 million supplemental budget to enhance apartment conditions and reduce vacancy rates. The mayor’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes an increase in supplemental funding for NYCHA, signaling a commitment to improving public housing infrastructure.
While the mayor’s office suggests seeking additional funding from the state or federal government to cover the security guard costs, concerns remain about the implications of removing this layer of security from senior housing facilities. The debate underscores the complex interplay between budget constraints, community safety, and the need for adequate resources to support NYCHA residents.
