By MICHELLE CUMMINGS
Bushwick has a gritty aesthetic, trendy dining scene and a young, artsy vibe. There are great views of the Manhattan skyline and many hidden treasures like classic brownstones, colonial revival private homes, stables, tenement buildings and breweries to explore. Bushwick boasts of quiet neighbors and minimal police activity.
And then there’s Hope Gardens.
Built in 1983, the 288-unit, two-story building is situated at 85 Palmetto St. Residents say that the Nycha housing project for senior citizens is plagued with mold, roaches, rats and intermittent heat and hot water.
The plight of Hope Gardens was highlighted on Thursday as Nycha tenants, leaders of Metro Industrial Areas Foundation and Councilman Antonio Reynoso rallied outside the project before completing the second of four inspection tours of Nycha properties to highlight dangerous conditions in their homes and apartment buildings.
Recently Nycha officials admitted that 323,098 tenants citywide had no access to heat or hot water between Oct. 1, 2017, and Jan. 22, 2018, according to a recent lawsuit.
“The sign should say Welcome to Hope Garbage.” said Blanche Romey who lives in NYCHA housing.
Residents say a signal that someone important is coming to the property happens when maintenance men mysteriously appear.
Under the close watch of Property Manager Tony Hernandez repair work began on the front door of the lobby, the backdrop of the rally moments after it ended.
Tenant Janet Johnson said security doors in neighboring the buildings are chronically broken and that “this front door stay unlocked.”
During the rally Reynoso and other community members called for Mayor de Blasio to honor his promise to build at least 15,000 affordable homes for seniors throughout the city.
Residents say they welcome officials to tour their individual units and the sight of maintenance men in pristine uniforms on their best behavior. Otherwise it’s just another dismal day in the hood.
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