Confused Priorities at Bronx NYCHA Houses

At the Sonia Sotomayor Houses in the Bronx, workmen have been slowly replacing windows in every apartment for a year. But residents in this New York City Housing Development (NYCHA) struggle with problems outside of their homes. Garbage pile ups and rat infestations have grown.

For many years, garbage has been a very prominent issue within the NYCHA Housing units. “The trash has gotten so bad lately. There’s garbage everywhere; in the halls, in front of the building, and all along the sides, especially near the garbage pickup area,” said Josie C., a tenant who asked us not to use her last name.

To add to the already smelly situation, NYCHA only just recently reopened the previously nailed shut garbage disposals. Even so, the disposals now overflow with garbage.

“It’s more than annoying having to drag my garbage all the way outside when I shouldn’t have to. There are people here who just leave their trash around the hallways and in front of people’s doors. It’s inconsiderate, especially when Housing does nothing about it no matter how many times you file a complaint,” said Destiny A., another resident who didn’t want her last name used.

The worst part about the garbage pile-ups are the rats that come with it. For years stray cats seemed to keep the rats away, but rat poison placed by NYCHA killed off the cats and now the rats roam freely.

“I’m afraid to walk in and out of the building sometimes, especially at night because the rats are everywhere and they’re huge. Now with all the rat poisoning and traps everywhere, there are dead rats lying around. The poison is also a problem for all of the pet owners that live here,” said Miss Destiny.

With the ongoing rat and garbage issues, tenants question whether the new window project should have been a priority. “The new windows only add more stress to an already stressful situation; they barely open and can be a serious hazard in the future,” Miss Destiny said.

As tenants deal with long-standing issues within their buildings and community, NYCHA continues to work on the redesign project.