City Council - Housing & Community Development Committee Hearing on Dockets #0259 & #0769

October 16, 2025
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City Council - Housing & Community Development Committee Hearing on Dockets #0259 & #0769

Meeting Date: October 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Housing & Community Development Committee Type of Meeting: Public Hearing Attendees:

  • Councilors: Liz Breadon (Chair), Edward Flynn, Julia Mejia, Erin Murphy
  • Boston Housing Authority (BHA): Administrator Kenzie Bach, David Gleisch (Deputy Administrator for Housing Programs), Josh Uftring (Chief of Maintenance and Inspections), Kelly Cronin (Chief of Public Housing Programs and Compliance)
  • Public: Kimra Minniti, Lisandra Montes, Don Oates (Disability Advocate), Denise Campbell, Frank Baker, Alan Chamberlain, Lisa Smith, Shanita Grace, Carmen Aponte, Seth K. Roberts

Executive Summary: The hearing addressed critical issues at Boston Housing Authority (BHA) properties, particularly the Ruth Barclay Apartments, focusing on elevator disrepair and overall living conditions. Councilors and residents highlighted persistent problems, including frequent elevator outages, rodent infestations, and inadequate maintenance, despite BHA's reported improvements. Administrator Kenzie Bach presented updates on elevator modernization, maintenance process reforms, and pest control initiatives, acknowledging challenges but emphasizing progress. Public testimony from residents and advocates underscored the severe impact of these issues on daily life, health, and safety, calling for immediate action, greater accountability, and transparent communication from the BHA.

I. Opening Remarks

  • Councillor Liz Breadon (Chair):

    • Opened the hearing at 10:14 a.m.
    • Announced the hearing is being recorded and livestreamed.
    • Noted written comments can be sent to ccc.housing@boston.gov.
    • Stated public testimony would be taken at the end, with individuals having two minutes to speak.
    • Introduced the dockets:
      • Docket #0259: Order for a hearing to discuss the status of elevators at the Boston Housing Authority Ruth Burke, Barclay Apartments.
      • Docket #0769: Order for a hearing to discuss the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) report on Boston Housing Authority.
    • Acknowledged Councillor Edward Flynn and Councillor Julia Mejia as co-sponsors for Docket #0769, and Councillor Erin Murphy as a co-sponsor.
    • Noted Councillor Enrique PepĂ©n's absence.

  • Councillor Edward Flynn (Lead Sponsor):

    • Thanked residents and Administrator Bach for attending.
    • Recalled filing a hearing last year regarding aging BHA elevators and a November 2024 hearing where residents shared "heart-wrenching stories" about daily life disruptions due to elevator disrepair at Ruth Barclay Apartments.
    • Cited the February 2025 HUD Inspector General report, which found BHA did not consistently maintain units in "decent, safe, and sanitary conditions and in good repair."
    • Highlighted the report's finding that 31 of 36 inspected units had deficiencies, and over a third had "life-threatening deficiencies" (e.g., missing smoke detectors, security hazards, blocked egresses, electrical hazards, inoperable fire exits) requiring 24-hour correction.
    • Emphasized that public housing residents are "some of the most vulnerable residents" and deserve respect, and that ensuring safe living conditions is a "moral obligation."
    • Stressed that accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities is a "civil rights issue" and a "federal issue."

  • Councillor Erin Murphy (Co-Sponsor):

    • Thanked Councillor Flynn for calling the hearing and Administrator Bach for attending.
    • Expressed concern over residents' stories of being trapped in elevators, missing medical appointments, and feeling unsafe.
    • Noted that Ruth Barclay residents experienced broken elevators through the holidays, often relying on a single, frequently failing elevator.
    • Stated that the HUD Inspector General Report confirmed these are not isolated incidents but "systemic" problems, raising "fundamental questions about oversight, accountability, and how BHA is ensuring the safety and well-being of more than 17,000 residents."
    • Called for accountability and an action plan to ensure BHA meets its "legal but also more importantly, its moral obligations."

II. Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Presentation

  • Administrator Kenzie Bach:
    • Thanked Councilors Flynn and Murphy for calling the hearing.
    • Acknowledged that the HUD-OIG report, though released in February 2025, was based on data from 2022 and 2023, a period immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Stated that BHA has focused on addressing these issues for the past two years, having seen the findings shortly after she became administrator in late 2023.
    • Outlined significant improvements in:
      • Elevator maintenance and modernization.
      • Work orders and physical inspection results.
      • Rodent reduction and trash management.

A. Elevator Maintenance and Modernization

  • Elevator Snapshot:

    • BHA manages 106 elevators across its portfolio.
    • Elderly/Disabled Portfolio: 49 redundant (double/triple) cabs, 2 single cabs (previously 4, two added at Commonwealth Elderly).
    • Family Housing Portfolio: 37 single cabs across four sites, 10 redundant cabs (all at Ruth Barclay).
    • Noted that long-term outages of single elevators at Ruth Barclay effectively make those stacks non-redundant.

  • Active and Recently Completed Elevator Capital Projects:

    • Over $19 million allocated from ongoing maintenance and HUD capital budgets.
    • Completed in 2025: Elevator modernization at Hassan and Mattapan.
    • Commonwealth Elderly: Added two redundant elevators, now modernizing the two older ones.
    • Torre Unidad, West Adam (Councillor Flynn's district): Modernization of both elevators completed this month.
    • Ruth Barclay:
      • Received City Council funds to complement HUD funds for modernization of all tall elevators.
      • Contract executed for full modernization of elevators at 14 East Brookline, 16 East Brookline, 23 Monsignor Reynolds, and 47 Harrison Archway.
      • "Notice to proceed" meeting with the contractor held yesterday.
      • Design bid for custom-width/height elevators took six months, completed this summer.
      • Work on two elevators at 42 Harrison Archway (separated from the larger project) is completed and they are online.
      • Designs for the other eight tall sites completed in August.
      • Acknowledged "long-term outages" at 14 East Brookline, 16 East Brookline, 23 Monsignor Reynolds, and 47 Harrison Archway due to "core functional issues."
      • The first cab modernized at each of these four sites will be the one currently down.
      • Work will be staggered, with teams working on at least two elevators at a time.
    • Portfolio-wide Elevator Assessment: RFP to be released this winter to proactively plan for elevator replacement and modernization to avoid future widespread disrepair.

  • Ruth Barclay Specifics:

    • 15 elevators at the site.
    • Many elderly/disabled residents at this family site due to past unit adaptations, leading to intensive use of elevators not originally designed for large mobility devices.
    • All Ruth Barclay elevators have custom lengths and widths, requiring time-consuming, custom design specifications for modernization.
    • City Council and Mayor approved capital funding beyond HUD allocation for modernization.
    • Winter 2025: Signed ongoing elevator service contract with Schindler Elevator.
    • United Elevator Corp and Motion Elevator Corp also working on specific projects due to the high number of challenges.
    • Summer 2025: Installed fire keyholes in all resident elevators at Ruth Barclay (except 42 Harrison Archway, to be done shortly). This prevents damage from axes during entrapment rescues, which can cause extended outages due to difficulty procuring custom doors.

  • Other Capital Investments at Ruth Barclay:

    • $12.9 million project to replace windows and upgrade ventilation (contracted and underway).
    • Portfolio-wide project to repair and replace paved pathways and ramps to eliminate trip hazards.
    • Refreshing community spaces and residential lobbies, starting at 42 and 47 Harrison Archway.

  • Elevator Summary Chart:

    • 19 Monsignor Reynolds Way (6-story): Upgrade completed Q4 2024, operating well.
    • 29 Monsignor Reynolds Way (6-story): Similar upgrade under contract, scheduled for this quarter.
    • 10 and 20 East Brookline (6-story): Planned for 2026 due to vendor capacity issues.
    • 23, 14, 16, 17 (tall buildings): Contract signed with H.J. Russell and United for modernization of all eight cabs; notice to proceed meeting held yesterday.
    • 42 Harrison Archway (13-story): Both cabs upgraded and completed weeks ago; fire keyholes to be added.
    • Management office elevator also noted.

  • Elevator Down Protocols:

    • Updated in early 2024, outlining procedures for staff and residents during outages.
    • Offer hotel stays for prolonged outages (over 48 hours anticipated).
    • Offer resident transfers to other sites/addresses.
    • Paid BHA helpers at entryways in some situations.
    • Protocols reviewed with Disability Commission and Architectural Access Board (AAB).
    • Regular training for managers, annual updates planned.
    • Simplified version for residents posted outside and inside elevators in English, Spanish, and Chinese at Ruth Barclay.
    • Detailed protocols available at bostonhousing.org/elevator.

  • Security Enhancements:

    • Increased daily inspections.
    • Working on making buildings more secure due to broken entrance door locks and unauthorized entry.
    • Installing ButterflyMX video intercom system in all elderly/disabled high-rise developments (completed).
    • Installing ButterflyMX at one Ruth Barclay building, with plans for other entrances and high-rise family public housing buildings in 2026.
    • Ongoing installation of cameras and lighting.

B. Improved Maintenance Processes and Procedures

  • Leadership Changes (November 2024):

    • David Gleisch: Deputy Administrator for Housing Programs.
    • Josh Uftring: Chief of Maintenance and Inspections.
    • John McDonough: Director of Maintenance.
    • Kelly Cronin: Chief of Public Housing Programs and Compliance.
    • Created and filled new Regional Manager Operations position to oversee elevator and other contracts.

  • Operational Reforms:

    • January 2024: Reorganized maintenance regions for efficient work allocation.
    • November 1, 2024: Fully transitioned to a new paperless digital work order system.
      • Work orders sent to maintenance workers' phones, photos taken of completed work.
      • Improved trackability and bundling of work orders.
    • Work Order Backlog Reduction:
      • October 11, 2024: 17,059 open work orders.
      • October 14, 2025: 655 open work orders.
      • Only 12% aged more than 30 days, 2.6% aged more than 60 days (these are complex cases).

  • Annual Inspections:

    • Now conducted by trained inspectors (from the team inspecting Section 8 private units) instead of site managers.
    • Improved identification and resolution of issues.
    • HUD NSPIRE Scores (2025): BHA units averaged over 90% (95-96%), highest in decades.
    • Better than privately managed public housing sites.
    • Mary Ellen McCormick (Councillor Flynn's district): Score increased from 39 to 89, reflecting a shift in ethos to maintain sites undergoing redevelopment.
    • Improvements achieved despite major electrical upgrades required for new inspection standards (grounded outlets, smoke detector distribution).

  • Community Space Refreshing:

    • Ongoing across the portfolio in elderly/disabled sites.

C. Rodent Reduction and Trash Management

  • Waste Management Initiative:

    • Collaborating with Zero Waste Boston targets, recognizing BHA's large contribution to residential trash.
    • New trash management strategies in partnership with Public Works.
    • New rodent mitigation strategies in partnership with ISD.

  • Boston Road in Action Plan:

    • Active participant, developing new partnerships.
    • Extrasense AI-powered cameras: Track rat activity.
    • Participatory Budgeting Award: Containerization pilot in Brighton, changing trash corrals.
    • PWD pilot for commercial-level service in Brighton (containers arriving now, upgraded service in spring).
    • Onsite Composting: Piloting with Bootstrap Compost at Bunker Hill site (successful, hoping to expand).

  • Rodent Prevention Team:

    • New dedicated team with a logo.
    • Purchased two Burrow RX machines (environmentally friendly, safe for residential use) for eradicating rat burrows.
    • Team actively using machines, leading to improved 311 call numbers for rats.
    • Staff preparing for Massachusetts State Pesticide License Exam to expand capabilities beyond machine use (e.g., baiting).

III. Councillor Questions to BHA Administrator Bach

  • Councillor Edward Flynn:

    • Expressed disappointment with the "rosy picture" painted by Administrator Bach, stating residents at Ruth Barclay are "not happy."
    • Question: Does BHA track 911 calls related to elevator issues or EMS/fire/police response at Ruth Barclay?
      • Response: BHA does not receive 911 call logs but tracks elevator downtime.
    • Request: All 911 calls to Ruth Barclay over the last four years, with reasons.
    • Question: How many elevators are currently down at Ruth Barclay?
      • Response: Four (one each at 23 Monsignor Reynolds, 47 Harrison Archway, 14 Brookline Ave, and 16 Brookline).
    • Question: Why are multiple companies (Schindler, United, Motion) used for elevator repairs?
      • Response: To address the high volume of issues at Ruth Barclay, as one company with limited techs wouldn't be able to keep up.
    • Question: What is the average time an elevator is down? How fast are they fixed?
      • Response: No average time; varies greatly. Initial response is quick, but complex fixes (e.g., parts ordering) can take weeks.
    • Question: What is the protocol for an elderly person in a wheelchair needing to get to a medical appointment when an elevator is not working?
      • Response: If an elevator is down for an extended period, hotel stays are offered. Transfers to other sites are an option. If 24 hours' notice is given, BHA schedules assistance. Fire department may respond in emergencies. BHA works with residents to reschedule appointments.
    • Concern: Highlighted a firefighter carrying a resident down stairs and a resident missing a cancer appointment due to elevator issues.

  • Councillor Erin Murphy:

    • Question: How are residents communicated with regarding hotel stays or transfers, and who makes these decisions? Is it 100% accommodated?
      • Response: Managers call residents. BHA uses a "one call now" robocall system (email, text, phone) with translation. Hotel stays offered if an elevator is anticipated to be down for more than 48 hours.
    • Question: How many times have residents been accommodated, and what is the cost?
      • Response: No exact numbers, but "a lot" due to Ruth Barclay challenges, and it is "expensive."
    • Question: How are residents' voices included in the solution process?
      • Response: Resident advocacy helped secure funding. BHA holds meetings with residents and sends updates (e.g., August letter).
    • Question: How are funds prioritized across developments, given widespread maintenance needs?
      • Response: Ruth Barclay is 5% of federal public housing. BHA is conducting a portfolio-wide elevator assessment to proactively plan modernizations and avoid similar situations.
    • Question: How many formal complaints were filed by residents in 2024 and 2025 at Ruth Barclay?
      • Response: BHA tracks work orders (specific fixes), Zendesk (general complaints/questions), and a separate formal process for civil rights issues.
    • Request: Information from all three tracking systems, summarized to protect PII.
    • Question: What are the current protocols for responding to life-threatening deficiencies (electrical hazards, smoke detectors)?
      • Response: These are coded as emergencies and responded to within 24 hours. The new digital work order system prevents issues from "going missing" as with the old paper system.
    • Question: Who codes a work order as an emergency?
      • Response: A set of categories are automatically emergencies, not human judgment. HUD has strict definitions.
    • Request: The list of emergency categories.
    • Question: Does the system track time, completion, and status for emergency work orders?
      • Response: Yes, the digital system tracks assignment, progress, and completion.

  • Councillor Liz Breadon:

    • Question: Why are Ruth Barclay elevators custom-designed, and are new elevators standard?
      • Response: Many BHA buildings are old, predating industry standards. Modernizing existing elevators requires custom designs due to fixed shaft dimensions. New construction aims for standard designs.
    • Concern: The elevator industry's reliance on proprietary software and computerized controllers, which can lead to long delays if parts (like controllers) become obsolete or are damaged.
    • Question: Are supply chain issues and federal tariffs impacting elevator repairs?
      • Response: Yes, significant delays in parts delivery (weeks to months). Cited an example of a German-made jack causing delays, leading BHA to pilot an American-made alternative.
    • Question: What is the scope of work for BHA inspectors (BHA properties vs. Section 8 vouchers)?
      • Response: The existing team that inspects private apartments for Section 8 voucher holders now also inspects BHA's own public housing units. They are trained in building and sanitary codes.
    • Question: What are the details of the participatory budgeting waste management innovations in Brighton, and how is illegal dumping addressed?
      • Response: Illegal dumping is a "huge issue." City trash service uses open dumpsters, unlike commercial services that can unlock sealed dumpsters. The Brighton pilot involves upgraded dumpsters and commercial-level haulage service, hoping to reduce illegal dumping and tipping charges.
    • Question: What are the anticipated impacts of potential HUD funding cuts?
      • Response: Relieved that White House proposed 40% cuts were largely rejected by Congress. Senate proposal keeps funding whole; House proposal has a 10% cut to operating budget, which BHA hopes will be removed in the final budget.

  • Councillor Edward Flynn (Second Round):

    • Question: Status of the lawsuit by Attorney General Campbell on public housing in Franklin Field?
      • Response: In litigation, in discovery; cannot comment on active case.
    • Question: Did BHA take actions on its own after the HUD audit, or comply with recommendations? Is BHA in compliance now?
      • Response: Fully in compliance; HUD has closed out the audit for both leased housing and public housing, and all recommendations implemented.
    • Question: Will BHA commit to presenting a complete budget book to the Council and appearing before Ways and Means like other city departments?
      • Response: BHA's budget cycle differs from the city's, with 90% federal funding often received month-to-month, making a traditional budget outlook difficult.
    • Question: When will the windows at Ruth Barclay be done?
      • Response: Windows for the project have been ordered and will arrive in 2-3 weeks. Installation will be in stages across the site, taking "a little more than a year."
    • Recommendation: Ruth Barclay should be the next development for significant investment.
      • Response: Agreed to explore redevelopment options for Ruth Barclay, noting that past concerns about privatization (Ruth Barkley and Mel King) are now mitigated by tools for maintaining public ownership during reinvestment. Committed to resident conversations.
    • Question: When can the conversation about redevelopment start?
      • Response: "Later this fall."
    • Commitment: Councillor Flynn stated he wants infrastructure improvements "now" and will continue to fight for his constituents.

IV. Public Testimony

  • Kimra Minniti (Ruth Barclay Resident, via Zoom):

    • Lives on the sixth floor, disabled.
    • Stated the situation at Ruth Barclay is "not good in any way, shape, or form."
    • Elevator breakdowns caused stress, leading to ER visits.
    • Hotel reimbursement process is "untenable" (takes 3-4 months), making it unsustainable for residents.
    • Health is deteriorating, and rats/rodents are not reduced.
    • Work orders are closed prematurely, and staff are "rude."

  • Lisandra Montes (Ruth Barclay Resident, via Zoom):

    • Wheelchair user, trapped in her unit for months due to elevator issues.
    • Elevators break down shortly after being fixed.
    • Staff are "really, really rude" when called.
    • Missed activities due to fear of being unable to return to her apartment.
    • Moved from 19 Monsignor Reynolds to 29 Monsignor Reynolds due to elevator issues but still faces the same problems.

  • Don Oates (Disability Rights Advocate, Director of a Nonprofit, via Zoom):

    • Identified herself as a disability rights advocate with a background in public relations and disability law.
    • Began noticing elevator issues at Ruth Barclay six years ago; launched an organizing campaign three years ago.
    • Cited over 50 media impressions, 13 Architectural Access Board (AAB) complaints (9 still open), and the HUD audit.
    • Stated that Administrator Bach initially postponed responding to a detailed letter about conditions (pests, mold, rodents, windows, heat, elevators, ramps) from October to December 2024, then ignored follow-up.
    • Claimed Administrator Bach sent two contradictory letters: one to her denying wrongdoing, and one to HUD agreeing with allegations.
    • Described BHA's approach as "PR speak" and "polishing a turd," accusing them of "delay, deflection, denial."
    • Highlighted severe consequences of elevator failures:
      • Firefighter carrying resident down stairs.
      • Resident missing chemotherapy three times.
      • Resident sleeping in wheelchair in hallway.
      • Resident trapped for two hours, missing son's funeral.
    • Cited persistent leaks, flooding, vermin, and bedbugs.
    • Mentioned "constructive evictions" of residents forced to move due to unlivable conditions.
    • Asserted that conditions violate multiple laws: ADA, Section 504 of the Rehab Act, Fair Housing Act, HUD's Physical Conditions Standards, MGL Chapter 151B, and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations.
    • Stated that public procurement allows for emergency procedures, which BHA is not utilizing.
    • Claimed BHA does not pay bills, leading to vendor reluctance. Cited public records showing two years of unpaid invoices cleared in January 2025, coinciding with the HUD letter.
    • Called for:
      • Treating the situation as an emergency, invoking emergency procurement.
      • Mobilizing multiple vendors in parallel.
      • Deploying temporary external elevators.
      • Published building-specific evacuation plans for residents with mobility impairments.
      • A public elevator outage dashboard with real-time data.
      • Independent oversight with residents at the table.
      • Corrective action plan with specific dates and penalties for missed milestones.
      • City involvement of HUD and DOJ if non-compliance persists.
    • Revealed she has filed a fair housing complaint and is investigating potential constructive evictions.
    • Response to Councillor Flynn's question: Has extensive documentation (notes, AAB complaints, text messages from residents) of elevator outages and other issues. Stated AAB mandated BHA to provide monthly reports on elevator outages at 19 Monsignor Reynolds Way, but BHA missed four months and later claimed "reasons beyond our control."

  • Denise Campbell (Ruth Barclay Resident):

    • Lives at 47 Harrison Archways, eighth floor.
    • Elevator breaks down constantly, once for two days, trapping her inside.
    • Calls go unanswered because staff "know that we're calling for the elevators."
    • Described her apartment flooding at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., with video evidence.
    • Stuck in an elevator for an hour, came out "drenched with sweat."
    • Firemen told her they couldn't help her get upstairs with groceries.
    • Stated BHA only painted and did floors on the first floor; upper floors are "dirty" and "nasty."

  • Frank Baker (Former Councillor, Dorchester Resident):

    • Thanked Councilors Flynn and Murphy for their support.
    • Expressed concern that only three councilors were present, implying a lack of broader council engagement.
    • Stated that if a private owner were responsible, "pitchforks would be out."
    • Criticized Administrator Bach's refusal to commit to a budget book, citing Don Oates' claims of unpaid bills.
    • Called for monthly/quarterly reports from the Administrator to the Council.
    • Challenged other councilors to "show up and do your job."

  • Alan Chamberlain (Ruth Barclay Task Force President):

    • Thanked councilors for listening.
    • Stated residents are tired of hearing "we're working on it" or "no money."
    • Attended a meeting yesterday where the official start date for elevator work at 14 and 16 East Brookline was announced, but equipment delivery will take "six months minimum."
    • Questioned why equipment wasn't ordered months ago if designs were in place.
    • Lives in a two-elevator building, but one hasn't worked in "years" due to parts issues.
    • Stated many old work orders were closed because residents moved or passed away, and apartments were renovated.

  • Lisa Smith (Former Ruth Barclay Resident):

    • Asked how someone is moved out of their apartment and placed elsewhere without court proceedings.
    • Stated she was moved from 2304 Ruth Barclay to Douglas without her consent or court order.

  • Shanita Grace (Ruth Barclay Resident):

    • Lives on the ninth floor, diagnosed with AFib.
    • Elevator stopped working once a week, then every other day; was stuck for five minutes.
    • Struggled to climb nine flights of stairs, causing health issues.
    • Noted that when elevators were fixed, BHA covered the floor indicator, making it impossible to see which elevator is coming or to select the appropriate one (large vs. small).
    • Small elevator fits "maybe four people" and is inadequate for wheelchairs or groceries.

  • Carmen Aponte (Ruth Barclay Resident, translated by Councillor Mejia):

    • Lives at 16 East Brookline, sixth floor.
    • Small elevator breaks down two days after being fixed.
    • Small elevator makes "awful noise" and is hard to close.
    • The other elevator in front of her door has been broken for "more than nine months" because the part is "too expensive."
    • Has been stuck twice, causing severe anxiety.
    • Misses doctor's appointments because she cannot climb 14 steps per floor (six floors up and down).
    • Has lived there since 1987 and loves the South End.

  • Seth K. Roberts (Ruth Barclay Resident):

    • Moved into Ruth Barclay in 2009, 74 years old.
    • Issue with insects "permeating the apartment buildings."
    • Was moved because BHA claimed they couldn't exterminate his apartment correctly, despite him being "bug-free" when he moved in.
    • Was on the 13th floor; had to walk up and down stairs "ten times" when the elevator wasn't working.
    • Frustrated that resources are available, but things only get done "when they want them done."

V. Closing Statements

  • Councillor Edward Flynn:

    • Thanked Chair Breadon, Administrator Bach, Ruth Barclay residents, and Don Oates.
    • Praised Don Oates for leadership and speaking for "people at times that don't have a voice."
    • Acknowledged "significant problems at Ruth Barclay" and stated the "status quo is not an option."
    • Called for short-term and long-term solutions, not "a year from now, not in two years from now, I want them done now."
    • Committed to continuing to fight and advocate for his constituents.

  • Councillor Julia Mejia:

    • Thanked colleagues for co-sponsoring.
    • Noted her office has worked with residents for two years, including a "Dying to Live" tour investigating BHA conditions (rodents, crumbling apartments, neglected requests).
    • Emphasized that residents still pay rent despite substandard conditions.
    • Stated the goal is "resolution" and understanding "roadblocks" to accountability, not "pointing fingers."
    • Apologized to residents for the conditions they are living in.
    • Questions for the Record (to BHA):
      • How is BHA rebuilding trust with residents after the HUD audit's findings of neglect? How can tenants see in real-time that inspections and repairs are completed?
      • What short-term supports are in place for residents (especially elderly/disabled) when elevators are down, beyond hotel vouchers?
      • How are residents included in decision-making for community room upgrades and new systems? Are there structured opportunities for feedback?
      • How is BHA ensuring accountability, quality control, and follow-up after work orders are marked "resolved" but issues persist?
      • What steps is BHA taking to improve communication for seniors, non-English speakers, and working families who may not use online systems?
      • What new accountability systems are in place to prevent residents from reaching "that level of desperation again just to be heard" (referencing needing news media involvement)?
    • Stressed the importance of the Council fighting for BHA funding during budget season to provide necessary resources.
    • Expressed gratitude to residents for speaking truth to power.

  • Councillor Erin Murphy:

    • Thanked Councilors Flynn and Mejia for filing the hearing.
    • Emphasized that residents' stories are crucial for effective advocacy.
    • Stated the issues are not about "changing the color paint" but about "rats, insects, flooding, broken elevators," leading to health and quality of life issues.
    • Called for the Council to use its power to enforce rules and address violations, especially for departments like BPS or BHA.
    • Thanked Carmen Aponte for her bravery in testifying.
    • Committed to continuing to fight for residents' basic needs.

  • Councillor Liz Breadon:

    • Thanked all attendees, especially Carmen Aponte and Councillor Mejia for translation.
    • Stressed the importance of hearing residents' "lived experience."
    • Confirmed follow-up questions would be sent to BHA.
    • Highlighted BHA's critical role in the city's housing infrastructure.
    • Emphasized the need for adequate funding from city, state, and federal levels.
    • Acknowledged that many BHA properties are old and require ongoing repair, upgrades, or replacement, which is a long-term project.
    • Reiterated the commitment to addressing residents' current challenges.
    • Thanked colleagues and central staff (Cora Montrond, Ethan) for their work.

VI. Adjournment

  • The hearing on dockets #0259 and #0769 was adjourned.

Last updated: Nov 15, 2025

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