Senator George Helmy Urges HUD to Address Atlantic City Housing Deficiencies

Meets with HUD Acting Secretary Todman to Further Discuss ACHA Oversight

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today sent a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman asking for stronger oversight of the Atlantic City Housing Authority (ACHA). Residents of the ACHA have been unsatisfied with the unsafe and unsanitary conditions that have failed to be addressed for over 2 years. Although HUD has entered into an Recovery Action Plan with the ACHA, concerning issues remain, with residents reporting instances of mold, pests, gas leaks, lack of heat and hot water, broken appliances, defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and more.

The letter calls on HUD to prioritize the physical safety of residents and to ensure critical issues are addressed prior to the onset of winter. In doing so, Senator Helmy joins several other members of the New Jersey congressional delegation who have written letters to HUD over the past year regarding the ACHA. In addition, Senator Helmy met with Acting Secretary Todman earlier this month to further discuss his concerns with the ACHA and to determine how to best serve the affected residents.

“As we face a nationwide shortage of quality affordable housing units available to the residents that need them the most, it pains me to learn of the inhumane conditions inflicted on my constituents by the ACHA’s negligence,” said Senator Helmy. “With winter quickly approaching, I am urging HUD to continue to prioritize the immediate physical safety of the residents by taking action to remediate the unsafe conditions in properties managed by the ACHA and ensure there is a plan to allow residents to safely return to their homes.”

To read the full letter to HUD Acting Secretary Todman, click here.