NYCHA considers firing security at senior housing facilities
NEW YORK (PIX11) — The New York City Housing Authority is facing a difficult decision that could raise safety concerns at dozens of its senior housing facilities.
To reduce expenses, NYCHA is considering cutting its unarmed security guard program, which costs an estimated $7 million annually. The security guards work an eight-hour shift per day at 55 NYCHA facilities.
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During a budget hearing held last Tuesday, it was reported that NYCHA faces a $35.3 million budget shortfall in 2024. NYCHA claims that unpaid rent is the primary reason for the revenue loss.
The program could be cut as soon as July 1 unless city officials can secure supplemental funds.
NYCHA provided the following statement to PIX11 News:
“NYCHA has had to implement cost‐cutting measures to reduce expenses, help close the budget gap, and prioritize core property management services for our residents. The Authority will continue to advocate for much-needed additional funding and work in close coordination with the NYPD to address crime and security concerns at these locations.”
NYCHA spokesperson
Some older NYCHA residents were livid after learning of the plan. Allie Eason, who’s been the tenant president at the Corsi Houses in Manhattan for more than a decade, warned not to underestimate the passion of the older residents there. Eason said her residents will fight to keep the security guard in their building.
Gloria Sosa, 81, said she thought she was going to die at the hands of an intruder last year. It happened just outside her NYCHA apartment. Sosa’s daughter now sleeps on her couch to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Sosa and her daughter were part of an impromptu meeting at the Corsi Houses led by Eason in response to NYCHA’s plan to cut the unarmed security guard program. Eason received an earful of complaints.
New York State Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs said the program is critical to the safety of seniors and vowed to fight to restore the funding.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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