Shola Olatoye is stepping down as the Chair of the New York City Housing Authority.
Olatoye has faced criticism for her leadership of NYCHA, which has faced complaints of mold, lead paint, and rodents and many housing complexes.
“The Housing Authority that the Chair inherited four years ago faced bankruptcy, an inability to make basic repairs and an alarming surge in violence. She was a change agent from Day One,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.
De Blasio thanked Olatoye for her service. He also praised her work, saying she’s brought crime down, has sped up repairs and has stabilized the finances at NYCHA.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency at NYCHA. During a visit to the Jackson Houses in the Bronx last month, Cuomo described the conditions as “disgusting.”
“There are roaches, there are vermin, there are health safety issues, the paint is coming off the walls, the plaster is coming off the walls,” Governor Cuomo said.
Former Health and Hospitals Corporation President Stan Brezenoff will lead NYCHA on an interim basis.
“With a proven track record of transforming large agencies, I’m confident that Stan Brezenoff will help to continue our progress while we search for a new chair,” de Blasio said.
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