NEW YORK — Weeks after a Lower East Side mother came to PIX11 to talk about issues in her home, she says the New York City Housing Authority tried to evict her in retaliation. Now, an investigation into the claim is being launched.
Keshia Benjamin lives inside the Jacob Riis Houses on the Lower East Side. Benjamin says she was sick and tired of repairs not being done, so she called PIX11.
After PIX11’s story on April 4, Benjamin claims she got a notice threatening to evict her.
Benjamin was front and center of a housing rally and news conference on the steps of City Hall.
Her allegations of intimidation now have the attention of City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera.
“She was was brave enough to come to the media, and not everybody was brave enough. They are afraid of retaliation,” Rivera said.
Councilman Ritchie Torres said the City Council is now requesting a probe into whether NYCHA staffers are intentionally targeting tenants who speak out.
“The fact that families fear NYCHA, that’s a problem,” Torres said.
NYCHA denies any retaliation and tells PIX11: “Ms. Benjamin has not been intimidated. She received this notice following several meeting requests and letters due to continued rent delinquency in 10 out of the last 12 months. Ms. Benjamin has since paid her rent and there is no pending action against this resident. We continue to work with her on the repairs she has requested.”
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