Nixon On NYCHA Lead & Monitors



Gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon does not see a need for state action to address the 800+ children living in NYCHA housing recently revealed by the Daily News to have lead levels in amounts considered of concern by the federal government.  That federal lead level is below that of the level the City uses to trigger investigations and action.  Although the City Health Department knew of those elevated levels it did not notify the City’s Housing Authority and therefor NYCHA did not act to investigate and possibly eliminate or reduce the sources of lead in those cases.

Asked at a Harlem press conference Sunday, where she was endorsed by Melissa Mark-Viverito, whether she sees any state action as necessary and, if so, what action, Nixon replied with a bromide that the city, state and federal governments “have been letting the people of NYCHA down for a long time … in terms of funding” and the hope that increased funding and the recently announced federal monitor will result in “holding those entities accountable.”  Nixon expressed optimism that increased funding will produce positive effects.  Nixon expressed support for having the federal monitor and said that she does not believe a state monitor (announced and then cancelled by Andrew Cuomo) is necessary.